As a Muslim reader, I am shocked to read the article on the construction of the UAE Mosque (ENR 3/15 p.34). Islam discourages worldly showoffs, especially in respect to the place of worship. For a Muslim to pray, all he needs is a piece of clean land, nothing more. A bare roof and four walls are needed for the protection from rain and sun. The ruler of the UAE would be better prepared for his journey to the next world if he had spent these hundreds of millions of dollars to improve the living conditions of millions of neglected, disadvantaged people around the world, both Muslims and non-Muslims.