What will happen if Arab Muslims pray inside a synagogue?

 Arab Muslims praying inside a synagogue can have various implications, depending on the context and specific circumstances. Let’s explore this topic:

1. Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi:

   • Recently, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) inaugurated the Abrahamic Family House, a unique interfaith center in Abu Dhabi. It houses a mosque, a church, and the country’s first official synagogue¹.
   • The synagogue, named Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, is the first purpose-built synagogue in the Arab world in nearly a century.
   • Visitors are invited to participate in religious services, guided tours, celebrations, and opportunities to explore faith within this multi-faith campus¹.

2. Islamic Perspective on Praying in a Synagogue:

   • According to Islamic jurisprudence, a Muslim is allowed to perform prayer in a church or synagogue under specific conditions:
     • Necessity: If a Muslim finds it extremely difficult to find any other place to pray except for a church or synagogue, their prayer is still valid. The whole earth is considered a place of prostration for Muslims.
     • Prior Permission: If necessity warrants praying in a church, a Muslim should obtain prior permission from the church authorities out of respect for other people’s places of worship.
     • Doubtful Matters: It is better to avoid such places due to potential distractions (e.g., crosses, statues, Christian symbols) that may affect the focus during prayer².

3. Historical Examples:

   • `Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, the second Caliph, once refused to pray inside a church. Instead, he prayed outside it to prevent any confusion among ordinary Muslims who might be tempted to pray at the exact location where he did².
   • The opening of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi reflects a vision of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence, emphasizing mutual respect among different faiths¹.

4. Positive Developments:

   • The presence of a synagogue in a Muslim country signifies progress toward interfaith dialogue and understanding.
   • In other instances, such as in New York, Muslims have prayed inside synagogues, demonstrating solidarity and shared spaces during challenging times³.

In summary, while it is permissible for Arab Muslims to pray inside a synagogue under specific circumstances, it is essential to approach such situations with respect, understanding, and a commitment to coexistence and mutual respect²⁴.