by ALI MOHAMMADI
Mosques provide a great opportunity to explore Muscat from a cultural, historic, and architectural aspect, so we thought of showcasing eight of the most beautiful mosques in Muscat. Many of the mosques listed below are also some of the world’s most extravagant, with structures that cost hundreds of millions of dollars. A number of these mosques are also open to non-Muslims to enter and explore, free of charge.
1. Al Zawawi Mosque
Al Zawawi Mosque is located in Al Khuwair and was opened in 1985. This mosque was built by the Al Zawawi family in memory of one of their family members. Beautifully set up on a square in the Ministries District of Al Khuwair, the mosque looks like an oasis of golden elegance. Inside the mosque, you’d find the whole text of the Quran inscribed on metallic plates, gracing the interior walls of the mosque. Al Zawawi mosque is not open for Non-Muslims.
2. Sultan Taimur bin Faisal Mosque
Sultan Taimur bin Faisal Mosque was built in memory of the grandfather of Sultan Qaboos. It is located in Ma’abelah North and was opened in 2012. The mosque is built in the style of 16th century Mongolic structures and features many elements of modern Omani architecture. Sultan Taimur bin Faisal Mosque is open to Non-Muslims between 8am to 11am Saturday to Thursday.
3. Sayyidah Maizoon bint Ahmed Mosque
Sayyidah Maizoon bint Ahmed Mosque was built in memory of the mother of Sultan Qaboos. Located in Al Mawalih neighbourhood of Seeb, this mosque was first opened in 2006. The mosque is built in a breathtakingly minimalist outer design and is full of intricate, delicate calligraphy engravings in its interior hall. Maizoon Mosque is not open to non-Muslims.
4. Sultan Said bin Taimur Mosque
Sultan Said bin Taimur Mosque is probably the most visually striking place of worship in Oman. It was built in the memory of the father of Sultan Qaboos, it is located in Al Khuwair near the Higher College of Technology and was first opened in 1999. The mosque is built in the style of Ottoman mosques which are found in Turkey and features a breathtaking blend of colours and calligraphy. Sultan Said bin Taimur mosque is not open to non-Muslims.
5. Mosque of the Great Prophet
Mosque of the Great Prophet (Al Rasool Al Azam Mosque) is the principal mosque for the Lawati tribe in Muscat. It is located on the corniche of Muttrah and was originally built in the 15th century. The mosque was renovated numerous times over the years the last of which was in the 90s. The Mosque of the Great Prophet features a gorgeous blue dome and a blue minaret with Quranic scriptures. Various Shia ceremonies and celebrations can be seen outside the mosque during special times of the year. The Mosque of the Great Prophet is not open to Non-Muslims.
6. Al Khor Mosque
The Al Khor Mosque is located behind the Al Alam Palace and Al Mirani Fort in Old Muscat, it was built in the late 19th century and renovated multiple times over the years, most recently in the year 1980 by His Majesty. The mosque is commonly known as the “Mosque of the Family” in reference to the Royal Family of Oman. Al Khor mosque features a tiled ceiling with scriptures of the 99 divine names of Allah and two almost fully tinted glass sidewalls. Interestingly, this mosque does not have a large ceiling dome. Al Khor mosque is open to non-Muslims between 8am and 11am Saturday to Thursday.
7. Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque
Mohammed Al Ameen Mosque, commonly known as Bahwan Mosque, is often mistaken by visitors to Muscat as the Grand Mosque due to its prime location in Bousher that can be seen from almost any highway going towards Muscat. Though privately financed, the Al Ameen Mosque is in the scale of a royal Omani mosque with a Persian Carpet of 2,500 sq.m reputed to be the third-largest handmade carpet in the world. Mohammed Al Ameen mosque is open for non-Muslims.
8. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the grand jewel of royal Omani architecture and one of the most beautiful mosques ever built. It is located in Azaiba on the Sultan Qaboos Highway and cannot be missed. Its hand made Persian rug and its Swarovski crystal chandelier were both at some point considered the largest in the world. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to Non-Muslims between 8am to 11am Saturday to Thursday.
About the Contributor: Ali Mohammadi is a blogger and tour guide who has been running Oman Tripper since 2012. His blog was founded in order for him to showcase and share some of the fantastic places worth visiting in Oman. Ali is also a licensed tour guide and conducts customised tours and hiking trips whenever time permits. Read more stories at OmanTripper.com and follow him on social media at OmanTripper
