Qatar State Grand Mosque

Imam Abdul Wahhab, commonly known as the Qatar State Grand Mosque, was opened in 2011 as Qatar’s biggest mosque. Its clean lines and flowing arches are eye-catching and typical of Islamic architectural style. The mosque, which can accommodate over 30,000 worshipers, has three libraries, separate prayer and ablution halls for men and women, and special rooms for Quran memorization.

The mosque lies in the Alajabilat neighborhood, north of Doha’s city center. Gardens, open and covered parking spaces, and other facilities are part of the Mosque complex. Construction began in 2006, with a cost estimate of 420 million Riyals. The entire project area is roughly 175,164m2, the total covered area is 27,644m2, and the covered area percentage is 15.8%. The mosque can seat around 11,000 attendees. Around 1,200 people can be accommodated at the Women’s Prayer Hall. Approximately 30,000 worshippers visit the area on Fridays.

The Mosque has three floors: basement, ground, and mezzanine. Among the most prominent areas are the main level, the mezzanine, and the VIP area. The main prayer hall for men and women, as well as the ablution area located near the entrance on the ground level, encompass a total area of 12,000 square meters. The mezzanine, which covers an area of 25,000 square meters, houses a women’s prayer room, a library, and two courses. Car parks cover more than 2,000 square meters and can accommodate 347 vehicles, with 600 square meters set aside for VIPs.

This massive mosque has become a symbol of wisdom and education. Throughout the year, it conducts lectures, seminars, and Fiqh instruction for students. The mosque provides educational, social, and cultural programming over the internet. The website includes a biography of Muhammad Bin Abdul Wahhab, a catalog of his works, and information about current and upcoming events and activities. It also displays 237 images of the mosque, as well as visualizations containing 26 sentences from mosque lectures. The website also lists prayer hours in towns all around the world.

The mosque has 99 domes, including 28 huge domes, 65 tiny domes, six in the surrounding landscape, and one minaret. Above the mihrab, there are two domes. A large number of chandeliers and illumination bulbs suspended from the domes provide a serene inside environment. This magnificent mosque has three major gates and 17 doorways leading to the prayer hall.

The mosque’s architecture is distinctive. It is distinct from other typical prototypes in mosque building and establishes a new one. It follows traditional Qatari architecture and mimics basic Qatari heritage. It mimics the form and, to some extent, the composition of the Boualaqbib mosque, which is located in the market area close to Grand Hamad Street.

One major street and three subsidiary streets encircle the property. The mosque was constructed on the northwestern side of the site, with the main mosque block facing Qibla. The design demonstrates innovative thinking by utilizing landscape approaches to accommodate vehicle parks outside the mosque in open spaces, connecting smaller roads to the outer major street network.

The ground floor concept is based on traditional mosque designs observed in North Africa during the Islamic period. In the main prayer hall, the ground floor is divided into four longitudinal rows that run parallel to the Qibla wall. The outer courtyard that precedes the main prayer hall is surrounded on all sides by four hallways that serve as a buffer between the outside open patio and the inside enclosed air-conditioned auditorium. Northern and Western Porticoes are flanked on both sides by amenities, with steps leading to the mezzanine floor.

From one end, the Mezzanine level leads into the outdoor courtyard. Traditional woodwork opens onto the main prayer hall, which rises on two stories, from the other end. A series of chandeliers hang from the domes over the main prayer area. The mezzanine’s architectural design allows for both horizontal and vertical connections. It provides the architectural spaces a third dimension, particularly the great prayer hall on the ground level.

The mosque’s design is inspired by desert environmental architecture and includes allusions to local historical traditions. This is obvious in the usage of corner towers, which are converted into reading rooms to represent traditional desert defense architecture in a contemporary design. Such a change of spaces is also visible in the mihrab and minbar, the former intended as a recess behind which a stair leading to the minber is disguised.

The design of elevations and sections accentuates the simplicity of architecture. Facades are divided into two vertical sections: a lower section at gate height and an upper section with small narrow apertures and windows that serve to keep low temperatures inside. The Minaret resembles a lighthouse in its agility. Its base is shaped like a square, with a diminishing cylinder above it. The proportions appear to be horizontally and vertically integrated with the architectural character.

The interior design is exquisite and offers a calm mood via the use of warm colors and materials. This may be seen in the employment of basic themes or the design in the wood works surrounding the mosque. The architectural uniqueness is enhanced by the use of lighting. The interior design complimented the mosque’s overall exterior design and displayed a distinct architectural character.

During non-prayer times, all visitors, regardless of religious affiliation, are welcome, however guided tours are suggested. Before entering the mosque, everyone must remove their shoes. Visitors must dress modestly, and women are given scarves to cover their heads and, if necessary, abayas. Food is not permitted inside, and guests should be courteous and decorous, as they are in other houses of worship. Children under the age of seven are not permitted and photographing in the ladies’ praying area is absolutely banned.

The Grand Mosque may be reached by automobile or cab.