Elegant and magnificent mosques in Dubai
“Fascinating mosques in Dubai” is a topic that almost suggests itself! These spiritual oases are not only architectural masterpieces, but also places of peace, prayer and community. Let us open the doors of these mosques, which impress with their elegance and splendor. Some of the mosques in Dubai are also open to the public.
Dubai is known for its modern skyscrapers and luxurious shopping centers. But the city also has a rich cultural diversity to offer, which is unfortunately often overlooked. One of these facets to be discovered is the presence of impressive mosques, which characterize the cityscape and offer an insight into Islamic culture and tradition.
Treasures of the mosques in Dubai
Jumeirah Mosque
One of the most famous mosques in Dubai is undoubtedly the Jumeirah Mosque right on the coast. It also opens its doors to non-Muslims and offers regular guided tours. These tours provide an in-depth insight into Islamic culture and tradition. After visiting the mosque, you can spend a few hours at the kite beach.
The first guided tour starts at 10 am. Another tour is available in the afternoon at 2 pm. Registration begins 30 minutes before the tour. The price for the tour is approx. 10 euros and includes a small refreshment. The mosque will remain closed to the public on Friday. More info here
Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque
The Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque is not only known for its impressive architectural design, but also for its hospitality towards non-Muslims. We recommend booking a visit in advance, as visiting times are sometimes limited. For precise information and to make reservations, please visit the mosque’s official website.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi)
Why not take an hour and a half drive to Abu Dhabi to visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque? This mosque is one of the largest in the world and embodies the vision of Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan Al Nahyan (who died in 2004), the founder of the UAE. He wants it to be an inviting place of culture that inspires people of all backgrounds. The idea of cultural cooperation was even taken into account during construction. An expert team from all over the world designed the mosque. More than a thousand artisans from Iran were hired to hand-knot the world’s largest carpet in the main prayer hall. It is an incredible 5,627 square meters in size and weighs 42 tons.
This impressive mosque is also open to non-Muslims and offers regular guided tours. We recommend combining the excursion to Abu Dhabi with the impressive tour of the government seat Qasr al Watan.
Tips for visiting a mosque
When visiting a mosque, there are a few important things to bear in mind in order to respect and appreciate the culture and tradition.
- Wear appropriate clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Respect the privacy of believers.
- Take off your shoes before entering the mosque.
- Pay attention to the rules of photography.
- Behave calmly and respectfully during the visit.
Prayer rituals of the Muslims
Prayer times
Muslims pray five times a day at fixed times depending on the position of the sun. The prayer times are:
1st Fajr: The morning prayer before sunrise.
2nd Dhuhr: The midday prayer after the highest point of the sun.
3rd Asr: The afternoon prayer before sunset.
4th Maghrib: The evening prayer immediately after sunset.
5 Isha: The night prayer after nightfall.
Communal prayers in the mosque
The communal prayers in the mosque are important for Muslims. They provide an opportunity for social interaction and spiritual growth. The most important Jumu’ah prayer meeting always takes place on Fridays, comparable to the Sunday service for Christians.
Personal prayers outside the mosque
Muslims can also perform their prayers outside the mosque, whether at home or at work. However, the mosque serves as a central place for communal prayer and many Muslims try to attend communal prayers as often as possible.
Course of the prayer in the mosque
When Muslims pray together in a mosque, they follow a certain procedure:
1. purification: Ritual ablution, known as wudu, takes place before prayer.
2nd assembly: The faithful gather in the prayer hall of the mosque, where the muezzin calls to prayer.
3. direction of prayer: The faithful pray in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest place in Islam.
4. prayer position: The prayers consist of certain movements and recitations that follow a fixed order.
5. common prayer: For each of the five daily prayers, the Imam is present in the mosque to lead the prayers.
In a mosque, the place of Muslim worship, we are not in a sacred space. Their significance arises from their function as a place of communal compulsory prayer. Only prayer makes the place relevant and not the place the prayer.
As visitors, we admire the architecture, feel the intention of the meetings and try to understand what is behind them. By treating everything with respect and appreciation, we make the most of the diversity and spirituality of the city of Dubai.