All you need to know about mosques

Let us take you on a journey of how mosques have changed over the years. C’mon, join us!

Mosques perhaps are the most identifiable symbol of Islam, with elegant domes and protruding minarets. Just like the faith, they embody a rich tradition that has endured the test of time.

In terms of structure, mosques have evolved from a modest square enclosure to a work of architectural beauty.

Some of the world’s most renowned mosques – Medina’s Masjid an-Nabawi, Sultan Ahmed (aka The Blue Mosque) in Istabnul and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin in Brunei – feature elaborate and awe-inspiring designs.

Dr Taha Al-Douri, assistant dean of architecture and design at New York Institute of Technology Abu Dhabi, says: “Cultures retained their regional identity in architecture throughout the Muslim world and mosques are no exception.

“Despite similarities in the function of mosques around the world, a mosque in Cairo is different than one in Islamabad.

“As for the UAE, mosques have evolved through an informed effort to be inspired by the local taste in fort construction, desert sensibilities and early vernacular architecture that primarily relies on systems of ventilation, heat insulation and related aesthetics.”

Traditition above all else

Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Mosque in Mohammed Bin Zayed City

There’s also an effort to embrace more eco-friendly designs and materials, as evident with the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Mosque in Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

Dr Mohamed El Amrousi, professor of architecture and design at Abu Dhabi University, explains: “The walls of the mosque are covered with textured clay tiles that protect its interior from the heat and even though the ground floor has a glass façade, it’s shaded by the upper floor so it allows natural daylight to enter the prayer hall. The roof has a twisted conical shape instead of a dome and the minaret reinterprets traditional forms as it shifts from square to stepped.”

Other architecturally-impressive mosques in the UAE include the Grand Mosque, for obvious reasons, and the Sheikha Salama in Al Ain, which features a less traditional design.

Sheikha Salama Mosque, Al Ain

Dubai’s Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab mosque looks like a miniature version of Istanbul’s iconic blue masjid, while the emirate’s Abdul Rahman Siddique Mosque is a modern structure with cleaner lines and a façade of Islamic patterns.

However, despite the liberty to play around with designs, the basic features of a mosque must adhere to tradition.

“It still has to look like a mosque,” stresses Dr Mohamed. “The large prayer hall should have no columns inside to allow uninterrupted lines of prayer space, which faces Mecca.

There is the mihrab, the space where the imam stands and the minbar where he gives the speech on Friday.”

 

Did you know?

• All mosques in the capital must adhere to standards set by the Mosque Development Committee, which states, “The regulations promote the use of Emirati vernacular design to celebrate Emirati culture and heritage, while having a level of flexibility for innovation and individual identity.”

 

• Most mosques are funded by the state but an individual can self-sponsor a mosque and have it named after him or her. Examples include Shaikha Salama and Shaikha Fatima mosques.

 

Keepoing with the Ramadan theme, we’ve rustled up some great and easy-ish recipes to dish up for iftar. Also, if you are fasting, then follow these tips so you don’t negatively damage your health. And if you follow an exercise regime, there’s no need to give it up. We show you how here.

 

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