Grand Mosque, Kuwait

Today I joined my friend Enas on a trip to the Grand Mosque.  I was hesitant about the excursion, uncertain if we would be allowed admittance.  As a  Muslim woman, Enas sounded confident as she  stressed there would not be a problem,  providing we arrived prior to the mid morning call to prayer.   How pleased I was to learn she was correct.

After donning the mandatory abayas, we met our tour guide Madeeha, a veiled woman proficient in all things related to the Mosque and her faith Islam.     The Grand Mosque, at over 215,000 square feet, was completed in 1986 after seven years of construction.  The main prayer room can accommodate 10,000 worshipers and is used primarily for ceremonial religious functions; a separate mens prayer room, accommodating 500 men, is used for daily prayer.  The ladies prayer area is located overlooking the main prayer room and can accommodate 950 women.  The center  dome is over 85 feet in diameter and 140 feet high, making it one of the largest domes in the world.  There are 21 hand carved teakwood doors and the room is lighted by 144 windows.  Chandeliers, some made in Italy of 24 carat gold, others made in Germany from Bavarian crystal,  light the hall in the evening.   Several elaborately carved tile niches provide cleverly designed teaching sanctuaries.

We finished our tour just as the muzzein called the prayer.  As I waited in the courtyard for Enas, I noticed this window leading to the womens prayer room.

The mosque is a beautiful tribute for the people of Kuwait.  I plan to visit again, this time being sure to bring my wide angle lens.