A Short History of Islam in Far‘ah, UAE

Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates and has been since its foundation in 1971. Muslims have lived in Far‘ah since the early 6th century, when the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina. This journey, known as the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar and is commemorated each year with the festival of Eid al-Fitr.

Since then, Islam has been an integral part of Far‘ah’s culture and history. Throughout the centuries, various Islamic dynasties have ruled the region, including the Umayyads, the Abbasids, and the Ottomans. In the modern era, the city has become a hub of commerce, culture, and education, with many residents traveling from other parts of the Middle East to take advantage of its rich cultural heritage.

Far‘ah is home to a number of mosques and other holy sites, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the second-largest mosque in the UAE. The city also boasts several Islamic educational institutions, including the Far‘ah Islamic University, the Islamic Studies Institute, and the Dar Al-Hadith Islamic Center.

What is the approximate population of Muslims in Far‘ah, UAE?

According to the 2019 Census, the population of Far‘ah was estimated to be 5,918, with the majority of residents (95%) identifying as Muslims.

When have the first Muslims moved to Far‘ah, UAE?

The first Muslims to move to Far‘ah were part of the Hijrah, when the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE. Since then, the population of Muslims in Far‘ah has grown steadily over the centuries.

What are the current demographics of Muslims in Far‘ah, UAE?

The majority of Muslims in Far‘ah are Sunni, with a minority of Shia. According to the 2019 Census, 95% of Far‘ah’s population identifies as Muslim. Of that population, 56% are Sunni, while 18% are Shia. The remaining 26% of the population identifies as other faiths, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

Which is more prominent in Far‘ah, UAE – Shia or Sunni Islam?

Sunni Islam is the more prominent of the two in Far‘ah, UAE. According to the 2019 Census, 56% of the population identifies as Sunni, while 18% identifies as Shia. The remaining 26% of the population identifies as other faiths, including Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

What are the main mosques in Far‘ah, UAE?

Far‘ah is home to several prominent mosques, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Masjid al-Qiblatain, the Masjid al-Faruq, and the Masjid al-Nur. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the second-largest mosque in the UAE and is known for its stunning architecture and its impressive collection of Islamic artifacts. The Masjid al-Qiblatain is one of the oldest mosques in the city and is believed to be the site where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his followers switched direction during prayer from Jerusalem to Mecca. The Masjid al-Faruq is a prominent Shia mosque, while the Masjid al-Nur is a popular destination for Sufi Muslims.

In addition to these mosques, Far‘ah is also home to several Islamic educational institutions, including the Far‘ah Islamic University, the Islamic Studies Institute, and the Dar Al-Hadith Islamic Center. These institutions provide students with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the Islamic faith and its history.

Far‘ah is also home to a number of Islamic charities and organizations, such as the Islamic Relief Foundation and the Emirates Red Crescent, which provide assistance to those in need. These organizations promote a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims in the city.