Saudi Arabian culture revolves almost entirely around Islam. Two of Islam's holiest sites are in the country, and it considers itself the birthplace of the religion. Every day, five times a day, Muslims are called to prayer from the minarets of mosques which dot the country. Friday is its sabbath day. Islam derives from the same monotheistic roots as Judaism and Christianity, and Muslims generally regard Christians with respect - in Islam, Jesus (named Isa in Islam) is regarded as one of the Prophets of Allah, and Jews and Christians are considered fellow 'people of the Book'. Islam's holy book The Qur'an is Saudi Arabia's constitution, and Shari'ah (Islamic law) is the foundation of its legal system. One of Saudi Arabia's most compelling folk rituals is the Ardha, the country's national dance. This sword dance is based on ancient Bedouin traditions: drummers beat out a rhythm and a poet chants verses while sword-carrying men dance shoulder to shoulder. Al-sihba folk music, from the Hijaz, has its origins in Arab Andalusia, a region of medieval Spain. In Mecca, Medina and Jedda, dance and song incorporate the sound of the al-mizmar, an oboe-like woodwind instrument. Saudi Arabian dress is strongly symbolic, representing the people's ties to the land, the past and to Islam. The predominantly loose, flowing but covering garments reflect the practicalities of life in a desert country as well as Islam's emphasis on conservative dress. Traditionally, men usually wear an ankle-length shirt woven from wool or cotton (known as a thawb), with a ghutra (a large square of cotton held in place by a cord coil) worn on the head. For rare chilly days, Saudi men wear a camel-hair cloak (bisht) over the top. Women's clothes are decorated with tribal motifs, coins, sequins, metallic thread and appliques. However, Saudi women must wear a long black coat (abaya) and veil (niqab) when they leave the house to protect their modesty. Islamic law forbids the eating of pork and the drinking of alcohol, and this law is followed strictly throughout Saudi Arabia. Arabic unleavened bread, or khobz, is eaten with almost all meals. Other staples include grilled chicken, felafel (deep-fried chickpea balls), shwarma (spit-cooked sliced lamb), and fuul (a paste of fava beans, garlic and lemon). Traditional coffee houses used to be ubiquitous, but are now being displaced by food-hall style cafes. Public theatres and cinemas are prohibited, as the ruling family clan believes those institutions to be incompatible with Islam. However, in private compounds such as Dhahran and Ras Tanura public theaters can be found. The cultural heritage is celebrated at the annual Jenadriyah Cultural festival. According to the 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report of the United States Department of State required by the Trafficking Victim Protection Act of 2000, Saudi Arabia is notable among modern nations for continued tolerance of trafficking in human beings. See human trafficking in Saudi Arabia, source "Trafficking in Persons Report 2005". Saudi Arabia has repeatedly denied these claims. In addition, Saudi Arabia has tried to prevent such abuses. Religious leaders have preached in mosques sermons about the evil of abusing employees.

The holy mosque in Mecca

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