As in any Middle Eastern country, religion is the center of the culture. It
dictates everything: dress, hygiene, diet, everything. The approach to life is
"Inshallah", which literally means "Allah willing".
Oman adopted the Ibadhism form of Islam shortly after the
Prophet's death in 632AD. At the heart of the intellectual definition is the
democratic belief that any leader, an Imam, should emerge only through election.
An Imam is, literally, "one who sets an example." A candidate is identified by a
council of tribal elders, then presented to the people for their scrutiny and
due acceptance or rejection. If successful, the new Imam publicly commits
himself to upholding Ibadhi principles and maintaining the integrity of the
nation. In return, the assembly pledged allegiance to the Imam. Should the Imam
be seen to fail, the nations allegiance is withdrawn. The first Imam in Oman was
elected under this process in 750AD.
