Although Bahrain is just a small island, one can find mosques of different sizes almost everywhere in this country. However, the Al-fateh Mosque, also known as The Grand Mosque or the Al-Fateh Islamic Centre, is the biggest mosque of all, at this point of time.
An impressive sight by day and overwhelmingly gorgeous at night, one can never miss it as it is strategically located in Juffair, by the side of the busy Al-fateh Highway.
Here are some of the facts about the mosque:-
1. The total area of the mosque is about 15 hectares
2. The construction work started in December 1984 and the Mosque was opened to the public in June 1988.
3. The Grand Mosque also consists of a library, students dormitory, and service utilities.
4. The Mosque can accommodate 7000 worshipers at a time; 5000 in the main hall, 1800 in the courtyard and 200 in the women's prayer hall.
5. The dome above the main prayer hall from the inside is about 40 metres from ground level with a diameter of 25 metres and has 12 windows inscribed with the name of ALLAH in the center in green color.
6. The dome is made of a 60 ton fibreglass to make it cooler during summer time
7. The main building has two minarets, each rising to 70 metres above ground feet.
8. The center has 952 lamps, 78 lusters and 76 wall lights, all made in France.
9. The floor of the Mosque is covered with 2774 square meters of carpeting, custom manufactured in Scotland.
10. The total estimated cost of the Mosque including all its extensions, was BD 7,500,0oo.
11. Visitors inclusive non-moslems are allowed to explore the Mosque and there are guided tours scheduled everyday from 10am to 4pm.
And, just outside the Mosque, near the parking space, one would be able to see lots of dates trees of various kinds being planted ready to be explored. If you are lucky enough, you will able to pluck the dates in person when they are ready to be harvested, sometime in August or September.
This Mosque is definitely one of the most special places to be visited.
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