United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates , sometimes simply called theEmirates or the UAE,[note 1] is an Arab country in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south, as well as sharing sea borders with Qatar and Iran. DELL PVDG3 Laptop Keyboard

The UAE is a federation of seven emirates (equivalent to principalities), each governed by a hereditary emir, who choose one of their members to be the president of the federation. The constituent emirates are Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. ASUS X88S Laptop Keyboard

The capital is Abu Dhabi, which is also the state's center of political, industrial, and cultural activities.[7] Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and Arabic is theofficial language.[8]

Since 1962, when Abu Dhabi became the first of the emirates to begin exporting oil, the country's society and economy were transformed. ASUS F82Q Laptop Keyboard

The late Sheikh Zayed, ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE at its inception, oversaw the development of all the emirates and directed oil revenues into healthcare, education and the national infrastructure.[9] SONY 148738121 Laptop Keyboard

UAE oil reserves are ranked as the world's seventh-largest.[10] It also possesses the world's seventeenth largest reserves natural gas resources[11] and it is one of the most developed economies in Western Asia. Per capita income is the world's seventh-highest.[12] TOSHIBA PK130260100 Laptop Keyboard

Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean in the early 16th century following Vasco da Gama's route of exploration saw them battleSafavid Persia up the coast of the Persian Gulf. In 1507, the Portuguese Captain Afonso de Albuquerque sailed a small fleet into theGulf of Oman and the Straits of Hormuz seeking a way of by-passing Arab traders and taking control of the Indian Ocean to increase the amount of wealth flowing into the Portuguese monarchy’s coffers.[18] Vasco da Gama was helped by Ahmad Ibn Majid, a navigator and cartographer from Julfar, to find the spice route from Asia.[19] TOSHIBA Satellite M645-S4115 Laptop Keyboard

During the 16th century, the entire territory came under the direct influence of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman Navy defeated Portuguese forces on several fronts including the Gulf coast.[20] The British eventually got the upper hand, but the region was known to the British as the "Pirate Coast", DELL Vostro 1015 Laptop Keyboard

as raiders based there harassed the shipping industry despite both European and Omaninavies patrolling the area from the 17th century into the 19th.[21] British expeditions to protect the Indian trade from raiders atRas al-Khaimah led to campaigns against that headquarters and other harbours along the coast in 1819. Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520 Laptop Keyboard

The following year, Britain and local rulers signed a treaty to combat piracy along the Gulf coast. Yet according to the local Qawassim version, the piracy issue was a pretext. The British Empire tried to further establish itself in the Persian Gulf region and to secure it from any other European influence, HP Envy 15-1021tx Laptop Keyboard

particularly from France and Russia, not from local raiders. This version has been particularly well articulated by the current emir of Sharjah in his 1986 book 'The Myth of Arab Piracy in the Gulf’. From this, and from later agreements, the area became known as the Trucial Coast. Raids continued intermittently until 1835, when the sheikhs agreed not to engage in hostilities at sea. TOSHIBA Satellite P300 Laptop Keyboard

In 1853, they signed a treaty with the British, under which the sheikhs (the "Trucial Sheikhdoms") agreed to a "perpetual maritime truce." It was enforced by the United Kingdom, and disputes among sheikhs were referred to the British for settlement.[22] HP Pavilion dv6-3005tx Laptop Keyboard

Primarily in reaction to the ambitions of other European countries, the United Kingdom and the Trucial Sheikhdoms established closer bonds in an 1892 treaty, similar to treaties entered into by Britain with other principalities in the Persian Gulf. The sheikhs agreed not to dispose of any territory except to Britain and not to enter into relationships with any foreign government other than the United Kingdom without its consent. ACER Aspire 5742 Laptop Keyboard

In return, the British promised to protect the Trucial Coast from all aggression by sea and to help in case of land attack.[23] British suppression of piracy meant that pearling fleets could operate in relative security. However, the British prohibition of the slave trade meant an important source of income was lost to some sheikhs and merchants.[24] SONY VAIO VGN-CR31E Laptop Keyboard

Main article: History of the United Arab Emirates

The earliest known human habitation in the UAE dated from 5500 BC. At this early stage, there is proof of interaction with the outside world, particularly with civilizations to the north west in Mesopotamia. These contacts persisted and became wide-ranging, probably motivated by trade in copper from the Hajar Mountains, which commenced around 3000 BC.[13] Foreign trade, the recurring motif in the history of this strategic region, flourished also in later periods, facilitated by the domestication of the camel at the end of the second millennium BC.[14] COMPAQ Presario CQ60-104TU Laptop Keyboard

By the 1st century AD overland caravan traffic between Syria and cities in southern Iraq began. Also, there was seaborne travel to the important port of Omana (present-day Umm al-Qaiwain) and then to India. These routes were an alternative to the Red Sea route used by the Romans.[15] Pearls had been exploited in the area for millennia but at this time the trade reached new heights. Seafaring was also a mainstay and major fairs were held at Dibba, bringing in merchants from as far as China.[16] HP 383495-001 Laptop Keyboard

The arrival of envoys from the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 630 heralded the conversion of the region to Islam. After Muhammad, one of the major battles of theRidda Wars was fought at Dibba resulting in the defeat of the non-Muslims and the triumph of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula. SAMSUNG N145 Laptop Keyboard

In 637, Julfar (today Ra's al-Khaimah) was used as a staging post for the Islamic invasion of Sasanian Iran.[17] Over many centuries, Julfar became a wealthy port and pearling center from which dhows travelled throughout the Indian Ocean especially to neighboring land of Sindh and its cities of Thatta and Debal. ACER Aspire 5742 Laptop Keyboard

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the pearling industry thrived in the relatively calm sea, providing both income and employment to the people of the Persian Gulf. It began to become a good economic resource for the local people. Then the First World War had a severe impact on the pearl fishery, but it was the economic depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s, DELL Vostro 3550 Laptop Keyboard

 coupled with the Japanese invention of the cultured pearl, that all but destroyed it. The industry eventually faded away shortly after the Second World War, when the newly independent Government of India imposed heavy taxation on pearls imported from the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.[25] HP Pavilion dv6-2044el laptop keyboard

Oil was first discovered in the 1950s. At the beginning of the 1960s, the first oil company teams carried out preliminary surveys and the first cargo of crude was exported from Abu Dhabi in 1962. As oil revenues increased, the ruler of Abu Dhabi,Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, undertook a massive construction program, building schools, housing, hospitals and roads. When Dubai’s oil exports commenced in 1969, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the de facto ruler of Dubai, was also able to use oil revenues to improve the quality of life of his people.[26] ASUS A6R laptop keyboard

In 1955, the United Kingdom sided with Abu Dhabi in the latter's dispute with Oman over the Buraimi Oasis, another territory to the south.[27] A 1974 agreement between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia would have settled the Abu Dhabi-Saudi border dispute; however, the agreement has yet to be ratified by the UAE government and is not recognized by the Saudi government. The border with Oman also remains officially unsettled, but the two governments agreed to delineate the border in May 1999.[28] HP Pavilion dv6-2135ev laptop keyboard

The British had set up a development office that helped in some small developments in the emirates. The seven sheikhs of the emirates then decided to form a council to coordinate matters between them and took over the development office. In 1952, they formed the Trucial States Council,[29] and appointed Adi Bitar, Sheikh Rashid's legal advisor, as Secretary General and Legal Advisor to the Council. HP Pavilion DV6-1334us laptop keyboard

The council was terminated once the United Arab Emirates was formed.[30] The development of the oil industry in the 1960s, encouraged unification of the sheikdoms. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and the British started losing their oil investments and contracts to U.S. oil companies.[31] As independence loomed in 1968, Bahrain and Qatar joined the Trucial States. Differences caused them to leave the union in 1971. TOSHIBA Satellite l25-s121 laptop keyboard

By 1966 it became clear the British Government could no longer afford to govern what is now the United Arab Emirates. British MPs debated in Parliament that theRoyal Navy would not be able to defend the trucial sheikhdoms. Denis Healey, who at the time was the Secretary of State for Defence reported that the British Armed Forces were seriously overstretched and in some respects dangerously under-equipped to defend the trucial sheikhdoms. TOSHIBA NSK-TBD01 laptop keyboard

On 24 January 1968, British Prime Minister Harold Wilson announced its decision, reaffirmed in March 1971 by Prime Minister Edward Heath to end the treaty relationships with the seven Trucial sheikhdoms that had been, together with Bahrain and Qatar, under British protection. Days after the announcement, HP Pavilion G6-1223TX Laptop Keyboard

the ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fearing vulnerability, tried to persuade the British to honour the protection treaties by providing the full costs of keeping the British Armed Forces in the Emirates. Not only did the British Labour government rebuff the offer, it did so in a way that offended the Emirati rulers.[32] DELL Precision M4500 Laptop Keyboard

After Labour MPGoronwy Roberts informed Sheikh Zayed of the news of British withdrawal, the nine Gulf sheikhdoms attempted to form a union of Arab emirates, but by mid-1971 they were still unable to agree on terms of union even though the British treaty relationship was to expire in December of that year.[33] TOSHIBA 9J.N7482.901 Laptop Keyboard

Bahrain became independent in August, and Qatar in September 1971. When the British-Trucial Sheikhdoms treaty expired on December 1, 1971, they became fully independent.[34] The rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai decided to form a union between their two emirates independently, prepare a constitution, then call the rulers of the other five emirates to a meeting and offer them the opportunity to join. IBM Lenovo Thinkpad X301 2779 Laptop Keyboard

It was also agreed between the two that the constitution be written by December 2, 1971.[35] On that date, at the Dubai Guesthouse Palace, four other emirates agreed to enter into a union called the United Arab Emirates. The emirates ofBahrain and Qatar were also invited to join the Union, but they declined the invitation. Ras al-Khaimah joined later, in early 1972.[36][37] In February 1972, the Federal National Council (FNC) was created; it was a 40 member consultative body appointed by the seven rulers. ACER Aspire 5745 Series Laptop CPU Cooling Fan

The UAE joined the Arab League in 1971. It was a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council in May 1981 and its first summit is held in Abu Dhabi. UAE forces joined the allies against Iraq after the invasion of Kuwait in 1991. ACER KB.INT00.058 laptop keyboard

The UAE supported military operations from the United States and other Coalition nations that are engaged in the war against the Taliban in Afghanistan (2001) and Saddam Hussein in Iraq (2003) as well as operations supporting the Global War on Terrorism for the Horn of Africa at Al Dhafra Air Base located outside of Abu Dhabi. IBM Lenovo ThinkPad R51e-1859 laptop keyboard

[citation needed] The air base also supported Allied operations during the 1991 Persian Gulf War and Operation Northern Watch. The country had already signed a military defense agreement with the U.S. in 1994 and one with France in 1995.[38][39][40] In January 2008, France and the UAE signed a deal allowing France to set up a permanent military base in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.[41] The UAE joined international military operations in Libya in March 2011. Packard Bell PEW91 laptop keyboard

On 2 November 2004, the UAE's first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, died. His eldest son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, succeeded as Emir of Abu Dhabi. In accordance with the constitution, ASUS M70V laptop keyboard

the UAE's Supreme Council of Rulers elected Khalifa as president. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan succeeded Khalifa as Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.[42] In January 2006, Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai, died, and the crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum assumed both roles. DELL Latitude D430 laptop keyboard

The first-ever national elections were held in the UAE on 16 December 2006. A small number of hand-picked voters chose half of the members of the Federal National Council—which is an advisory body. ACER Aspire One AOA150-1570 laptop keyboard

Largely unaffected by the Arab Spring turmoil, the government has nonetheless clamped down on Internet activism.[43] In April 2011, five activists who signed an online petition calling for reforms were imprisoned. HP Pavilion dv5-1110el laptop keyboard

They were pardoned and released in November. Since March 2012 more than 60 activists have been detained without charge - some of them supporters of the Islah Islamic group. A member of the ruling family in Ras al-Khaimah was put under house arrest in April 2012 after calling for political openness. Mindful of the protests in nearby Bahrain, Packard Bell NEW90 laptop keyboard

in November 2012 the UAE outlawed online mockery of its own government or attempts to organise public protests through social media.[9]

The United Arab Emirates is situated in Southwest Asia, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, between Oman and Saudi Arabia; it is in a strategic location along southern approaches to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit point for world crude oil.[44] HP Pavilion dv5-1233se laptop keyboard

The UAE lies between 22°30' and 26°10' north latitude and between 51° and 56°25′ east longitude. It shares a 530-kilometer border with Saudi Arabia on the west, south, and southeast, and a 450-kilometer border with Oman on the southeast and northeast. The land border with Qatar in the Khawr al Udayd area is about nineteen kilometers in the northwest; however, SONY VGN-FE48E laptop keyboard

it is a source of ongoing dispute.[45] Following Britain's military departure from UAE in 1971, and its establishment as a new state, the UAE laid claim to islands resulting in disputes with Iran that remain unresolved. UAE also disputes claim on other islands against the neighboring state of Qatar.[46] The largest emirate, Abu Dhabi, accounts for 87% of the UAE's total area (67,340 square kilometers). The smallest emirate, Ajman, encompasses only 259 square kilometers (see figure). HP Pavilion dv6-2044el laptop keyboard

The UAE coast stretches for more than 650 kilometers along the southern shore of the Persian Gulf. Most of the coast consists of salt pans that extend far inland. The largest natural harbor is at Dubai, although other ports have been dredged at Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and elsewhere. Numerous islands[which?] are found in the Persian Gulf, and the ownership of some of them has been the subject of international disputes with both Iran and Qatar. Packard Bell Easynote TK85 laptop keyboard

 The smaller islands, as well as many coral reefs and shifting sandbars, are a menace to navigation. Strong tides and occasional windstorms further complicate ship movements near the shore. The UAE also has a stretch of the Al Bāţinah coast of the Gulf of Oman, although the Musandam Peninsula, the very tip of Arabia by the Strait of Hormuz is an enclave of Oman within the UAE. Lenovo 3000 C200 laptop keyboard

South and west of Abu Dhabi, vast, rolling sand dunes merge into the Rub al-Khali (Empty Quarter) of Saudi Arabia. The desert area of Abu Dhabi includes two important oases with adequate underground water for permanent settlements and cultivation. The extensive Liwa Oasis is in the south near the undefined border with Saudi Arabia. About 100 kilometers to the northeast of Liwa is the Al-Buraimi oasis, which extends on both sides of the Abu Dhabi-Oman border. Lenovo 3000 C200 laptop keyboard

Prior to withdrawing from the area in 1971, Britain delineated the internal borders among the seven emirates in order to preempt territorial disputes that might hamper formation of the federation. In general, the rulers of the emirates accepted the British intervention, but in the case of boundary disputes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Packard Bell Easynote TK85 laptop keyboard

and also between Dubai and Sharjah, conflicting claims were not resolved until after the UAE became independent. The most complicated borders were in the Al-Hajar al-Gharbi Mountains, where five of the emirates contested jurisdiction over more than a dozen enclaves. SONY VAIO VGN-NW15L laptop keyboard

The climate of the U.A.E is subtropical-arid with hot summers and warm winters. The hottest months are July and August, when average maximum temperatures reach above 40 °C (104.0 °F) on the coastal plain. In the Al Hajar Mountains, temperatures are considerably lower, a result of increased elevation.[47] SONY N860-7676-T101 laptop keyboard

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Average minimum temperatures in January and February are between 10 and 14 °C (50 and 57.2 °F).[48] During the late summer months, a humid southeastern wind known as Sharqi (i.e. "Easterner") makes the coastal region especially unpleasant. The average annual rainfall in the coastal area is less than 120 mm (4.7 in), TOSHIBA Satellite P300 Laptop Keyboard

but in some mountainous areas annual rainfall often reaches 350 mm (13.8 in). Rain in the coastal region falls in short, torrential bursts during the summer months, sometimes resulting in floods in ordinarily dry wadi beds.[49] The region is prone to occasional, violent dust storms, which can severely reduce visibility. The Jebel Jais mountain cluster in Ras al-Khaimah has experienced snow only twice since records began.[50] DELL Inspiron N5030 Laptop Keyboard

Main article: Politics of the United Arab Emirates

Current President of the United Arab Emirates,Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of absolute hereditary monarchies. It is governed by a Federal Supreme Council made up of the seven emirs of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Dubai, Ras al-Khaimah and Umm al-Qaiwain. All responsibilities not granted to the national government are reserved to the emirates.[51] A percentage of revenues from each emirate are allocated to the UAE’s central budget.[52] HP Envy 15 Laptop Keyboard

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Although elected by the Supreme Council, the president and prime minister are essentially hereditary. The emir of Abu Dhabi holds the presidency, and the emir of Dubai is prime minister. All but one prime minister served concurrently as vice president. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the UAE's president from the nation's founding until his death on November 2, 2004. On the following day the Federal Supreme Council elected his son, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to the post. Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the heir apparent.[53] COMPAQ Presario C700 Laptop Keyboard

The UAE convened a half-elected Federal National Council in 2006. The FNC consists of 40 members drawn from all the emirates. Half are appointed by the rulers of the constituent emirates, and the other half are indirectly elected to serve two-year terms. However, the FNC is restricted to a largely consultative role.[54] In December 2008, the Supreme Council approved constitutional amendments both to empower the FNC and to improve government transparency and accountability.[55]  IBM Lenovo ThinkPad R50E Laptop Keyboard

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) eGovernment is the extension of the UAE Federal Government in its electronic form.

The Constitution of the United Arab Emirates confers equality, liberty, rule of law, presumption of innocence in legal procedures, inviolability of the home,freedom of movement, freedom of opinion and speech, freedom of communication, freedom of religion, freedom of council and association, freedom of occupation, freedom to be elected to office and others onto all citizens, within the limit of the law.[56] HP 605344-001 Laptop Keyboard

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A constitutionally independent judiciary includes the Federal Supreme Court.[57] However, Dubai and Ras al-Khaimah do not belong to the national judiciary. All emirates have their own secular and Islamic law for civil, criminal, and high courts.[58] ACER TravelMate 4230 Series Laptop Keyboard

The court system comprises Sharia courts and civil courts. The Personal Status Law, which is based on Sharia and was enacted in 2005, regulates matters such as marriage, divorce and child custody. In criminal matters a woman’s testimony is worth half of that of a man before a court.[59] Sharia courts have exclusive jurisdiction to hear family disputes, including matters involving divorce, inheritances, child custody, SONY VAIO PCG-FRV25 Laptop Keyboard

child abuse and guardianship of minors. Sharia courts may, at the federal level only, also hear appeals of certain criminal cases including rape, robbery, driving under the influence of alcohol and related crimes.Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah are not part of the federal judicial system.[60] SAMSUNG R522 Laptop Keyboard

Homosexual relationships are illegal: article 80 of the Abu Dhabi Penal Code makes sodomy punishable with imprisonment of up to 14 years, while article 177 of the Penal Code of Dubai imposes imprisonment of up to 10 years on consensual sodomy.[61] Foreigners generally receive deportation, which is sometimes temporary.[62] Prospective foreign employees infected with hepatitis, tuberculosis, SAMSUNG R522 Laptop Keyboard

or HIV will not be given work visas and have to leave the country.[63]

During the month of Ramadan, between sunrise and sunset, it is illegal to publicly eat, drink (even water), or smoke. Exceptions are made for pregnant or nursing women, as well as children. This applies to non-Muslims as well as Muslims, and failure to comply may result in arrest.[64] HP G62-225DX Laptop Keyboard

Article 1 of the 1987 Federal Penal Code states that "provisions of the Islamic Law shall apply to the crimes of doctrinal punishment, punitive punishment and blood money."[65] The Federal Penal Code repealed only those provisions within the penal codes of individual Emirates which are contradictory to the Federal Penal Code. Hence, both are enforceable simultaneously.[66]

The Federal Supreme Court ruled that wife beating is not illegal, as long as it leaves no physical marks on the victim.[67] IBM Lenovo Thinkpad X201 Laptop Keyboard

Confiscation of passports, although illegal, occurs on a large scale, primarily from unskilled or semi-skilled employees.[69]

Labourers often toil in intense heat with temperatures reaching 54 degrees celsius (129 degrees Fahrenheit) in the cities in August. TOSHIBA Satellite L755-SP5102CL Laptop Keyboard

Temperatures in the desert can be higher. Official temperatures are censored during the summer months – this is a common practice among all Gulf countries.[70] Although attempts have been made since 2009 to enforce a midday break rule, these are frequently flouted. Those labourers who do receive a midday break often have no suitable place to rest.[71] SONY VAIO PCG-FR315M Laptop Keyboard

Police departments and non-Government organizations provide shelter and support for human trafficking victims until they are able to acquire the right documents and many victims are then sent home at the Government’s expense, TOSHIBA Satellite C650-15C Laptop Keyboard

under the Crime Victim Assistance Programme. These shelters include the Dubai Women's and Children's Foundation, which was established in July 2007, and Ewaa in Abu Dhabi, which opened in late 2008, as well as the Human Rights Care Department in Dubai and the Social Support Centre in Abu Dhabi, which have been operating for several years.[55] SONY VAIO VGN-FS115Z Laptop Keyboard

The issue of sexual abuse among female domestic servants is an area of concern, particularly given that domestic servants are not covered by the UAE Labor Law of 1980 or the Draft Labor Law of 2007.[72] Worker protests have been cracked down on.[73]

In 2004, the Dubai police opened designated departments in all emirate police stations that are mandated to protect the human rights of both victims and perpetrators of crime.[74] HP Pavilion dv3-2304tx laptop keyboard

Main article: Foreign relations of the United Arab Emirates

The UAE’s liberal climate towards foreign cooperation, investment and modernization has prompted extensive diplomatic and commercial relations with other countries. It plays a significant role in OPEC and the UN, and is one of the founding members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). TOSHIBA Satellite L500-ST2522 laptop keyboard

The Emirates have long maintained close relations with Egypt and remain the highest investor in the country from among the rest of the Arab world.[76] Pakistan had been first to formally recognize the UAE upon its formation and continues to be one of its major economic and trading partners with about 400,000 expatriates receiving employment in the UAE.[77][78] ASUS K030662M2 laptop keyboard

India’s large expat community in the UAE also has over the centuries evolved into current close political, economic and cultural ties. The largest demographic presence in the Emirates is Indian.[79] Following British military withdrawal from UAE in 1971, and the establishment of UAE as a newly formed state, the UAE disputes rights to a number of islands in the Persian Gulf against Iran. However the dispute has not significantly impacted relations because of the large Iranian community presence and strong economic ties.[80] SONY VAIO VGN-CS220J/T laptop keyboard

In its dispute with the USA and Israel, Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the strait at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, a vital oil-trade route.[9]Therefore, in July 2012, the UAE began operating a key overland oil pipeline which bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.

Commercially, the UK and Germany are the UAE’s largest export markets and bilateral relations have long been close as a large number of their nationals reside in the UAE.[81] [82] Packard Bell Easynote TK85 laptop keyboard

Diplomatic relations between UAE and Japan were established as early as UAE's independence in December 1971.[83] The two countries had always enjoyed friendly ties and trade between each other. Exports from the UAE to Japan include crude oil and natural gas and imports from Japan to UAE include cars and electricitems.[83] SONY VGN-FE48E laptop keyboard

The UAE has continuously been a major contributor of emergency relief to regions affected by conflict and natural disasters in the developing world.[80] The main UAE governmental agency for foreign aid is the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) which was established in 1971. Since its establishment, the ADFD has provided over Dh12.6 billion (US$3.45 billion) in soft loans and grants to countries mainly in Africa.[84] COMPAQ Presario CQ45-206TU laptop keyboard

Since 1971, these have accounted for a further Dh10 billion (US$2.7 billion), bringing the total amount of the loans, grants and investments provided by the fund or the Abu Dhabi government, and managed by the fund, to around Dh24 billion (US$6.5 billion), covering 258 different projects in a total of 52 countries.[85] Lenovo 3000 G430 4152 laptop keyboard

In November 2008 the Abu Dhabi Fund announced a long term loan of around US$278 million for rehabilitation of agricultural land in the state of Uzbekistan.[86]Between 1994 to mid-2008, for example, around Dh15.4 billion (US$4.2 billion) has been provided for the Palestinians, including, most recently, US$300 million pledged at a donor conference in Paris and an annual commitment of US$43 million to support the Palestine National Authority.[87] Packard Bell Easynote LM81 laptop keyboard

The UAE has also used the Red Crescent authority and charities such as Dubai Cares and Noor Dubai to donate aid to foreign countries.

See also: Politics of the United Arab Emirates and List of cities in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is divided into seven emirates. Abu Dhabi is the most populated Emirate with 38% of the UAE population. The city of Dubai has a further 30%, so over two-thirds of the UAE population live in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai. SONY VAIO VGN-N130G/B laptop keyboard

Abu Dhabi has an area of 67,340 square kilometres, which is 86.7% of the country’s total area, excluding the islands. It has a coastline extending for more than 400 kilometres and is divided for administrative purposes into three major regions. The Emirate of Dubai extends along the Persian Gulf coast of the UAE for approximately 72 kilometres. ACER TravelMate 4230 Series laptop keyboard

Dubai has an area of 3,885 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 5% of the country’s total area, excluding the islands. The Emirate of Sharjahextends along approximately 16 kilometers of the UAE’s Persian Gulf coastline and for more than 80 kilometers into the interior. The northern emirates which include Fujairah, Ajman, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain all have a total area of 3,881 square kilometres. There are two areas under joint control. One is jointly controlled by Oman and Ajman, the other by Fujairah and Sharjah. Compaq Presario CQ42-228LA Laptop Keyboard

There is an Omani exclave surrounded by UAE territory, known as Wadi Madha. It is located halfway between the Musandam peninsula and the rest of Oman in the Emirate of Sharjah. It covers approximately 75 square kilometres (29 sq mi) and the boundary was settled in 1589. The north-east corner of Madha is closest to the Khor Fakkan-Fujairah road, barely 10 metres (33 ft) away. Within the Omani exclave of Madha, COMPAQ Presario C700 Laptop Keyboard

is a UAE exclave called Nahwa, also belonging to the Emirate of Sharjah. It is about 8 kilometres (5 mi) on a dirt track west of the town of New Madha. It consists of about forty houses with its own clinic and telephone exchange. HP Pavilion dv6-3056sg Laptop Keyboard

The UAE has a relatively high Human Development Index among Asian continent, ranking forty-first globally.[91] In 2011, UAE is ranked as the 14th best nation in the world for doing business based on its economy and regulatory environment, ranked by the Doing Business 2011 Report published by the World Bank Group[92] SAMSUNG Q330-JS02 Laptop Keyboard

The GDP growth rate for 2010 was 3.20%.[93] CPI inflation in the April 2008 — April 2009 year was 1.9%.[94] The national debtas of June 2009 was $142 billion.[95] In 2009, its GDP, as measured by purchasing power parity, stood at US$ 400.4 billion.[3]With a population of just under 900,000 Abu Dhabi was labeled "The richest city in the world" by a CNN article.[96] HP Pavilion DV7-3065dx Laptop Keyboard

Petroleum and natural gas exports play an important role in the economy, especially in Abu Dhabi. More than 85% of the UAE's economy was based on the exports of natural resources in 2009.[3][97] The UAE has tried to reduce its dependency on oil exports by diversifying the economy, particularly in the financial, tourism and construction sectors. While Abu Dhabi remained relatively conservative in its approach, Dubai, which has far smaller oil reserves, was bolder in its diversification policy.[9] HP 640436-001 Laptop Keyboard

Emirati law does not allow trade unions to exist.[98] The right to collective bargaining and the right to strike are not recognised, and the Ministry of Labourhas the power to force workers to go back to work. Migrant workers who participate in a strike can have their work permits cancelled and be deported.[98] DELL Latitude D830 Laptop Keyboard

The UAE's economy, particularly that of Dubai, was badly hit by the financial crisis of 2007–2010.[99] In 2009, the country's economy shrank by 4.00% and the property sector and construction went into decline. However, tourism, trade and the retail sector have remained buoyant and the UAE's overseas investments are expected to support its full economic recovery.[93] Concern remains about the property sector. HP Pavilion dv6-3056sg Laptop Keyboard

Property prices in Dubai fell dramatically when Dubai World, the government construction company, sought to delay a debt payment.[100] The ability to service debt remains a problem.[101] Abu Dhabi gave Dubai a $10bn handout - $4.1bn of it to bail out Dubai World.[9]

The UAE has been spending billions of dollars on infrastructure. These developments are particularly evident in the larger emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Lenovo 3000 C200 Laptop Keyboard

The northern emirates are rapidly following suit, providing major incentives for developers of residential and commercial property.[102] In addition, UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has allocated Dh16 billion (US$4.4 billion) for the construction of road networks, new housing communities, drainage networks and other projects, providing integrated solutions to some infrastructure deficits in these areas.[103] DELL PVDG3 Laptop Keyboard

Roads in the western and southern regions are still relatively undeveloped. This has resulted in the continued use of airplanes as the main or alternative mode of transportation for the residents.[104]

The major ports are Khalifa Port, Mina Zayed, Port Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Port Khalid, Port Saeed, and Port Khor Fakkan.[105] DELL 0PVDG3 Laptop Keyboard

Dubai International Airport was the 6th busiest airport in the world by international passenger traffic in 2008.[106] There are daily flight services between West and East UAE, which is the only convenient option for passengers travelling between the two parts of the country to places such as Sir Bani Yas.[107] SONY VAIO VGN-CS16G/Q Laptop Keyboard

Emirates Airline was the eighth-largest airline in the world in terms of international passengers carried,[108] and fifth-largest[109] in the world in terms of scheduled international passenger-kilometres flown in 2008. Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport is the second largest building in the world by floor space.[110] HP G62-225DX Laptop Keyboard

A 1,200 km (750 mi) country-wide national railway is under construction which will connect all the major cities and ports.[111] The cost for the railway will be Dh40bn.[111] While primarily for carrying freight, the second stage will include passenger services between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.[111] It will also connect with rail networks in Saudi Arabia and Oman.[111]

The UAE has signed peaceful nuclear agreements with France, United States, and South Korea, and a MOU with the United Kingdom.[112] HP Pavilion dv6-2112sa Laptop Keyboard

The UAE is presently serviced by two telecommunications operators, Etisalat and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company ("du"). Etisalat operated a monopoly until du launched mobile services in February 2007.[113] Etisalat is the sixteenth largest telecommunications firm in the world.[114] Forecasts indicate that the UAE mobile market will increase to 11.9 million users by 2012.[115] Based in Abu Dhabi, Etisalat is the 14th largest mobile network operator in the world, with a total customer base of 100 million.[116] TOSHIBA Satellite P305-S8832 laptop keyboard

Internet subscribers are expected to increase from 0.904 million in 2007 to 2.66 million in 2012.[117] The authorities filter websites for religious, political and sexual content.[118]

The Dubai Metro is the first urban train network in the Arabian Peninsula.[119] The Red Line when fully complete will carry an estimated 27,000 passengers per hour in each direction on 42 trains.[120] Work also on the Green Line, which will link Al Qusais to Dubai Healthcare City, began in 2006 and is scheduled for completion in late 2010.[121] HP G61-110SA laptop keyboard

he demographics of the UAE is extremely diverse. In 2010, the UAE's population was estimated at 8,264,070,[4] of whom only 13% were UAE nationals or Emiratis,[123] while the majority of the population were expatriates.[124] The country's net migration rate stands at 21.71, the world's highest.[125] In recent years, many expatriates have been demanding citizenship but there is currently no naturalisation process in the UAE.[126] Packard Bell Easynote TK85 laptop keyboard

With a male/female sex ratio of 2.2 for the total population and 2.75 for the 15–65 age group, the UAE's gender imbalance is second highest in the world after Qatar.[127]

In 2009, Emirati citizens accounted for 16.5% of the total population; South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi) constituted the largest group, making up 58.4% of the total; other Asians made up 16.7% while Western expatriates were 8.4% of the total population.[128] SAMSUNG NP-N145-JP02 laptop keyboard

There is a growing presence of Europeans especially in multi-cultural cities such as Dubai [129] Western expatriates, from Europe, Australia, Northern Africa, Africa and Latin America make up 500,000 of the UAE population.[128] The UAE has also attracted a small number of expatriates from countries in Europe, North America, SONY VAIO PCG-FR315M laptop keyboard

Asia, and Oceania.[130] More than 100,000 British nationals live in the country.[131] The rest of the population were from other Arab states.[3][132]

The average life expectancy is 76.7 years (2012), higher than for any other Arab country.[133][134] SONY VAIO VGN NR480E laptop keyboard

About 88% of the population of the United Arab Emirates is urban.[135]

Islam is the largest and the official state religion of the UAE, though the government follows a policy of tolerance toward other religions and rarely interferes in the activities of non-Muslims.[136] HP G72-150EF Laptop Keyboard

However, it is illegal in the UAE to spread the ideas of any religion apart from Islam through any form of media as it is considered a form of proselytizing. There are approximately 31 churches throughout the country, one Hindu temple in the region of Bur Dubai,[137] and one Sikh Gurudwara in Jebel Ali. DELL Inspiron 6400 Laptop Keyboard

Based on the Ministry of Economy census in 2005, 76% of the total population was Muslim, 9% Christian, and 15% other (mainly Hindu).[136] Census figures do not take into account the many "temporary" visitors and workers while also counting Baha'is and Druze as Muslim.[136]Non-Islamic religions are mainly followed by foreigners or expatriates. As the majority of the population are non-citizens, SONY VAIO VGN-FS742/W Laptop Keyboard

of the citizens 85% are Sunni Muslimwhile 15% are Shi'a Muslims.[136] Omani immigrants are mostly Ibadi, while Sufi influences exist too.[138]

Arabic is the national and official language of the United Arab Emirates. The Gulf dialect of Arabic is spoken natively by the Emirati people.[139] English is used as a second language, and as the primary lingua franca. Other widely used languages are Hindi-Urdu and Tagalog, spoken by the large South Asian and Filipino diasporas, respectively. HP 597635-001 Laptop Keyboard

The United Arab Emirates has a diverse and multicultural society.[140] Major holidays in Dubai include Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and National Day (2 December), which marks the formation of the United Arab Emirates.[141] Compaq Presario CQ57 Series Laptop Keyboard

Five times every day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which are scattered around the country.[142]Since 2006, the weekend has been Friday-Saturday, as a compromise between Friday's holiness to Muslims and the Western weekend of Saturday-Sunday.[143] DELL Vostro PP37L Laptop Keyboard

Most Emirati males prefer to wear a kandura, an ankle-length white tunic woven from wool or cotton, and most Emirati women wear an abaya, a black over-garment that covers most parts of the body.[144] Western-style clothing is, however, dominant because of the large expatriate population, and this practice is beginning to grow in popularity among Emiratis. ACER Aspire 5742 Laptop Keyboard

Etiquette is an important aspect of UAE culture and tradition, to which visitors are expected to conform. Recently, many expatriates have disregarded the law and been arrested for indecent clothing at beaches. HP Probook 4320s Laptop Keyboard

 [146] Each of the seven semiautonomous emirates has its own rules about attire. Dubai is the most liberal in that regard, allowing miniskirts and bikinis, while Ras al-Khaimah adopted a rule in April 2013 prohibiting bikinis, as well as tight swimsuits for males, on public beaches; transgressions are punishable by fines.[147]

Literature and poetry SONY VAIO VGN-N11S laptop keyboard

The style and form of ancient poetry in the UAE was strongly influenced by the 8th-century Arab scholar Al Khalil bin Ahmed. The earliest known poet in the UAE is Ibn Majid, who was born between 1432 and 1437 in Ras Al-Khaimah. Coming from a family of successful sailors, Ibn Majid's oeuvre has a total of 40 surviving compositions, 39 of which are verses. SONY VAIO VGN-FZ72B laptop keyboard

The greatest luminaries in the UAE literary realm during the 20th century, particularly for Classical Arabic poetry, were Mubarak Al Oqaili (1880–1954), Salem bin Ali al Owais (1887–1959) and Ahmed bin Sulayem (1905–1976). Three other poets from Sharjah, known as the Hirah group, are observed to have been heavily influenced by the Apollo and romantic poets.[148]  Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520 laptop keyboard

There are three annual book fairs in the UAE, the well-known Sharjah International Book Fair, the oldest and largest in the country, its Abu Dhabi counterpart and the newly launched Al-Ain Book Fair. Packard Bell Easynote TM98 laptop keyboard

Many emirates have established museums of regional repute, most famously Sharjah with its Heritage District containing 17 museums,[149] which in 1998 was the Cultural Capital of the Arab World.[150] Abu Dhabi's cultural foundation is also an important place for the presentation of indigenous and foreign art. In Dubai, the area of Al Quoz has attracted a number of art galleries as well as museums such as the Salsali Private Museum.[151] TOSHIBA Satellite M645-S4112 laptop keyboard

Abu Dhabi has embarked on the path to become an art center of international caliber, by creating a culture district on Saadiyat Island. There, six grand projects are planned: the Sheikh Zayed National Museum by Foster + Partners, the modern art museum Guggenheim Abu Dhabi to be built by Frank Gehry, the classical museum Louvre Abu Dhabi by Jean Nouvel, a maritime museum by Tadao Ando, a Performing Arts Center by Zaha Hadid, and a Biennale Park with 16 pavilions.[152] Lenovo 3000 G430 4152 laptop keyboard

Dubai also plans to build a Kunsthal museum and a district for galleries and artists.[153]

2009 saw the UAE’s first pavilion at the Venice Biennale, one of the top cultural events in Europe. The pavilion was called ‘It’s Not You, SAMSUNG BA59-02489J laptop keyboard

It’s Me’ and was designed to offer a playful and provocative look at what has been described as the world’s most prestigious contemporary art event. This was the first occasion on which a country from the Persian Gulf has taken part in the Biennale. IBM Thinkpad Z60m laptop keyboard

The UAE is an important for TV and media. Dubai Media City and twofour54, Abu Dhabi's media zone, were set up to attract key players. Organisations including Reuters, CNN, Sony and Fox have moved in. HP Pavilion dv6-2150es laptop keyboard

The UAE is home to major pan-Arab broadcasters, including the Middle East Broadcasting Centre and Orbit Showtime Network. Sky News Arabia was launched from Abu Dhabi in 2012. On 25 September 2007 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum decreed that journalists can no longer be prosecuted or imprisoned for reasons relating to their work, setting a first for the decriminalisation of media offenses in the region.[157] SONY KFRMBA152A laptop keyboard

The UAE has made it illegal to disseminate online material that can threaten "public order". Prison terms have been given to those who "deride or damage" the reputation of the state and "display contempt" for religion.[158] Packard Bell Easynote TM81 laptop keyboard

The UAE has a booming magazine and newspaper industry. the biggest selling English language magazine is Ahlan! magazine. The biggest selling English language newspaper is Gulf News.

The traditional food of the Emirates has always been rice, fish, and meat. The people of the United Arab Emirates have adopted most of their foods from the surrounding countries including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. SONY VAIO VGN-N17G laptop keyboard

Seafood has been the mainstay of the Emirati diet for centuries. Meat and rice are other staple foods; lamb and mutton are the more favored meats, then goat and beef. Popular beverages are coffee and tea, which can be supplemented with cardamom, saffron, or mint to give them a distinct flavor.[159] HP G72-150EF laptop keyboard

Muslims are prohibited from eating pork, so it is not included in Arab menus. Hotels frequently have pork substitutes such as beef sausages and veal rashers on their breakfast menus. If pork is available, it is clearly labeled as such. SONY VGN-FE48E laptop keyboard

Alcohol is generally only served in hotel restaurants and bars (but not in Sharjah). All nightclubs and golf clubs are permitted to sell alcohol. Specific supermarkets may sell alcohol and pork, but these products are sold in separate sections.[160] HP Pavilion dv6-2020sa laptop keyboard

Football is the most popular sport in the UAE. Emirati football clubs Al-Ain, Al-Wasl, Al-Shabbab ACD, Al-Sharjah, Al-Wahda, and Al-Ahli are the most popular teams and enjoy the reputation of long-time regional champions.[161] ACER Aspire 5738PZG Laptop Keyboard

The great rivalries keep the UAE energized as people fill the streets when their favorite team wins. The United Arab Emirates Football Association was first established in 1971 and since then has dedicated its time and effort to promoting the game, organizing youth programs and improving the abilities of not only its players, but of the officials and coaches involved with its regional teams. The UAE national football team qualified for theFIFA World Cup in 1990 with Egypt. ASUS F6A Laptop Keyboard

It was the third consecutive World Cup with two Arab nations qualifying, after Kuwait andAlgeria in 1982, and Iraq and Algeria again in 1986. The UAE won the Gulf Cup Championship two times.They won the first cup in January 2007 held in Abu Dhabi and has won the recent cup in January 2013 held in Bahrain.[162] HP Mini 110-1033cl Laptop Keyboard

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the UAE, largely because of the expatriate population from the Indian subcontinent, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium in Sharjah has hosted 4 international test cricket matches so far.[163] Sheikh Zayed Stadium and Al Jazira Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabialso hosted international cricket matches. ASUS X88S Laptop Keyboard

Dubai has two cricket stadiums (Dubai Cricket Ground No.1 and No.2) with a third, 'S3' currently under construction as part of Dubai Sports City. Dubai is also home to the International Cricket Council.[164] The UAE national cricket team qualified for the 1996 Cricket World Cup and narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2007 Cricket World Cup.[165] DELL Studio 1458 Laptop Keyboard

Formula One is particularly popular in the United Arab Emirates, and is annually held at the picturesque Yas Marina Circuit. The race is held at evening time, and is the first ever Grand Prix to start in daylight and finish at night.[166] FUJITSU Lifebook P1620 Laptop Keyboard

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The education system through secondary level is monitored by the Ministry of Education in all emirates except Abu Dhabi, where it falls under the authority of the Abu Dhabi Education Council. It consists of primary schools, middle schools andhigh schools.[168] The public schools are government-funded and the curriculum is created to match the United Arab Emirates development's goals and values. Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520 Laptop Keyboard

The medium of instruction in the public school is Arabic with emphasis on English as a second language. There are also many private schools which are internationally accredited. Public schools in the country are free for citizens of the UAE, while the fees for private schools vary.

The higher education system is monitored by the Ministry of Higher Education. The ministry also is responsible for admitting students to its undergraduate institutions.[169] SAMSUNG N140 Laptop Keyboard

The literacy rate in 2007 was 91%.[170][171] Currently there are thousands of nationals pursuing formal learning at 86 adult education centres spread across the country.[172]

The UAE has shown a strong interest in improving education and research. Enterprises include the establishment of the CERTResearch Centers and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology and Institute for Enterprise Development.[173] ASUS A3H laptop keyboard

According to the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities, the top-ranking universities in the country are the United Arab Emirates University (1167th worldwide), the American University of Sharjah (2447th) and Higher Colleges of Technology (2614th).[174] SONY VAIO VGN-NW50JB laptop keyboard

The life expectancy at birth in the UAE is at 78.5 years.[134] Cardiovascular disease is the principal cause of death in the UAE, constituting 28% of total deaths; other major causes are accidents and injuries, malignancies, and congenital anomalies.[175] HP Pavilion dv6-2190us laptop keyboard

In February 2008, the Ministry of Health unveiled a five-year health strategy for the public health sector in the northern emirates, which fall under its purview and which, unlike Abu Dhabi and Dubai, do not have separate healthcare authorities. The strategy focuses on unifying healthcare policy and improving access to healthcare services at reasonable cost, DELL Latitude D510 laptop keyboard

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at the same time reducing dependence on overseas treatment. The ministry plans to add three hospitals to the current 14, and 29 primary healthcare centres to the current 86. Nine were scheduled to open in 2008.[176] SONY VGN-FE21B laptop keyboard

The introduction of mandatory health insurance in Abu Dhabi for expatriates and their dependents was a major driver in reform of healthcare policy. Abu Dhabi nationals were brought under the scheme from 1 June 2008 and Dubai followed for its government employees. Eventually, under federal law, every Emirati and expatriate in the country will be covered by compulsory health insurance under a unified mandatory scheme.[177] Lenovo 45N2205 laptop keyboard

Recently the country has been benefiting from medical tourists from all over the GCC. The UAE currently attracts medical tourists seeking plastic surgery and advanced procedures, cardiac and spinal surgery, and dental treatment, as health services have higher standards than other Arab countries in the Persian Gulf.[178] Packard Bell Easynote TK85 laptop keyboard

to be the last prophet of God. An adherent of Islam is called a Muslim.

Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable and the purpose of existence is to love and serve God.[1] Muslims also believe that Islam is the complete and universal version of a primordial faith that was revealed at many times and places before, including through Abraham, Moses and Jesus, whom they consider prophets.[2]  Lenovo 3000 Y500 Laptop Keyboard

They maintain that the previous messages and revelations have been partially misinterpreted or altered over time,[3] but consider the Arabic Qur'an to be both the unaltered and the final revelation of God.[4] Religious concepts and practices include the five pillars of Islam, which are basic concepts and obligatory acts of worship,  ASUS X53K Laptop Keyboard

and following Islamic law, which touches on virtually every aspect of life and society, providing guidance on multifarious topics from banking and welfare, to warfare and the environment.[5][6]

Most Muslims are of two denominations, Sunni (75–90%),[7] or Shia (10–20%).[8] About 13% of Muslims live in Indonesia,[9]the largest Muslim-majority country, 25% in South Asia,[9] TOSHIBA Satellite L755-SP5102CL Laptop Keyboard

20% in the Middle East,[10] and 15% in Sub-saharan Africa.[11]Sizable minorities are also found in China, Russia, and the Americas. Converts and immigrant communities are found in almost every part of the world (see Islam by country). With about 1.57 billion followers or 23% of earth's population,[11][12][13]Islam is the second-largest religion and one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. HP G61-452EE Laptop Keyboard

Islam is a verbal noun originating from the triliteral root s-l-m which forms a large class of words mostly relating to concepts of wholeness, safeness and peace.[21] In a religious context it means "voluntary submission to God".[22][23] TOSHIBA Mini NB 505-SP0160 Laptop Keyboard

Muslim, the word for an adherent of Islam, is the active participle of the same verb of which Islām is the infinitive. Believers demonstrate submission to God by serving God, following his commands, and rejecting polytheism. The word sometimes has distinct connotations in its various occurrences in the Qur'an. In some verses, DELL Vostro 1015 Laptop Keyboard

there is stress on the quality of Islam as an internal conviction: "Whomsoever God desires to guide, He expands his breast to Islam."[24]

Other verses connect islām and dīn (usually translated as "religion"): "Today, I have perfected your religion (dīn) for you; I have completed My blessing upon you; I have approved Islam for your religion."[25] Still others describe Islam as an action of returning to God—more than just a verbal affirmation of faith.[26] In the Hadith of Gabriel, islām is presented as one part of a triad that includes imān (faith), and ihsān (excellence), DELL INSPIRON 1464 Laptop Keyboard

where islām is defined theologically as Tawhid, historically by asserting that Muhammad is messenger of God, and doctrinally by mandating five basic and fundamental pillars of practice.[27][28] Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520 Laptop Keyboard

The Islamic holy books are the records which most Muslims believe were dictated by God to various prophets. Muslims believe that parts of the previously revealed scriptures, the Tawrat(Torah) and the Injil (Gospels), had become distorted—either in interpretation, in text, or both.[3] The Qur'an (literally, “Reading” or “Recitation”) is viewed by Muslims as the final revelation and literal word of God and is widely regarded as the finest piece of literature work in the Arabic language.[42][43] HP 550 Laptop Keyboard

Muslims believe that the verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad by God through thearchangel Gabriel (Jibrīl) on many occasions between 610 CE until his death on June 8, 632 CE.[44] While Muhammad was alive, all of these revelations were written down by his companions (sahabah), although the prime method of transmission was orally through memorization.[45] Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E520 Laptop Keyboard

The Qur'an is divided into 114 suras, or chapters, which combined, contain 6,236 āyāt, or verses. The chronologically earlier suras, revealed at Mecca, are primarily concerned with ethical and spiritual topics. The later Medinan suras mostly discuss social and moral issues relevant to the Muslim community.[46] HP G42-415DX Laptop Keyboard

The Qur'an is more concerned with moral guidance than legal instruction, and is considered the "sourcebook of Islamic principles and values".[47] Muslim jurists consult the hadith, or the written record of Prophet Muhammad's life, to both supplement the Qur'an and assist with its interpretation. The science of Qur'anic commentary and exegesis is known as tafsir.[48] Rules governing proper pronunciation is called tajwid. HP Pavilion dm1-1010st Laptop Keyboard

Muslims usually view "the Qur'an" as the original scripture as revealed in Arabic and that any translations are necessarily deficient, which are regarded only as commentaries on the Qur'an.[49] HP Pavilion DV7-3065dx Laptop Keyboard

Muslims identify the prophets of Islam (Arabic: أنۢبياء‎ anbiyāʾ ) as those humans chosen by God to be his messengers. According to the Qurʼan, the descendants of Abraham were chosen by God to bring the "will of God" to the peoples of the nations. GATEWAY NV-54 Laptop Keyboard

Muslims believe that prophets are human and not divine, though some are able to perform miracles to prove their claim. Islamic theologysays that all of God's messengers preached the message of Islam—submission to the will of God. The Qurʼan mentions the names of numerous figures considered prophets in Islam, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, among others.[50] SONY 147963021 Laptop Keyboard

Muslims believe that God finally sent Muhammad (Seal of the Prophets) to convey the divine message to the whole world (to sum up and to finalize the word of God). In Islam, the "normative" example of Muhammad's life is called the Sunnah (literally "trodden path"). This example is preserved in traditions known as hadith ("reports"), HP Pavilion dv4-1125nr laptop keyboard

which recount his words, his actions, and his personal characteristics. Hadith Qudsi is a sub-category of hadith, regarded as the words of God repeated by Muhammad differing from the Quran in that they are expressed in Prophet Muhammad's words, whereas the Qur'an is understood as the direct words of God. SONY VGN-FE48E laptop keyboard

The classical Muslim jurist ash-Shafi'i (d. 820) emphasized the importance of the Sunnah in Islamic law, and Muslims are encouraged to emulate Muhammad's actions in their daily lives. The Sunnah is seen as crucial to guiding interpretation of the Qur'an.[51] TOSHIBA Satellite U305-S5077 laptop keyboard

Belief in the "Day of Resurrection", Yawm al-Qiyāmah (Arabic: يوم القيامة‎) is also crucial for Muslims. They believe the time ofQiyāmah is preordained by God but unknown to man. The trials and tribulations preceding and during the Qiyāmah are described in the Qur'an and the hadith, and also in the commentaries of scholars. The Qur'an emphasizes bodily resurrection, a break from the pre-Islamic Arabian understanding of death.[52] TOSHIBA Satellite L300-14G laptop keyboard

On Yawm al-Qiyāmah, Muslims believe all mankind will be judged on their good and bad deeds. The Qurʼan in Surat al-Zalzalah describes this as, "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it (99:7) and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it (99:8)." The Qurʼan lists several sins that can condemn a person to hell, such as disbelief in God (Arabic: كفر‎ kufr), ACER Aspire 5738PZG laptop keyboard

and dishonesty; however, the Qurʼan makes it clear God will forgive the sins of those who repent if he so wills. Good deeds, such as charity, prayer and compassion towards animals,[53][54] will be rewarded with entry to heaven. Muslims view heaven as a place of joy and bliss, with Qurʼanic references describing its features and the physical pleasures to come. Mystical traditions in Islam place these heavenly delights in the context of an ecstatic awareness of God.[55] Packard Bell Easynote TK85 laptop keyboard

Yawm al-Qiyāmah is also identified in the Qur'an as Yawm ad-Dīn (Arabic: يوم الدين‎), "Day of Religion";[56] as-sāʿah (Arabic: الساعة‎), "the Last Hour";[57] and al-Qāriʿah (Arabic: القارعة‎), "The Clatterer".[58] FUJITSU Lifebook P1620 laptop keyboard

Ritual prayers, called Ṣalāh or Ṣalāt (Arabic: صلاة), must be performed five times a day. Salah is intended to focus the mind on God, and is seen as a personal communication with him that expresses gratitude and worship. Salah is compulsory but flexibility in the specifics is allowed depending on circumstances. The prayers are recited in the Arabic language, and consist of verses from the Qur'an.[64] Lenovo 3000 G430 4152 laptop keyboard

A mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, who often refer to it by its Arabic name, masjid. The word mosque in English refers to all types of buildings dedicated to Islamic worship, although there is a distinction in Arabic between the smaller, privately owned mosque and the larger, "collective" mosque (masjid jāmi`).[65] ACER PK13ZLH0100 laptop keyboard

Although the primary purpose of the mosque is to serve as a place of prayer, it is also important to the Muslim community as a place to meet and study. Modern mosques have evolved greatly from the early designs of the 7th century, and contain a variety of architectural elements such asminarets.[66] SONY VGN-FE48E laptop keyboard

The Shariʻah (literally "the path leading to the watering place") is Islamic law formed by traditional Islamic scholarship, which most Muslim groups adhere to. Shariʻah "constitutes a system of duties that are incumbent upon a Muslim by virtue of his or her religious belief".[76] HP Pavilion dv5-1132la Laptop Keyboard

The Quran set the rights, the responsibilities and the rules for people and for societies to adhere to. Muhammad provided an example, which is recorded in the hadith books, showing people how he practically implemented these rules in a society. After the passing ofMuhammad, Imam Jafar al-Sadiq, whose views some Shiʻis follow, and Imams Abu Hanifa and Malik ibn Anas, HP Pavilion dv4-1125nr Laptop Keyboard

whose views some Sunnis follow, worked together in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina along with over 70 other leading jurists and scholars. They did not distinguish between each other or classify them selves as Sunni or Shiʻah. They felt that they were following the religion of Abraham.[77] They were against the formation of sects as it was forbidden in the Quran [78]. TOSHIBA Satellite A110 Series Laptop Keyboard

They decided on new legal matters where there is no such ruling in the Quran or the Hadith regarding a similar case. In the books actually written by these original jurists and scholars, there are very few theological and judicial differences between them. Lenovo 3000 N200 Laptop Keyboard

Fiqh, or "jurisprudence", is defined as the knowledge of the practical rules of the religion. Much of it has evolved to prevent innovation or alteration in the original religion, known as bid'ah.

These scholars were taught by Muhammad's companions, many of whom settled in Madina. Much of the knowledge we have about Muhammad is narrated through Aisha, the wife of Muhammad. COMPAQ Presario CQ60-201EP Laptop Keyboard

Aisha raised and taught her nephew Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr the grandson of Abu Bakr and the grandfather of Ja'far al-Sadiq. Aishas also taught her nephew Urwah ibn Zubayr. He then taught his son Hisham ibn Urwah, who was the main teacher of Malik ibn Anas whose views many Sunni follow. SONY KFRSBA019A Laptop Keyboard

Many of the differences are regarding Sharia laws devised through Ijtihad where there is no such ruling in the Quran or the Hadiths of Islamic prophet Muhammadregarding a similar case. As these jurists went to new areas, they were pragmatic and in some cases continued to use the same ruling as was given in that area during pre-Islamic times. ACER Aspire 5742 Laptop Keyboard

If the population felt comfortable with it, it was just and they used Ijtihad to deduce that it did not conflict with the Quran or the Hadith. This made it easier for the different communities to integrate into the Islamic State and that assisted in the quick expansion of the Islamic State. HP Pavilion dv6-2141ee laptop keyboard

The method Islamic jurists use to derive rulings is known as usul al-fiqh ("legal theory", or "principles of jurisprudence"). To reduce the divergence, in the 9th century, the jurist ash-Shafi'i provided a theoretical basis for Islamic law by codifying the principles of jurisprudence (including the four fundamental roots) in his book ar-Risālah.[79] Compaq Presario CQ57-229wm laptop keyboard

According to ash-Shafi'i, law has four fundamental roots, which are given precedence in this order: the Qur'an, the Hadith (the practice of Muhammad), the consensus of the Muslim jurists (ijma), and analogical reasoning (qiyas). Al-Shafi'i also codified a method to establish the reliability of hadith. Muhammad al-Bukhari[80] Compaq Presario CQ42 laptop keyboard

then travelled around and collected over 300,000 hadith, but only included 2,602 distinct hadith in his book Sahih al-Bukhari,[80] that passed these tests and he codified as authentic and correct. Sahih al-Bukhari is therefore considered by many to be the most authentic book after the Quran.[81][82] The Arabic word sahih translates as authentic or correct. HP AEUT5U00010 laptop keyboard

They all gave priority to the Qur'an and the Hadith and felt that Islam was completed during the time of Muhammad and they wanted people to refer to the Quran.[83] Ahmad ibn Hanbal rejected the writing down and codifying of the religious rulings he gave. They knew that they might have fallen into error in some of their judgements and stated this clearly. They never introduced their rulings by saying, "This is the judgement of God and His prophet."[84] There is also very little text actually written down by Jafar al-Sadiq himself. HP Mini 110-3110sp laptop keyboard

Islamic law covers all aspects of life, from matters of state, like governance and foreign relations, to issues of daily living. The Qur'an defines hudud as the punishments for five specific crimes: unlawful intercourse, false accusation of unlawful intercourse, consumption of alcohol, theft, and highway robbery. The Qur'an and Sunnah also contain laws of inheritance, marriage, and restitution for injuries and murder, HP AEAX8U00010 laptop keyboard

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as well as rules for fasting, charity, and prayer.

The differences between the denominations in Islam are primarily political and amplified after the Safavid invasion of Persia in the 1500s and the subsequentSafavid conversion of Iran to Shia Islam due to the politics between the Safavids and the Ottoman Empire.[85] Before that point Jafar al-Sadiq disapproved of people who disapproved of his great grand father Abu Bakr the first caliph. SONY VAIO VGN-N11M laptop keyboard

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