What's inside the mosque. What is a mosque for a Muslim? After its discovery, the tomb became a place of pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims
And in its infancy, this term was used to describe a place, meaning any ritually acceptable piece of land.
The main mosque is considered to be the reserved mosque in (Masjid al-Haram), which houses the Islamic shrine -. In every Islamic city there are “cathedral” mosques that serve for large collective prayers in, as well as neighborhood mosques, mosques at train stations and airports, in rich houses and palaces.
The first mosque was built immediately after on the outskirts of Yathrib () in mid-623 next to the house. It was a very spacious mosque, where mainly Friday prayers were held. However, according to the text of the Koran, a mosque is not a necessary condition for performing this cult action: the whole world, given to a believer for possession, is suitable for veneration.
After the conquest of Mecca in 630, the Kaaba and the surrounding courtyard were also converted into a mosque. After this, mosques began to be built in all Muslim cities.
Since the 7th century. Two types of mosques coexisted: private prayer houses and mosques intended for the entire community, in which collective prayers were held on Fridays, performing not only a religious, but also an important political function. Most often the phrase masdjid djami’ is translated into Russian as “big” or “cathedral” mosque.
In the first centuries of Islam, rulers or governors made extensive use of the mosque: they kept the treasury, announced decrees to the people, gave speeches, and conducted trials. Gradually, the socio-political function of mosques weakened. However, to this day they continue to be a symbol of not only spiritual, but also secular unity of the Muslim community.
Mosque architecture
As for architectural features, a stable planning structure has been assigned to mosques only since the 16th century. However, it must be taken into account that mosques built on the periphery of the Muslim world (in,), in most cases, are relatively recent buildings, the architectural appearance of which was formed not so much under the influence of Islam, but under the influence of local building traditions.
Interior decoration
Different architectural types of mosques have developed in different areas of the Muslim world. The main features of mosques were determined at the end of the 7th century. Most mosques have one or more towers from which the call to prayer is proclaimed (). In the prayer room there is a niche indicating the direction to Mecca, towards which those praying should turn their faces. A preacher's pulpit is installed near the mihrab. The floor of the mosque and its courtyard are usually covered with carpets. Each mosque must have a natural or artificial pond for ritual. Women pray in a specially fenced off part of the common hall or in the galleries. Many mosques house book depositories. Some mosques are combined with tombs.
Many mosques are supported by community funds, but there are also those that exist at the expense of waqfs or government subsidies. There is no such thing in Islam, but from the first days of the existence of mosques, famous itinerant preachers (kussas) worked in them, who also served as mentors, interpreters of the Koran and teachers. Over time, in large mosques, a person present at prayer appears. He could be on the staff of the mosque and at the same time serve as treasurer. In many Muslim states, the organization and maintenance of mosques is the responsibility of officials; they appoint the imam. In addition to the imam, there is another significant figure in mosques - the mu'azzin (), a person who calls believers to prayer.
Servants of mosques - imams, khatibs, muezzins - do not possess holiness and grace (like, for example, Christian clergy); they act only as organizers of the ritual.
Attendance requirements
During prayer, believers are required to take off their shoes before entering the mosque.
In the West
The model for mosques built throughout the world as Islam spread was the masjid built in Medina next to the house of Muhammad. The architectural style of mosques depended on the era and region in which they were built. Sometimes mosques were built similar to churches, cruciform in plan. In different countries, under the influence of local aesthetic views, architectural and construction traditions, independent types of mosques have developed. In America, mosques are usually built in a strict Middle Eastern style so that they stand out from the background of prayer buildings of other faiths, attracting the attention of believers. However, in a number of communities, due to the cramped nature of urban development, mosques can be found in apartment buildings, in warehouses, and in premises intended for shops, which corresponds to the practice of organizing churches and synagogues.
It should be noted that in mosques there is no special rite of consecration of the house of worship, and the building can be used for another purpose if it no longer serves as a mosque. Many American mosques not only serve as places of communal prayer, but also serve as Islamic community centers, with kitchen facilities and banquet facilities for celebrating life-cycle events.
The Shah Cherakh Mausoleum is a funerary monument and mosque located in the city of Shiraz, Iran. The name literally translates as “king of light”, and this is quite justified. The mosque may look familiar from the outside, but you better hold your jaw tightly so as not to break it on the floor, because inside the mausoleum looks like something fantastic. The inside of the building is dotted with millions of tiny mirror shards, reflecting light in all directions, and the emerald color of the interior is so mesmerizing that Hogwarts is resting.
This is what the Shah Cherakh mosque-mausoleum looks like from the outside. It’s beautiful, of course, but nothing special, right?
But once you go inside, you will definitely change your mind.
According to one story, around 900 AD. the traveler noticed something shining in the distance
As he came closer, he saw that the source of the light was a grave in which lay the body of an important Muslim figure in armor.
After its discovery, the tomb became a place of pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims
Over time, this place was rebuilt, and the more time passed, the more complex the structure of the building became
Eventually the tomb became a temple
The fabulous beauty of the mosque and its brilliant shine attracts many pilgrims and tourists from all over the world
But first of all, this is, of course, a religious place
Despite the fact that the Shah Cherakh mausoleum suffered enormous damage from people, nature and time, thanks to numerous repairs and restorations it continues to stand to this day
List of must-visit places - +1.
The old Moscow Cathedral Mosque on Mira Avenue was remembered by city residents for its incredible popularity on the days of the main Muslim celebrations - Kurban Bayram and Eid al-Adha. On these days, the surrounding neighborhoods were blocked off and filled with thousands of worshipers.
And this is not surprising. The former building of the temple was significantly smaller in size than the current one. Today, the Moscow Cathedral Mosque is one of the most interesting architectural objects in the capital. Its tall minarets are visible far beyond Olympic Avenue.
More than a hundred years ago, there was a mosque on the site of the current luxurious building. The Moscow Cathedral Church was erected in 1904. The building will be built according to the design of the Moscow architect Nikolai Zhukov, mainly at the expense of the famous philanthropist, merchant Salikh Erzin. This mosque became the second Muslim temple in the capital, but after the mosque in Zamoskvorechye was closed (in 1937), the address Vypolzov Lane, building 7, became a symbol of Soviet Islam.
The temple received a safe conduct from Stalin himself, which was a telegram of gratitude for helping the front during the Second World War. In addition, the visits of famous leaders of Muslim states to Vypolzov Lane in the post-war years reliably protected the religious life of the temple.
Gamal Abdel Nasser, Sukarno, Muammar Gaddafi and other famous politicians who sought the favor of the leadership of the Soviet Union, during their visits to the capital, visited not only the Kremlin, but also stopped at some advanced enterprise, and without fail a mosque.
Visits of distinguished guests to the mosque were quite difficult and often did not go according to script. For example, in 1981, the leader of the Libyan Jamahiriya, who visited the mosque, did not follow diplomatic protocol. Gaddafi asked the imams why there were no young people in the temple in the prayer hall, where you can buy religious literature in Moscow, and offered financial assistance to the mosque.
The Iranians left portraits of Ayatollah Khomeini on the window sills of the mosque and invited the imam of the Moscow mosque A. Mustafin to come to Tehran, although neither the Soviet Union in general nor the Muslim religious leaders in particular had yet decided on their attitude towards the Islamic Revolution that had taken place.
Nevertheless, it was thanks to the international status of the mosque that it was preserved. This allowed open prayers to be held in the Soviet capital. The imams of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque became frequent guests at government receptions.
Imams of the mosque
Among the imams who served in the mosque over the years, the following should be highlighted: Bedretdin Alimov (the first imam), Safu Alimovov, Abdulvadud Fattakhetdinov, Ismail Mushtaria, Akhmetzyan Mustafin Rizautdin Basyrov, Ravil Gainutdin, Rais Bilyalov, Ildar Alyautdinov.
Today there are six imams serving in the temple. Ildar Alyautdinov is the chief imam of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. He is assisted by Mustafa Kütyukçü, Rais Bilyalov, Anas Sadretdinov, Islam Zaripov and Vais Bilyaletdinov, the oldest imam (30 years of service). In Soviet times, this was the only mosque in the city that did not stop working and regularly held services.
Construction of a new temple
By the end of the twentieth century, the mosque was increasingly being called dilapidated and in need of renovation or reconstruction. Under this pretext, they tried to demolish the building on the eve of the 1980 Olympics; it was saved only by the intervention of the Muslim community in Moscow and the ambassadors of some Arab countries.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the mosque received the status of a cultural heritage monument, but not for long. Soon the status was canceled, recognizing the building as dilapidated and subject to demolition. Moreover, by this time the mosque could no longer accommodate all the believers even for Friday prayers.
In 2011, the old building was completely dismantled. For several years, prayers were held in temporary premises. Construction was accompanied by numerous legal proceedings between the authors of the project, Alexey Kolenteev and Ilyas Tazhiev, with the customer, represented by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims. Nevertheless, in 2005 it was decided to carry out large-scale reconstruction. And in 2011, construction began on a new mosque building designed by Alexei Kolenteev and Ilyas Tazhiev.
Moscow Cathedral Mosque: opening
On September 23, 2015, a long-awaited event for the entire Muslim world of Russia took place. The magnificent Moscow Cathedral Mosque opened its doors. The address of the temple is Vypolzov Lane, building 7. This holiday brought together numerous guests. President Putin, political figures, famous representatives of science and culture took part in the solemn and very memorable ceremony. It should be noted that famous and honored guests are not uncommon in the mosque - both before and after reconstruction it remains the center of Islam in Russia, many politicians and cultural representatives from all over the world visit it.
Construction cost
The Council of Muftis reported that the Moscow Cathedral Mosque was built at a cost of $170 million. This huge amount includes donations from ordinary believers, as well as funds from large entrepreneurs. A book was published in their honor, all benefactors are listed by name.
The current mosque can hardly be called a reconstructed building. After all, only tiny fragments of walls remained from the old building.
Architecture
The Moscow Cathedral Mosque occupies a huge area - 18,900 square meters (before reconstruction it was 964 sq. m). To strengthen the structure, 131 piles were driven into its base, since there is a metro line nearby and the underground Neglinka River carries its waters.
Several cultural and historical references can be seen in the architectural complex of the new mosque. For example, the main minarets, whose height is more than 70 meters, resemble in their shape the Spasskaya Tower of the Moscow Kremlin in the capital and the leaning Syuyumbike Tower of the Kazan Kremlin. This is no coincidence. The architects resorted to this solution as a symbol of unity and friendship between the Tatar and Russian peoples.
The huge 46-meter dome of the mosque, covered with twelve tons of gold leaf, is surprisingly harmoniously combined with the overall appearance of the “golden-domed” Moscow. The architects also took into account the original appearance of the mosque. Fragments of the old walls were reassembled, and they successfully fit into the new interior, while maintaining their original appearance. The top of one minaret is crowned with a crescent moon, which at one time adorned the old building.
The Moscow Cathedral Mosque has certain features of the Byzantine style. The magnificent six-story building is crowned with minarets, domes and towers of various sizes. The area of the new building is 20 times larger than the original version. Today, prayer halls for women and men accommodate about ten thousand believers. There are also special rooms for performing the ablution ritual, a large and cozy hall for conferences and organizing meetings.
Leading Muslim imams hold services in the new mosque, and they also perform traditional rituals.
Interior decoration
The inside of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque amazes guests with the luxury and splendor of its decoration. Exquisite patterns on the walls of the temple, thoughtful decorative elements are fully consistent with the traditions of Muslim architecture. The interior uses classic Islamic colors - green, emerald, white, blue.
The inside of the dome, like the walls and ceiling of the mosque, is decorated with paintings. These are sacred verses from the Koran, which were performed by Turkish masters. The Turkish government presented the cathedral mosque with magnificent front doors, extraordinary handmade carpets for the halls and luxurious crystal chandeliers.
The mosque is illuminated by more than three hundred and twenty lamps, which are placed on the ceiling and walls. Their main part follows the shape of the temple dome. The main (central) chandelier is a giant lamp. Its height is about eight meters, and this structure weighs one and a half tons. It was created by fifty craftsmen from Turkey over three months.
It should be noted that you do not have to be a Muslim to see the mosque. Here, as in the mosques of Istanbul and other large cities, the doors are open to representatives of different religions. But certain rules must be followed.
Women should cover their hair and their clothing should be formal and closed. Before entering, you should take off your shoes and try not to disturb those praying.
Mosques are not only places of worship for performing religious rituals, but also beautiful, original architectural monuments. The familiar appearance of most of them with round gamby domes, arches and columns appeared as a result of their centuries-old history, having undergone a number of changes. The world's first mosques with flat roofs have survived.
1. Minimum images, maximum decor
The interior decoration of the mosques is devoid of any divine images, there are only lines from the Koran. But the decorative elements amaze with their splendor - in this way the community demonstrates wealth and luxury, the greatness of the rulers. If you lift your head up, you will see amazingly beautiful ceilings. They are difficult to describe in words, you just have to see them.
Since the dome symbolizes the firmament above the earth, the creators of mosques try to make them unique, investing in them their skill and respect for those they worship.
2. Combining styles
The Ottoman style absorbed the architectural heritage of Byzantine culture, which was creatively reworked and supplemented with new techniques. In particular, it became customary to erect domes over the main prayer hall. In early traditions, they rose only above the part where the mihrab and qibla (the niche and wall facing the Muslim shrine of the Kaaba in Mecca) were located.
In ancient times, builders and architects showed miracles of ingenuity so that they could build a large hemisphere on the base of a quadrangular building. Several methods have been developed that have been successfully used. In addition, it was necessary to find appropriate material for construction. Depending on the natural features of the territory, these could be stones or bricks, wood with a copper or lead coating.
3. Improvement of technology
The further combination of elements from different cultures led to the emergence of new architectural traditions. For example, the number of domes changed - the huge hemisphere covering the main hall was supplemented by several small ones on different sides. Construction technologies were improved and more modern materials were used.
Until now, the exquisite pattern of the domes and walls makes speech impossible, leaving only a short exclamation in different languages of the world: “Oh, what beauty!”
Grandiose mosques in Muslim countries have been and remain places of worship for followers of Islam and a mandatory point in tourist programs. Their domes are visible from afar. If you are there, do not pass by, do not deprive yourself of the pleasure of enjoying the ingenious creations of human hands. And pay attention to the ceilings - you will get aesthetic pleasure, we assure you.
Inside, the walls of the mosque are decorated with glass and precious stones.
Do you know where this mosque is?
Shah Cheragh Mausoleum (Persian شاه چراغ, English Shah Cheragh) is one of the attractions of Shiraz
Tomb of the brothers Ahmed and Muhammad, sons of Musa al-Kadim. The mausoleum is also used as a mosque and is a place of real religious pilgrimage for Shiite Muslims. The mausoleum is located in the city of Shiraz.
"Shah-Cherakh" is translated from Persian as "prince of light." The mausoleum was built in the fourteenth century and from the very day of its foundation it became a shrine. Now it is the most famous and popular landmark of Shiraz, and in addition - one of the most beautiful buildings in the entire city. Shah Cherakh is officially recognized as an important historical monument and is included in the list of cultural heritage of Iran.
From the outside, this mosque-mausoleum looks quite normal - the architectural style familiar to Shiraz is combined with traditional mosaics used to decorate the walls. However, the interior of the mosque is simply unimaginably beautiful! The interior walls are richly decorated with pieces of glass, jewelry and silver plates, and the dome is completely covered with mirrors and colored glass, which is why the people of Shah Cherakh have firmly established the name “Mirror Mosque”.
In the courtyard we felt at least out of place and a little confused. But then a taxi driver approached us and decided not to leave us in trouble. He showed us where the “rental” sets of veils were. We took off our shoes, wrapped ourselves in rags and went inside. And all they could say was: wow!
The beauty was so magnificent that Tehran's Green Palace, which had impressed us three days earlier, was nervously smoking in the corner. At first we were a little shy, but then we started taking pictures, because just to admire it and leave would be a crime against those who were not there.
There was complete peace inside. A lot of people just sat on the floor and looked at the beauty around them. Someone, of course, prayed or read the Koran. And no one drove us out of there. Vice versa. Women came up and asked us to take pictures of their small children with our cameras. The childless simply said the phrase, already traditional for us, “Welcome to Iran!”