mozzaok
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OzPolitic
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Melbourne
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Even though I have no time for any religious beliefs, I don't think attempting to discredit all aspects of another person's faith is necessary Tallo.
If it is part of their personal spirituality, and has no negative impact on the broader community, then to just criticise it for the sake of it, could be fairly described as being Islamophobic.
There are plenty of "real" issues that muslims need to address, in regard to what they demand/desire, from non-muslims to accept, and attacking them over petty differences is just creating a greater divide, than is necessary.
So, as Abu would be unlikely to indulge you by answering these questions, I will tell you what I know of it.
Yes, all muslims face mecca when praying, so they know, or find out what direction that is, and stick to it.
I think that in Mecca itself, they have a shrine, or Obelisk type of thing, that contains the Black Rock, which they considered to be a holy sign from god, because it fell from heaven. So naturally, it is believed to be from a meteorite, so they face this bit of space rock, when praying.
In the square at mecca itself, it depends on which side of the obelisk you are standing, as to what direction you face, so there is no set direction, just whatever direction faces the rock, in relevance to wherever you are oriented.
Being clean is not an undesirable trait, but I can see how it seems a bit obsessive to non-muslims, but as it does not effect us in any way, then why on earth should we care?
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