Just because you're on vacation ...

There's not a break for prayers

LA JOLLA, Calif. (RWN) - So there you are, on the beach, the Pacific breeze blowing through your hair. You're covered modestly, but you're surrounded by people who aren't.

From a minaret in town, the call to afternoon prayers comes.

What do you do?

We asked Wayne Kal, a religious etiquette expert in San Diego, how the observant Muslim should act on the beach.

First, Kal said, you should understand that location doesn't matter in the execution of your religious duties.

"They even pray at the Super Bowl, so come on, suck it up at the beach," Kal said. "Yes, it feels a little weird, but it's your duty as a good Muslim."

He recommends a portable or disposable prayer mat.

"With that, you don't have to bring the bulky prayer mat from home. And if you lose it, you don't have to feel bad."

You should also bring a shawl or robe for yourself to wear during prayers. It's more respectable, and though it makes a little bit more of a spectacle, it shows people that you respect your religion, and they should respect that.

"You don't have to shout from the rooftops that you're praying, but you need to differentiate yourself a little bit," Kal said. "You don't want some unaware person soliciting you for a beach volleyball game during prayers. The robe is key to that."

Kal suggests sticking to your normal schedule, as well. Don't cut corners.

"The 'I'm on vacation, I only need to pray three times a day' argument doesn't cut it with me," he said. "You're a good Muslim and a good Muslim prays five times a day. Once you start making compromises like that on vacation, you're shortchanging Allah, and laziness is a sure way to finding yourself eating a pork sandwich."


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