Zayed's special place

Sheikh Zayed, a former king of Abu Dhabi is remembered as an impressive leader and visionary. One of his life's ambitions was to build the world's most impressive mosque to proliferate international understanding of the Islamic faith. The manfestation of his ambition is The Grand Mosque, built over twelve years but which Sheikh Zayed sadly did not survive to enjoy. Visitors participate in daily tours and the local Emirati guides personify the tolerance and openness to other religions extolled within the Qur’an*. 

 

I had expected something masculine, minimalist and majorly staid; and could not have been more wrong. Outside the shimmering, white marble bejeweled with inlaid flowers, infinite arches, reflective pools and sweeping gold transfix. Inside the rich, deep carpet seemingly infinite beneath lace-like carvings. The magnificent chandeliers tinkle and dance, their pendula coursing the spectrum from semi-precious stone to boiled sweet (and adorned with yet more gold). The whole imbues a unrivaled blend of serenity and joyfulness.

 

On my favorite visit, our lady guide encouraged us to ‘ask anything we liked about the mosque, the religion and the culture’. Befrocked in their abayas (compulsory for women tourists and handed to all who qualify at the gate), a lively group of  ladies asked why men and women [had to] pray separately. Without flinch, our guide explained the drawbacks of assuming the Islamic physical stance for prayer (knees, nose and forehead on the floor; hence posterior inevitably raised) with a group of gentlemen in the row behind. She also took time to point out that it was easier to concentrate on prayer without risking the distraction of ‘an absolutely gorgeous guy’ (her words) nearby.

Whatever your tradition, whether God is a dear, longstanding friend or a tedium strictly reserved for others, Zayed’s creation is one of the most spiritually uplifting places to ponder these mysteries or indeed any others on your mind!

*I have only read translations, analyses and commentaries rather than the full Arabic version