Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque : Majestic Marble Mosque

mr. khairul called it the white mosque. made of white marble, i guess it is pretty fitting. looking so majestic from far away, made more resplendent with the sun shining. the sunlight, reflecting upon the snow white marble gave it an illusion of an arabian castle built on white clouds.

simply breathtaking.

 

with my eldest son khaleef in front of sheikh zayed grand mosque. stunningly beautiful! amazing! gorgeous! I’m gonna be lost for words after this – I need a thesaurus!

 

fun facts about sheikh zayed grand mosque :

• can fit 40,000 worshippers
• it features 82 domes, and over a 1,000 columns
• the outside columns are decorated in a floral design with semi-precious stones, and 96 columns in the main prayer hall, each inlaid with pearls
• it has 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers decked in swarovski crystals
• the floors in the prayer hall is covered with the world's largest hand knotted carpet;
  designed by iranian artist ali khaliqi and hand crafted by 1,300 artisans
• the main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers –10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing 12 tonnes
• the mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site. sheikh zayed is the late president of UAE (some say bapa UAE, macam tunku abd rahman kita)

 

me, khairul’s mom, khairul’s aunt maklang & sis tina

 

the first time I was here was with my mom-in-law (in salmon-colored tudung) when she was here in 2009 after I delivered my 2nd son kahfi. I’ve also taken my abah and umi to perform prayers here.

fast-forward to 2014, now again with my mom-in-law and her sis maklang and my sis-in-law. khairul’s aunt saw a recording of the eid prayers held in sheikh zayed grand mosque, and has been wanting to come see for herself ever since. alhamdulillah, a dream come true!

 

the car park of the mosque is like the underground park to a shopping mall! here we are walking from the lift towards the prayer halls.

 

entering the courtyard of the mosque – a picture from the outside, and another one from the inside.

 

the mosque courtyard is covered with flowery mosaic; easily one of the largest marble mosaic in the world. such amazingness to step on!

 

4 very tall minarets on the 4 corners of the mosque and bulbs of domes - 57 domes of 7 different sizes to be exact, covering the outside yard and the main building. standing at the courtyard, i can really see the domes popping out on top of the majestic mosque, like cendawan lepas hujan!

 

those long rows of columns? this is what they look like close-up. embedded with gorgeous flower motif lingering upwards towards bunches of gold-plated leaves.

 

me on the path towards the place for ablution

 

* * *

 

to go to the place of ablution, you need to go down the escalator, where the ceiling design is no less impressive. so pretty! look at that green tiles! the washroom is tiled like that too!

 

and this is where worshippers purify themselves with wudu’ (ablution). abu hurairah said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah (saw) say, ‘on the day of rising, my community will be called ‘those with white blazes on their foreheads and limbs’ from the effects of wudu’. so whoever of you can increase the extent of whiteness, should do so.’”

 

* * *

 

time to pray. only with mr. khairul’s mom, sis and aunt. mr. khairul took the boys to the main prayer hall to pray. this is where we can keep our shoes. if I’m not mistaken, if you’re skeptical in leaving your shoes here, the officers around the mosque can provide you with a plastic bag to keep your shoes. but insyaAllah, your shoes are safe in UAE!

 

this is not the main prayer hall, but my, it’s already SO stunning. I was dumbfounded for a few seconds, starring at the ceiling.

 

this cute arab girl kept looking at us getting ready for prayers, especially mr. khairul’s mom. probably not used to seeing our white prayer garments – ye la mak dia dah pakai jubah, pakai tudung tu cukup lah kan! actually, that’s the truth – as long as you cover your aurah, it’s acceptable. like my sis syida said, ‘when you go out no matter where, if you’re not dressed ready for prayers (covering aurah properly) then you’re not really dressing properly.’ snap!

 

the place where the Qurans are kept is so pretty and elegant. even the clock on the wall too – that reminds us of the prayer times.

 

* * *

 

this is the wall outside of the main prayer hall that has the biggest carpet and the biggest chandelier in a mosque. it’s quite a magnificent sight! I wanna have this in my bedroom! bunga-bunga tu timbul tau!

 

to see how big and high up the pretty wall is, here’s my sis-in-law tina with her nephew khaleef standing by the side.

 

look at that chandelier. I actually prefer this design than the celebrated ‘world’s biggest chandelier in a mosque’. sigh. so beautiful. and we’re not even inside the prayer hall yet.

 

and here we are, inside the main prayer hall. covered with the world's largest hand knotted carpet; designed by iranian artist ali khaliqi and hand crafted by 1,300 artisans. the main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers –10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing 12 tonnes.

 

the world’s biggest chandelier in a mosque – here in the main prayer hall of sheikh zayed grand mosque.

 

the marble floor inside the main prayer hall is also adorned with lingering flower motif. love it so much!

 

this is just breathtaking. the 99 names (qualities or attributes) of Allah are featured on the kiblat wall in traditional kufi calligraphy. you can’t help but stand there for few moments; not only to admire the beauty of the wall but especially to reflect on the great attributes of our Creator.

 

the columns inside the prayer halls are 96 altogether; each inlaid with pearls. amazing.

 

* * *

 

oh my. even the place for ‘drinking water’ is so lovely.

 

 

unlike other mosques in abu dhabi, the sheikh zayed grand mosque is open daily to visitors, muslims or non-muslims; except on friday morning, which is for worshippers only. this leniency is given in order to promote cultural and religious understanding. it is also an architectural marvel that should be shared irrespective of religion.

remember to dress respectfully, covering your body appropriately. however, black abayas are available (and kandoora for the men) for guests to wear if they came unprepared.

 

 

the sheikh zayed grand mosque is really an amazing mosque with magnificent persian and moorish architecture. there’s a certain tranquility as you take the long walk across the beautiful floor with the flower mosaic; or sit staring at the beautifully lined columns while waiting for the call for prayers; admiring the magnificence of the white marble domes as they glistened in the sun. even for non-muslims, this should be a spiritual experience that will – I promise – bring you peace.

Mr. Khairul in Damascus

mr. khairul was on the move again. this time he covered damascus, syria and then amman, jordan. 9 hari merantau mencari rezeki untuk keluarga tercinta ewah!

like any smart traveller - for business or pleasure - it's only natural to indulge yourself in the culture, food and people of the country you're in, or else you're just wasting God's heaven on earth!

that's exactly what mr. khairul did. in between his business visits, he went around to check out damascus, and why it's dubbed 'the jewel of the arabic world'.


damascus is the capital of syria; one of its 14 states. it's widely known as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world - rich in culture, religion and history that dates back to thousands of years.

ready to go back in time?

* * *

one such example of a really old place is the ummayad mosque - one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. located in one of the holiest sites in the old city of damascus, it's also the site of makam nabi yahya.

wah. ape perasaannya melawat makam seorang nabi, ye? mr. khairul diam. tenang.

for more than 3000 years it had always been a sacred place - begining with a grand temple during the roman empire, then a church and was turned into a mosque by kalifah khalid ibn al-walid.

when mr. khairul went, he got the chance to witness the imam besar of damascus having a meeting with 'orang-orang masjid' kot!

* * *

i like this story the best! fluffy white mountainous blobs on a table, surrounded by little bowls already filled, with chopped pistachios sprinkled on top - what is it?

it's the arab ice-cream!

'bakdash' is a well-known ice cream parlor in damascus. the shop was established around 1885 in al-hamidiyah souq in the old city of Damascus.

it is famous for its pistachio-covered 'booza', a pounded ice cream with an elastic texture made of mastic and sahlab. it is famous around the arab world and has become a popular touristic attraction.

~ wikipedia

lawak kan aiskrim tu pelepuk je kat atas meja tu! too bad ice-cream melts. if not would've asked mr. khairul to bring home some. hihi.

* * *

"damascus makan best tak?" i asked mr. khairul. and he told me.

this restaurant is said to be so famous in damascus, that even our ex-prime minister tun mahathir once ate here. there's even a picture of him framed on the wall.

the al-khawali restaurant serves the best syrian cuisine - marinated chicken or lamb on skewers - the works. however, mr khairul said to be honest, he has had better arab cuisine elsewhere!


the interior is undeniably mid eastern - with arabesque plaster, carved wooden windows and high ceiling complete with gorgeous chandelier. traditional seatings surround the restaurant.

it's actually a restored damascus courtyard house, preserving the unique, traditional look of a mid-eastern interior.

mr. khairul hangs out with schoolmate nata who works in damascus

* * *

fancy a sauna time at a fancy spa in a posh golf resort?

or hey, how about relaxing yourself at a sauna in the oldest bath in damascus - the noor al deen al shaheed, said to be hundreds of year old!

mr. khairul went here with his schoolmate who's working in damascus, along with a few malaysian students.

"it's mostly restored, tapi jubin-jubin ni beratus tahun ni!" mr. khairul pointed out as we clicked through the pictures.

* * *

speaking of pictures, looking at mr. khairul's tons of photographs, i can imagine damascus having its own unique character - in terms of its mid east architecture, especially - old, still maintaining its traditional look, classic and everlasting.

...because dubai is so freakin ultra-modern with shiny skyscrapers racing to reach the skies that you wouldn't know you're in an arab country!

Umrah : Safe Journey Abah!

abah will fly off today to perform umrah with umi. i can only offer my doa that it'll be a smooth flight and for abah and umi to stay healthy and fit throughout. may Allah protect them in their journey!

doakan kami duk selamat dan baik-baik belaka di dubai ni ye, abah!

* * *

my niece sufya on the high chair, umi, abah, azot, syidot & syimot holding to her 2nd one, marissa

syidot, syimot holding marissa, umi with suffiya in front, abah and my bro-in-law din

these are abah's latest picture.

abah took syima and family, along with my younger sisters the wombats syida and azi to a yemeni restaurant. what else - for nasi mandi! you'd better take me here when i'm back! yah yah - i don't care how many times i can eat nasi mandi HERE in dubai, i still wanna go to this place where you guys went!

sigh. i miss abah.

azi dan tisu untuk Yang

owh, and this is my youngest sis azi posing with a tissue paper from the restaurant. why - you may ask.

for those who are new to syigim's quirkiness might not know that i collect tissue paper, serviettes or paper napkins from restaurants, cafes' - almost ANYWHERE where they have printed tissues.

and to date i have more than 500 - five-oh-oh - yes, that's five hundred - tissue papers from cafes, restaurants of every imaginable themes, pizza parlours, ice-cream booths, hotels, airlines, even restoran nasi bungkus from all over the world (cewah) kept in three separate boxes. really.

wanna know more? click here.

Mekah Beckons - Safe Journey!

it's a deep sense of joy knowing someone is going to Mekah. knowing that they've received that special calling. knowing that they'd be in the presence of other believers in the same mission. knowing that they'd experience something greater than themselves.

i've never been there though believe it or not, all my sisters have! i think i was having my exams in uia at the time...abah has been there more than once, once with mak.

i hope one day i can go with mr. khairul, God willing!

with mama and her first grandchild, mira

just last week my mama and ayah angkat, che'gu zabedah (retired principal) and encik ramli went to perform *umrah. they left on the 24th. mama was not exactly in the best of health, but you know what they say - though the body is in need of rest, the heart is ever-willing when it comes to the call of Mekah. there, they will find peace.

right before they boarded the plane, i got a chance to call them, "take it easy and don't push yourself, ok? doctor cakap ok ke nak pergi ni?" - "better now than never!" was her simplest reply.

she is always the gutsy lady in her sweet, calm demeanour.


i'll be sending some doas your way, mama and ayah. do take it easy and rest whenever you can. safe journey home!

"*The ʿUmrah or (Arabic: عمرة‎) is a pilgrimage to Mecca performed by Muslims that can be undertaken at any time of the year...It is sometimes called the 'minor pilgrimage' or 'lesser pilgrimage', the Hajj being the 'major' pilgrimage and which is compulsory for every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it. The Umrah is not compulsory but highly recommended."

~wikipedia

thanks, zira for the pictures!

3rd Largest Mosque in The World

do you know which is the 3rd biggest mosque in the world?

with mr. khairul's mom in front of the Grand Mosque, abu dhabi

let's to abu dhabitoday would be the final day to jalan-jalan with my mom-in-law and teh. they will fly back to malaysia tomorrow. mr. khairul suggested a big bang, climatic end to his mom's cuti-cuti dubai by going to Abu Dhabi, one of the 7 emirates, and the capital of UAE. abu dhabi is right next to dubai - just like a drive from kl to tapah, perak. dah datang dubai, rugi lah tak pergi!

me outside the mosque. note the first pict - the makam diraja - no cameras are allowed near that enclosed area

big mosquewhat better way to remember a trip to abu dhabi than visiting the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan Grand Mosque, the 3rd biggest mosque in the world. mr. khairul really wanted to bring abah to this mosque when he was here but it had been a tiring week and abah just wanted to hang back and relax without traveling too far, too long. maybe on your next visit, ye abah?

mr. khairul called it the white mosque. made entirely out of white marble, i guess it is pretty fitting. looking so majestic from far away, made more resplendant with the setting sun. the dim sunlight, reflecting upon the white marble gave it an ilusion of being built on white clouds. however, driving closer, you might be disappointed by the unfinished landscape - and a lot of other parts of the exterior still under construction.

it is newly opened during ramadhan 2007. obviously it is named after the founder and the first president of the UAE, who is also buried there in a specially built marble makam diraja. Quranic recital can be heard emanating throughout the royal mausoleum.

right outside the prayer halls - notice the floral marble design beneath my feet?

it is illegal for non-muslims to enter mosques in the UAE, but here they are able to enter with proper clothing and headgear which can be provided at the entrance of the prayer halls. this leniency is given in order to promote cultural and religious understanding. it is also an architectural marvel that should be shared irrespective of religion.

see the one of the minarets and the floral-marble-paved courtyard

a vast courtyard awaits once inside. surrounded by the prayer halls, 4 very tall minarets on the 4 courners of the mosque and bulbs of domes - 57 domes of 7 different sizes to be exact, covering the outside yard and the main building. standing at the courtyard, i can really see the domes popping out on top of the majestic mosque, like cendawan lepas hujan!




colored floral marble and mosaics paved the courtyard of the mosque - simply wonderful! the pillars stretching across the mosque also has the floral marble design.


world record
the mosque also has

• the largest carpet
• the biggest chandelier
• the largest dome of its kind in the world

it does remind of the taj mahal - but it also has its own pure charm with its white shiny marble and the immensity of its size. visiting this beautiful mosque also got me thinking of my state's beloved mosque, Ubudiah Mosque in kuala kangsar which is a quaint mosque with interesting belang-belang design on the minaret. also, feeling guilty for not having visited the Crystal Mosque in terengganu.

we may not have the biggest mosque in the world, but they are equally unique and amazing in its design.




oh, and guess what we saw at one of the roundabouts in abu dhabi?
coolness.