GREAT MOSQUE AHMED AL FATEH

It is a center of Islamic studies, consisting of a mosque, a library, a madrasa and the Sheikh Isa Culture center. Inaugurated by the late king in 1988, the mosque is a gem of Bahraini architecture. Named after the first Al Khalifa to rule Bahrain (Al Fateh means "The Conqueror"), it symbolizes the kingdom's deep ties to Islam. When Abu Al-Ala'a Al-Hadhrami arrived in Bahrain in the 8th century, he carried a letter inviting Bahrain to adopt Islam. King Al-Tamimi, after consulting the chiefs of the vassal tribes, accepted this new religion without hesitation. Bahrain thus became the first foreign country to embrace the religion born in Medina in 622.

The mosque is decorated with kufis, a calligraphic style born in Iraq, and considered one of the purest. Its geometric patterns allowed artists to let their imagination run free, since Islam forbids human representation, as it would take away from the divine message. Once through the monumental door, go to the reception desk on your right, where you can get information and choose a guide. The center trains its own multilingual staff, and several of its members speak excellent French. This is also where ladies can put on an abaya, so that they are covered when visiting the holy place. Then leave your shoes in front of the ablution basin, which is located in an outdoor courtyard decorated with arcades and calligraphy. Once you enter the masjid, the mosque itself, which can accommodate 7,000 people at a time, let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere of calm and serenity that reigns there. If the materials chosen to decorate the mosque are among the most luxurious in the world (marble from Italy, crystal chandelier from Austria, Indian teak wood...), the impression given by this decorum exudes simplicity and devotion. The gigantic dome, made entirely of fiberglass, weighs over 60 tons.

With a little luck, you will meet Abdulrahman, the supervisor of the mosque. This former engineer decided in 1998 to retire from the world and devote himself to the study of the Koran. You will see him sitting with a Quran in his hand, piously reading the suras of the Prophet, waiting for the next prayer. If he agrees to talk with you for a while, he will share with you some of his knowledge. An opportunity not to be missed under any circumstances.