Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News, 2013-10-22

Popstar Rihanna was asked to leave Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Grand Masjid compound after posing for photographs considered at odds with 'sanctity' of the masjid.

Rihanna, who performed in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (19 October) has not publicly responded to the actions by staff at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Masjid.

Photos posted on various websites show the singer posing on white marble, dressed fully in black with her hair covered according to the masjid’s guidelines.

The masjid which is the largest in the UAE and can hold more than 40,000 worshippers, released a statement, and although it does not name Rhianna, it refers to a 'recent incident, involving a singer.'

“In the event of behaviour that violates the moral codes of access to the mosque, or other visit regulations – such as taking inappropriate pictures, posing in ways that are improper in the context of sacred place, talking loudly, or eating – the violators are directed in a polite manner that reflects the civilisational and tolerant attributes of Islam,' the statement read.

The statement said the singer 'left without entering the masjid, after being asked to do so, due to the fact that she had taken some pictures that do not conform with the conditions and regulations put in place by the Centre’s management to regulate visits in a way that takes the status and sanctity of the mosque into consideration.'

Many of her fans attacked the singer for the photos which have since appeared on websites across the world.

@Ahmedcarter tweeted: 'Rihanna pics at Sheikh Zayed mosque are disrespectful to the place of worship.'

While @BinttAlthee tweeted: 'Rihanna modelling in the Sheikh Zayed mosque is just plain wrong. Who let her in?'

Earlier this year Madonna, was criticised for adopting Muslim clothing after being pictured wearing a chainmail mask resembling a niqab.

The masjid is a major tourist site in the United Arab Emirates' capital.

(Twitter: @Faizie143)