The Grand Mosque of Oman is the creation of the existing ruler of Oman, Sultan Qaboos. In the early 1990's, the Sultan decided that his nation ought to have a grand mosque to compete with these of other Muslim nations. A nationwide competitors was held for its style in which hundreds of applicants submitted their styles for the developing of the mosque. After the winner and a developing web site have been selected, building on the mosque commenced in 1995. It took virtually six and a half years for the project to be completed. However, in May of 2001, it was completed and christened by the Sultan. Constructed from Indian sandstone, the mosque cuts an imposing figure. However, it is a beloved residence of worship for numerous Muslims.
The principal prayer hall, which is referred to as a musalla, can residence up to seven thousand worshipers at when. There is also a lady's musalla which can hold virtually seven hundred and fifty worshipers. In addition to these prayer halls, there are also covered passageways, meeting halls, and a library. The library is at present filled with virtually 20,000 books. All in all, the mosque can residence 20,000 worshipers at any a single provided time. The outer courtyard of the mosque enables for the accommodation of eight,000 worshipers alike. The passageways and the inner courtyard also supply area for pilgrims to practice their religious faith.
The craftsmanship and detail that cover the interior of the mosque is really astounding. The interior is constructed virtually totally of marble in colors of gray and off white. Tile perform, in different floral patterns, adds a sense of elegance to the numerous murals that are discovered in the hallways of the mosque. Verses from the Koran, framed in gold, adorn the walls of the two prayer halls. Two of the most prominent, and most renowned, functions of the Grand Mosque are its Persian carpet and its chandelier. The Persian carpet is utilized as a prayer carpet. It is the biggest hand-woven carpet in the planet. Weighing more than 21 tons, it took 4 years to full. Over six hundred females from different provinces in Iran have been involved in its producing.
The chandelier in the males's prayer hall is an additional point of interest to guests. It is fundamentally composed of gold plated metal perform, and it also is covered in Swarovski crystals. The chandelier is more than fourteen meters tall. In addition to its main objective as a residence of worship, the Grand Mosque is also utilized as an epicenter of Islamic understanding. It has constructed a reputation as a prominent institute of sophisticated Islamic research, with educational facilities and housing accommodations obtainable onsite. The main kind of Islam that is studied at the Grand Mosque is Ibadi. One of the most ancient sects of Islam, Ibadi is tolerant of numerous other religions and it shows respect towards females, elevating them even to the highest levels of government obtainable. Because of this religious tolerance, individuals of all faiths are welcome to worship at the Grand Mosque of Oman .
Author: Mariya Wordsworth