Exploring The Many Mosques Of Bahrain: A Comprehensive Guide

There are a large number of mosques in Bahrain, famous for their distinctive Islamic decorations. The Al Fateh Grand Mosque, also known as the Al Fateh Islamic Centre and Al Fateh Mosque, is the largest in terms of capacity and among the largest in the world. It is beautifully decorated with Kufic script and crowned with the largest fibreglass dome in the world. The Beit al-Quran Mosque, part of the Beit al-Quran Islamic museum, is also considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Bahrain. As of October 1, 2024, there were a total of 407 mosques in Bahrain.

The Al Fateh Grand Mosque is the largest in Bahrain

The mosque's interior boasts intricate Kufic calligraphy and magnificent Arabian architecture. The floors are made of Italian marble, the chandelier is from Austria, and the doors are crafted from teak wood from India. The dome, constructed entirely of fibreglass, weighs over 60 tons and holds the record for the world's largest fibreglass dome.

The Al Fateh Grand Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths and is one of the premier tourist attractions in Bahrain. Modest dress is required, and abayas and headscarves are provided free of charge. Guided tours are available in various languages, including English, French, Filipino, and Russian. The mosque is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Saturday through Thursday, and is closed on Fridays for worship.

In addition to its role as a place of worship, the mosque regularly hosts events and exhibitions, and free reading materials are available in multiple languages. The library of the Ahmed Al-Fateh Islamic Centre houses around 7,000 books, including centuries-old copies of the teachings of Muhammad and other significant Islamic texts.

The Al Fateh Grand Mosque is a stunning example of Bahrain's cultural richness and a testament to the country's Islamic heritage.

There are 407 mosques in Bahrain

One of the most famous mosques in Bahrain is the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, also known as the Al Fateh Islamic Centre and the Ahmed Al Fateh Mosque. Located in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, it is the largest mosque in the country in terms of capacity, accommodating more than 7,000 worshippers. The mosque was built under the patronage of the late Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa and opened in 1988. It covers an area of 6,500 square meters and features beautiful decorations in Kufic script, as well as the largest fibreglass dome in the world.

Another notable mosque is the Al-Khamis Mosque, one of the oldest in Bahrain and the Arab world. Built around 692 AD, it features identical double minarets that make it easily identifiable. The mosque dates back to the eleventh century and was rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries, with the addition of the twin minarets.

The Beit al-Quran Mosque, part of the Beit al-Quran Islamic museum, is also worth mentioning. The building houses a mosque, a showroom, a religious school, and a museum with a variety of art galleries. It boasts an impressive collection of Quranic manuscripts and a library of over 50,000 books in Arabic, English, and French, most of which focus on Islam.

The Yateem Mosque, built by Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1992, is known for its unique minaret and elaborately sculpted geometrical patterns inside. It is considered one of the best mosques in Bahrain and is open to visitors outside of prayer times.

With 407 mosques, Bahrain offers a wealth of Islamic architecture and cultural significance for both worshippers and visitors to explore and appreciate.

The Al Khamis Mosque is one of the oldest in Bahrain

There are 407 mosques in Bahrain as of October 2024. One of the oldest is the Al Khamis Mosque, which was built around 692 CE during the era of the Umayyad Caliph Umar II. The foundation of the mosque is believed to date back to the 11th century and has been rebuilt twice, in the 14th and 15th centuries, when its identical twin minarets were added. The mosque has been partially restored recently and is considered a living proof of Bahrain's rich history and architecture.

The Al Khamis Mosque is located in Bilad Al Qadim, which translates as "The Old Town" or "The Old Country". The area has been inhabited since at least the 8th century, as evidenced by archaeological findings. The mosque is easily recognisable due to its twin minarets, which can be seen from a distance when driving along the Shaikh Salman Road in Khamis. The name 'Al Khamis' means Thursday, which may have been the market day in this area.

The mosque has three main sections: the entrance, which hosts a small visitor centre with aerial photos, artefacts, and other exhibits; a large open space where remains of old structures and a collapsed shrine can be found; and the mosque itself. The site is well-maintained, clean, and accessible, with a gently sloping pavement that allows for easy navigation. The twin minarets can be entered and climbed, although the spaces are narrow and small. The Al Khamis Mosque is of great historical and cultural significance, offering valuable insights into the propagation of Islam in Bahrain and the region.

The original site and foundations of the Al Khamis Mosque are believed to date back to the late 7th century. The first minaret was constructed in the 11th century, with the second minaret added in the 13th century. An early prayer hall with a flat roof supported by wooden columns was built in the 14th century, and a section of the flat roof was later added, resting on arches and thick masonry piers dated to the 15th century. Attached to the mosque were a Quranic school (Madrasa) and a hostel, accommodating students from neighbouring countries who came to study Islamic knowledge.

The Beit al-Quran Mosque is attached to an Islamic museum

The Kingdom of Bahrain is home to a plethora of mosques, one of which is the Beit al-Quran Mosque. This mosque is unique in that it is attached to the Beit al-Quran Islamic museum, forming a multi-purpose complex dedicated to the Islamic arts. Located in Hoora, Bahrain, the complex was established in 1990 and is known for its Islamic museum, recognised as one of the most renowned in the world.

The Beit al-Quran Mosque is part of a larger complex that includes a library, an auditorium, a madrasa, and the museum itself, consisting of ten exhibition halls. The exterior design of the complex is inspired by an old-fashioned 12th-century mosque, with a large stained glass dome covering the grand hall and the mosque. The Mihrab, indicating the direction to Mecca, is adorned with blue ceramic tiles featuring an engraved Al Qursi Qur'anic verse.

The attached museum, the Beit al-Quran, or the House of the Quran, is dedicated to Islamic heritage and the understanding of the Holy Quran. It houses a remarkable collection of ancient Qurans, with copies from almost every century since the advent of Islam in 610. Among these is the English translation by George Sale, which was purchased by Thomas Jefferson. The museum also boasts early translations into other European languages.

In addition to the Qurans, the museum displays Islamic calligraphy, manuscripts, and woodcarvings. Visitors can admire the intricate calligraphy and beautifully illuminated Quranic texts, along with historic Islamic artefacts, jewellery, and decorated glass utensils that showcase the influence of Islamic heritage on art worldwide. The museum also includes a library with over 50,000 books and manuscripts in Arabic, English, and French, specialising in Islamic art and containing internationally significant reference books.

The Beit al-Quran Mosque and its attached museum offer a wealth of knowledge and cultural insight, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Islam and its artistic traditions. The complex is open to the public from Saturday to Wednesday, with specific timings, and visitors are advised to dress conservatively when visiting.

The Yateem Mosque was built by Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1992

There are a large number of masjids in Bahrain, each with its own distinctive Islamic decorations and architectural styles. As of October 1, 2024, there were 407 mosques in the country. One of these is the Yateem Mosque, located in Manama, the capital and largest city of Bahrain.

However, the true beauty of the Yateem Mosque lies within. Past its impressive exterior, four pillars framed by exquisite Kufic calligraphy support the twin arches of the mosque's mihrab, or niche, which indicates the direction of Mecca. This mihrab is elaborately carved in different repeating geometric patterns, creating a mesmerising and dizzying effect.

The Yateem Mosque is open to respectful visits by tourists outside of prayer times, although it is important to note that there is no Friday prayer held here. This mosque is considered one of the best in Bahrain and is a testament to the country's rich Islamic culture and history.

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