Twenty-five thousand worshippers. Can you imagine that many people gathered in one place? Welcome to the University of Sharjah Mosque. This magnificent structure isn’t just a mosque. It’s a symbol of Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage. Construction began in 2014. The project cost a staggering 300 million dirhams. That’s a lot of money for faith.
The University of Sharjah Mosque opened in 2019. Ruler of Sharjah Shaikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi inaugurated it. To mark this momentous occasion special commemorative coins were issued. One was gold. The other was silver. Both bore verses from the Quran.
More than just a place of worship the University of Sharjah Mosque boasts a library. It offers Dawah to non-Muslims. Dawah is the Islamic practice of inviting others to the faith. It provides a space for dialogue and understanding.
The mosque’s size is breathtaking. Its gardens and facilities cover two million square feet. That’s almost 190,000 square meters. The King Faisal Mosque formerly the largest in Sharjah is much smaller. The University of Sharjah Mosque truly dwarfs it.
Inside the main prayer hall over 5000 people can pray. Separate areas cater to women. The front hall and side lobbies can accommodate thousands more. The outdoor area can hold over 13500. In total the mosque can hold a massive 25000 people.
Practicality blends with spirituality. The mosque has ample parking. Over 2200 cars and buses can park within the complex. A rubber track surrounds the complex. This provides a walking path for visitors. A souvenir shop museum and fountains add to the visitor experience. The mosque even provides 100 wheelchairs for the elderly. Thoughtful design extends to two ablution areas for ritual cleansing.
Sheikh Sultan toured the mosque’s collection hall. This impressive space houses Islamic books and antiques. The collection spans various historical eras. A 3D hologram show and documentary further enrich the visitor’s understanding of the mosque’s history and significance. The University of Sharjah Mosque isn’t just a building. It is a living testament to faith community and architectural splendor. A place of worship contemplation and cultural exchange.