“Islam bringing the nations of the world together.” That is the vision behind Al Tasamuh Mosque. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized tolerance. He wanted Dubai to be a center of togetherness. Al Tasamuh Mosque embodies this vision programmatically.
Al Tasamuh Mosque promotes tolerance. It has an open design to foster understanding. The mosque complex includes an Islamic Studies center. It also has an Islamic Gallery. This gallery circles the mosque program. Both worshippers and non-worshippers can access it.
The gallery glows translucently. It floats above the landscape. This calls people to respect the landscape. It also encourages learning about Islam.
The circle is a key design element of Al Tasamuh Mosque. The circle represents totality and perfection. The mosque’s form takes the shape of a circle. Spiritually, this represents Allah’s endless influence. The circle emphasizes the importance of the whole self. This mosque completes the circuit of spiritual life.
Visitors walk counterclockwise in the Islamic Gallery. They look outwards to the Ras al Khor Wetlands. They see the Dubai skyline. Looking inward, they learn about Islam.
Sustainability is key to Al Tasamuh Mosque. The Islamic Gallery’s facade has smart translucent skin. This uses Building Integrated Photovoltaics. These reduce heat gain. They also harvest electricity. The prayer areas have natural ventilation. Prevailing winds cool the space.
During Ramadan and Eid, extended prayers occur. Air conditioning condensate water chills radiant cooling slabs. These are under and around the mosque. Roof gardens at the landscape level provide space. This allows space for over 2000 worshippers.
Al Tasamuh Mosque creates a universal landscape of prayer. It is for a universal congregation. Respect for the world is respect for God. The mosque restores the ecology of the creek. This creates a place of prayer. The mosque and boardwalk promote biodiversity. Submerged fish habitat shelves are present. Arabian oyster reefs exist. Mangrove restoration zones are created. Bird habitats are in the mosque’s minaret.
The Ecological program welcomes tourists. They visit the regionally significant wetlands. The Religious program invites people. They learn the history of Islam. They can learn about the process of Hajj. Dubai sees the mosque as a place to appreciate the pilgrimage. This is before arriving in Mecca.
Al Tasamuh Mosque is a simple space. It connects to The Tower. It is a landscape within a landscape. The majesty of Allah is honored. This is done through respect for the land. Tawhid expresses oneness with God. Place and God are inseparable. Respect for the landscape is respect for God. The whole earth can be a mosque. Al Tasamuh Mosque creates a landscape of tolerance and hope. The people of the world can come together here.