Prayer in Mall Masjids: Where Did Everybody Go?

What’s going on? I’ve noticed that in terms of the malls, there are less women praying along with their children in the Mall masjids. I also had a similar experience during this 2012 Sharjajh International book fair where it’s claimed that there were 70,000 visitors a day. Yet, in the past, during the prayer times, it was almost impossible especially on the women's side. Even if you when to pray up to fifteen minutes early, their was no place in the bathroom, in the masjid and even in the halls. However, this time, as I sat there waiting for the Maghrib athan, I sat there all alone. Finally as I was leaving there were about three people coming to pray. Even during other times there were very few people praying. The same thing with Asr prayer yesterday in Sahara Center. It was Friday and the mall wasn't very crowded, but there were lots of people there and yet, during Asr prayer there was only about 10 or 12 people praying. In the past, during this time, you’d have to wait for enough people to stop just so you could get out of the mosque (it’s prohibited to pass in front of someone praying).And now, their was only one person praying behind me in the second row. 

Why is this? Now, when there are seemingly more and more Islamic classes, but less people praying. Also, there is the problem of fajr. Perhaps it's two things, those who pray have left the malls. They have decided these are places of fitna. They are in a way, how many awful songs have I heard describing acts that would land you in jail if you talked about them in public? Then despite the signs asking people to please where respective clothing, in some cases, even though, some might think that these signs are for non-Muslims, there are some Muslims who are guilty of dressing inappropriately. 

Then there is also, the factor of the 3ddy culture, where Islamic values are not held in the respect that they deserve. There's a demand for respectful clothing, but there are very few places that sell them I went to H&M to look for a shirt for my muhajjabet daughter, and found a mini skirt that would make a nice head piece for her. Yanni, that it was that small. In the past, I would see Emirati girls wearing their traditional jilbabs, they were beautiful and covering well. Now, it very rare. I am not blaming them. It's just perhaps that they feel that it's an old thing. Then they should buy they latest fashions. Allahu 3llum. The other is that there are very few options and if they have money, why shouldn't they spend it on their kids. Why shouldn't these kids dress like the ones they see on those kids on the MBC channels? 

There is a slow withdrawal of the Islamic presence. 

It’s been two years now that they've stopped the Fajr prayer on the loudspeakers, now we can hear only athan and iqamah, the call to wake up and the call to stand for prayer. What does this mean? I am no sure, what I do know is that it can not lead to any good. Perhaps people will let it go, but as Emiratis struggle to keep their culture in tact, but how can they when much of this culture is linked to Islam? Without Islam what will be left of Emirati culture? Without prayer, what kind of hope will be left for a better future? I am of the opinion that it’s taqwa of the people that has kept UAE strong, prosperous, and thriving. It is also, the same thing that made Turkey rise within the past few years. Without it, it was a disaster, and without it and/or with its decline, it has had awful results.