DK Travel : Dubai & Abu Dhabi : Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque

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Dubai’s culture is rooted in Islam, a fact that touches all aspects of everyday life. Virtually every neighbourhood has its own mosque, but the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly Jumeirah Mosque. This fine example of modern Islamic architecture was built in 1998. It is a dramatic sight set against blue skies and especially breathtaking at night, when it is lit up and its artistry is thrown into relief. Built of smooth white stone, the mosque, with its elaborately decorated twin minarets and majestic dome, is a city landmark and an important place of worship.
Opposite the mosque is Japengo Café: it’s a pleasant spot for a drink or light lunch on the terrace. The mosque tours are intended to help visitors gain a real understanding of the Islamic faith, so make the most of the question time to find out what you would like to know. Photo–graphy is permitted. Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter mosques, but twice-weekly cultural visitor tours permit you to enter this mosque’s interior.

Top 10 Features

1. Mosque Architecture

1. Mosque Architecture

With its vast central dome, this mosque is inspired by the Anatolian style. The exterior is decorated in geometric relief over the stonework.
2. Minarets

2. Minarets

Two minarets crown this mosque. The height of the tallest one – the highest point of the “House of Allah” – is deter-mined by how far the call to prayer should be heard.
3. Mihrab

3. Mihrab

The attractive mihrab – the niche in the wall of this and every mosque that indicates the qibla, the direction one should face when praying – gives the impression of a door or a passage to Mecca.
4. Minbar

4. Minbar

The minbar is the pulpit from which the Imam (leader of prayer) stands to deliver the khutba (Friday sermon).
5. “Open Doors, Open Minds” Tour

5. “Open Doors, Open Minds” Tour

The “Open Doors, Open Minds” interactive guided mosque tour run by the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, offers an opportunity to admire the subtle interior decoration and to gain insight into the Islamic religion.
6. Five Pillars of Islam

The “Five Pillars of Islam” are: Shahadah, the belief in the oneness of God; Salat, the five daily prayers; Zakat, alms-giving; Siyam, self-purification and Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.
7. Prayers

7. Prayers

The adhan (call to prayer) rings out five times a day – all able Muslims must supplicate themselves to Allah by praying on a musalla (traditional mat).
8. Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink and other physical needs. This is a time for purification and to focus on Allah.
9. The Haj

Every able-bodied Muslim is expected to make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, once. Each year millions of Muslims from all over the globe do so to be forgiven of sins, to pray and to celebrate the glory of Allah.
10. Mosque Etiquette

10. Mosque Etiquette

Dubai may be cosmo-politan, but in keeping with mosque etiquette, you must dress conser–vatively to enter. No shorts or sleeveless tops for either sex; women must wear a headscarf. Remove your shoes before entering.

Practical Information

Opposite the mosque is Japengo Café: it’s a pleasant spot for a drink or light lunch on the terrace. The mosque tours are intended to help visitors gain a real understanding of the Islamic faith, so make the most of the question time to find out what you would like to know. Photo–graphy is permitted. Beach Road, Jumeirah 971 4 344 7755 Mosque tours: Sat, Sun, Tue and Thu, 10am, AED 50, no booking required Tel: 971 4 353 6666 Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: www.cultures.ae Japengo Café 971 4 345 4979 open 10am–1am, Sat–Fri