Does the name Masjid Salma ring a bell? Perhaps not yet. But I am about to change that.
Welcome. Today we explore one of Muscat’s gems. Though perhaps not as widely known as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Masjid Salma holds its own charm.
Muscat offers a great chance to explore culture. It provides historic and architectural insights. Many mosques here showcase extravagant worship structures. Some cost hundreds of millions of dollars. A number are open to non-Muslims for exploration free of charge. However, I don’t have that information for Masjid Salma.
Let’s discuss some other beautiful mosques in Muscat. The Al Zawawi Mosque is in Al Khuwair. It opened in 1985. The Al Zawawi family built it. They built it to honor a family member. This mosque sits on a square in the Ministries District of Al Khuwair. It is like a golden oasis. The entire Quran is inscribed on metallic plates. These plates are on the interior walls. Non-Muslims cannot enter.
The Sultan Taimur bin Faisal Mosque was opened in 2012. It commemorates Sultan Qaboos’ grandfather. You can find it in Mabilah North. It blends 16th-century Mongolic styles. It includes modern Omani royal architecture. Non-Muslims can visit from 8 am to 11 am, Saturday to Thursday.
Another mosque to consider is Sayyidah Maizoon bint Ahmed Mosque. It honors Sultan Qaboos’ mother. Located in Al Mawalih, it opened in 2006. Its outer design is minimalist. Inside, you’ll find delicate calligraphy engravings. This mosque is not open to non-Muslims.
The Talib bin Mohammed Mosque stands out. It’s in Muttrah, behind Souq Muttrah. Its minaret bursts with colors. They resemble those of Hindu temples. The mosque is named after Talib bin Mohammed Al Zakwani. He owns properties nearby. Non-Muslims cannot enter.
The Mosque of the Great Prophet is significant. It serves Muscat’s Lawati tribe. Originally built in the 15th century. It features a blue dome. A blue minaret displays Quranic scriptures. Shia ceremonies take place outside during special times. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside.
The Sultan Said bin Taimur Mosque honors Sultan Qaboos’ father. It’s in Al Khuwair near the Technical College. It showcases Ottoman-style architecture. The mosque features a mix of colors and calligraphy. Non-Muslims cannot enter.
Al Khor Mosque sits behind Al Alam Palace and Al Mirani Fort. It was built in the late 19th century. Sultan Qaboos renovated it in 1980. Known as the Mosque of the Family, it refers to the Royal Family of Oman. Its tiled ceiling displays the 99 divine names of Allah. Two tinted glass side walls add beauty. Non-Muslims are welcome between 8 am and 11 am, Saturday to Thursday.
Finally, there is Al Zulfa Mosque. It’s also known as the Royal Guards of Oman Mosque. It opened in 1992. You’ll find it on the Sultan Qaboos Highway in Al Seeb. It features over 20 domes. Tinted glasswork surrounds the mihrab. Non-Muslims cannot enter.
While Masjid Salma may not have the worldwide fame of the Grand Mosque, it shares in the rich heritage of Muscat’s mosques.