Although not a whole lot is known about the religious beliefs of the Nabataean, many religious relics have been unearthed in Petra and other Nabataean cities. These offer a general idea of some of the principles and worship practices of this ancient civilization. The religious beliefs of the Nabataeans were influenced by surrounding areas and civilizations, including Egypt, Syria, North Arabia and Edom.   

As with most ancient peoples, the Nabataeans worshipped many gods. However, evidence indicates that they had two primary deities. The supreme god was Dushara, whose name derives from the nearby Sharra Mountains on the northern border of Petra, and he was later identified with the Greek god Zeus. The supreme goddess was al-‘Uzza and she became associated with Aphrodite. The two main temples in Petra are thought to have been dedicated to these two gods: Qasr al-Bint to Dushara and the Temple of the Winged Lions, which lies near it, to al-‘Uzza.

The gods of the Nabataeans were mainly represented as baetyls, or sacred stone blocks, rather than in human form. Many examples of these god blocks can be seen in Petra, starting with the Djinn blocks that lie before the entrance to the Siq. Some are plain blocks while others are carved with facial features or intricate designs and border patterns.

The existence of numerous religious sites within Petra alludes to the spiritual and sacred rituals of the Nabataeans. There are several high places of sacrifice, indicating that animal sacrifices to the gods were common. Visitors can climb the steps to the High Place of Sacrifice inside Petra to get an idea of this ancient ritual, as well as gaining a spectacular view of the city below and the surrounding landscape. Rock-cut banqueting halls called triclinia used for religious occasions are common in Nabataean architecture and many can be found in Petra, located near to tombs.