Magnificent Mosques: Around the World

Masjid-al-Nabawi (The Prophet's (SAW) Mosque

Masjid-al-Nabawi is located in the center of the holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia. This mosque was constructed under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and he himself took part in its building. It was built in the first year of the Islamic calendar (622 AD) when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated from Mecca to Madinah. It is the second-biggest mosque in all of Madinah, followed only by Masjid Quba. It ranks as the second holiest site for Muslims, after the Al-Haram mosque in Makkah. It contains the tomb of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), along with his two closest companions and the Rashidun Caliphs, Abu Bakr and Omar.

The Green Dome

One of the standout elements of the mosque is the Green Dome, which is constructed over the tomb of the Prophet (SAW), as well as the tombs of the first two Muslim caliphs, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq and Omar bin Al-Khattab. It is situated in the southeast corner of the building.

History of the Mosque

The leaders and nobility of Madinah (formerly Yathrib) greeted Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with open arms upon his migration from Mecca, having eagerly anticipated his coming. Every Madinah family at the time hoped that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would spend the night at their home. However, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) courteously and kindly turned down all their offers. His she-camel Qaswa started walking towards the south of Madinah. When people tried to stop her, the Prophet (SAW) instructed them, “[This camel] is commanded by Allah; wherever it stops, that will be my home.”

Walking till it came to a halt, Al-Qaswa kneeled in a spacious courtyard belonging to two orphans, Suhayl and Sahil. The two boys wanted to give the land as a gift without thinking twice after learning that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) intended to construct a mosque.

However, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companion, Abu Bakr, paid 10 dinars to purchase the land because the boys were orphans.

After the purchase, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his companions started the construction of Masjid al-Nabawi.

Rawdah Rasool (Prophet's Tomb)

The oldest portion of the existing mosque complex, the Ottoman prayer hall, has the Rawdah Rasool, which translates to "the Garden of the Prophet" and refers to the tomb of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This area of the mosque is commonly referred to as the "noble garden," or Rawdah al-Sharifah. There is no view of Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) grave from anywhere inside or outside the existing grilled building. The modest chamber, measuring 10' by 12', is once more encircled by at least two more walls and one blanket shroud.

Al-Qibli Mosque is located south of the Dome of the Rock. It is the main mosque in Al Aqsa Complex, as it can hold around 5,500 worshippers at one time. It has a silver dome. This historic mosque can be traced back to Caliph Omar bin Al-Khattab when he conquered Jerusalem.

The 'Dome of the Rock' is a golden-domed structure that's arguably one of Jerusalem's most easily identifiable landmarks. The structure was authorized by Caliph Abdul Malik ibn Marwan between 691 and 692 CE. It is built over the rock from which the Prophet (SAW) ascended to heaven on the night of Al-Isra wa al-Mi’raj.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem holds a very special place for Muslims. It is the third-holiest site in Islam.
Also known by its other name, Haram al-Sharif ("noble sanctuary" in Arabic), it is situated in the southeast corner of Jerusalem's Old City. The Al-Aqsa Complex has many important landmarks in the city of Jerusalem and really shows some of the best-preserved architecture from the time of early Islam.

The 'Dome of the Rock', a part of the Al-Aqsa complex, stands out prominently and can be admired from virtually any spot in the city. The mosque also has the historical Al-Qibli Mosque, which is also sacred to Muslims. Inside the walls of al-Aqsa, numerous mimbars (pulpits) and historical schools are also located.

Besides the religious buildings and structures, there are 32 water sources in the complex, including wells used for making wudhu, etc.

Masjid Al-Aqsa : Jerusalem

The Blue Mosque is situated in Istanbul, the capital city of Turkey. It is a historic gem and a marvel of Islamic architecture.

The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Camii, was built in the early 1600s during the reign of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I. This majestic structure is often regarded as the last great mosque of the classical period of the Ottoman Empire. What strikes many visitors upon their first sight of the Blue Mosque is the overwhelming grandeur and balance of its architecture.

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul: A Historic Gem in the Heart of Turkey

Another key highlight of the Blue Mosque is the rich calligraphy. You will find verses from the Quran beautifully inscribed on the walls and domes. This art form offers a unique fusion of visual and spiritual expression, adding another layer of depth to the already stunning interior.

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul isn't just a place of worship; it's a piece of architectural wonder and a chance to delve into centuries of history.

Ever wonder why the Blue Mosque got its name despite being mostly gray in color? The secret lies inside. This mosque is lined with more than 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles in different tulip designs, enhancing its interior beauty. When lit by the 200 stained glass windows, the mosque bathes in an ethereal, blue glow that is nothing short of magical. Hence, it is fondly referred to as the 'Blue Mosque'.

The Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain: A Marvel of Islamic Architecture

The Great Mosque of Cordoba, located in the city of Cordoba, Spain, is an architectural masterpiece that holds significant historical and cultural importance. Built during the period of Islamic rule in Spain, this majestic mosque's architecture displays a fusion of Islamic and Spanish influences, creating a distinct style that still captivates visitors even today. During the 8th century, the Iberian Peninsula experienced a remarkable cultural exchange between different civilizations, including Islamic, Visigothic, and Roman. This blending of diverse traditions ultimately resulted in the construction of the Great Mosque of Cordoba.

Built by the Umayyad ruler Abd ar-Rahmān I in the years 784–786, the original construction doubled in size throughout the 9th and 10th centuries with extensions, making it one of the greatest sacred buildings in the Islamic world.

Unique Archways and Columns

One of the most striking features of the Great Mosque of Cordoba is its mesmerizing archways and columns. The horseshoe arches, a hallmark of Islamic architecture, dominate the interior of the mosque. These arches, intricately decorated with colorful mosaics and ornate patterns, create an enchanting visual effect. The alternating red and white arches further enhance the grandeur of the mosque. It consists of an expansive prayer hall designed in the hypostyle style (hypostyle meaning "filled with columns"), a covered walkway encircling the courtyard, an orange grove, a courtyard with a fountain in the center, and a minaret (a tower that used to call the faithful to prayer) now housed in a squared-off, tapering bell tower. Its repeating geometry makes the large prayer hall appear larger. Repurposed Roman columns are used in its construction, and from them emerge a remarkable pair of symmetrical, two-tiered arches made of red brick and stone.

The Hypnotic Mihrab and Dome

The mihrab, or the prayer niche, is a key element in any Islamic place of worship. The Great Mosque of Cordoba boasts a mesmerizing hypostyle hall, adorned with a beautiful and intricately carved mihrab. This architectural masterpiece serves as a focal point, guiding the prayers towards Mecca. The elaborate geometric patterns and calligraphy decorating the mihrab showcase the fine craftsmanship of the artisans who constructed it. There is an equally brilliant dome over the mihrab. Its pointed arches are formed by ribs that cross over one another to form a radial pattern of gold mosaic. This amazing architectural method foreshadows more modest Gothic rib vaulting in the future.

The Towering Minaret

In addition to its stunning interior, the Great Mosque of Cordoba features a remarkable minaret. Originally built as a watchtower, it was later converted into a bell tower during Christian rule. Known as La Giralda, this minaret is a blend of Islamic and Renaissance architectural styles, representing yet another cultural exchange. Climbing to the top of this tower provides visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

Preservation and Legacy

Over the centuries, the Great Mosque of Cordoba underwent various transformations. With the Christian Reconquista in the 13th century, the mosque was converted into a cathedral. Despite these alterations, many elements of Islamic architecture have been preserved, allowing visitors to witness the mosque's true historical significance.

The Horseshoe Style Mihrab

The Beautifully Decorated Dome

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi: A Magnificent Masterpiece of Modern Islamic Architecture

Visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-do while visiting Abu Dhabi. This magnificent mosque has 82 domes, sky-piercing minarets, and acres of shining white marble. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a massive mosque that can hold more than 40,000 worshippers. At 22,400 square meters, the complex houses the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the third-largest mosque globally. There are two smaller prayer halls with a capacity of 1,500 each, while the main prayer hall can accommodate over 7,000 worshipers. The construction of the mosque began in 1996 and took 12 years to finish.

The mosque's architecture is influenced by traditional Mamluk, Ottoman, and Fatimid forms. Its interior blends geometric elements and traditional Middle Eastern arched doors with cutting-edge, modern design.

The mosque is named after the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates. He was the driving force behind this magnificent building. He is buried in the mosque's courtyard, fulfilling his desire for it to be his last resting place.

Lunar illumination

It boasts a moon-phase-reflective lighting system that projects colors onto the mosque's facade that shift each night following the moon. The distinctive lighting system was created to mirror the lunar phases. Soft, bluish-gray clouds with undulating patterns are projected over the mosque's white marble exterior, including the domes and façade. When the month is young and the moon is a small crescent, the illumination cycle begins with darker clouds, giving the appearance of each day being slightly different from the next. The lighting effect gets brighter as the moon goes through its cycle and approaches full. To create this artistic impression, twenty-two light towers with an effective number of light projectors are used.

The Largest Hand-Knotted Carpet in the World

The main prayer hall has the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. It is in the Guinness Book of World Records. Approximately 1,200 artisans worked by hand to create the carpet, which was mostly made of wool.

The project took two years to complete; the design took around eight months, the knotting took twelve months, and the remaining time was spent moving, trimming, and weaving the parts together. 5,700 square meters make up the finished single-piece carpet, of which 70% is made of wool and the remaining 30% is cotton.

The Minber and Chandeliers

The eleven-step Minber enables the Imam to sit in a prominent spot and address the numerous worshippers who frequent the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Its carved cedar wood inlaid with mother of pearl, glass mosaic, and white gold exhibit floral and shell motifs. At the top of the stairs is a crescent-shaped finial and a little dome-shaped "roof."

Inside the halls and foyers are seven chandeliers made of crystal. The largest, which weighs about 12 tons and is housed in the mosque's main prayer hall, is regarded as one of the biggest in the world. Every chandelier is constructed from gilded brass and stainless steel (around 40 kg of 24-carat galvanized gold was used). They are all outfitted with glass panels that were adorned with Swarovski crystals.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a testament to the timeless beauty and magnificence of Islamic architecture. Its grandeur and intricate design leave visitors in awe, providing an insight into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the United Arab Emirates. The mosque's ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity is a demonstration of the visionary approach of its architects and craftsmen. Whether you are a devotee or an admirer of art and architecture, a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a must. Prepare to be captivated by its breathtaking beauty and immerse yourself in the wonders of Islamic architecture.

The beautiful chandelier

The largest hand made carpet in the world

The lighting effects at night