I am actually having a lot of trouble starting this post because the experience was so unique I find it difficult to describe. We arrived at the mosque at 9:00, when visiting hours begin. It was unbearably hot and humid and we were completely covered, hijabs and all. We began the walk from the visitors entrance to the entrance of the mosque. There, a guard checks to make sure everyone is dressed appropriately, and if so, you can enter.
The scenery outside the mosque is beautiful and is all very symbolic of Oman. I'll let the photos do the talking:
Shoes are not worn in the mosque so there are racks to put them on outside. You can tell we are Westerners because not all of us were wearing sandals… Majnuun (crazy)!
Men and women do not pray together in the mosque. Our beautiful and absolutely lovely guide at the mosque explained it this way, I paraphrase: "when you pray together in a mosque, you touch shoulders with the person next to you. You are all equal in the eyes of God. If the Sultan were to come pray here, he would touch shoulders with the baker, or with a beggar, they are no different. Women pray separately because a hot dude and a pretty lady cannot touch shoulders while completely focusing on God. We want to clear our hearts and focus only on God .Women also pray in a more simple area without all the frill. I know I am entranced by this beautiful carpet, by the stunning mosaics, and by the gorgeous Swarovski in the chandelier. I need to pray in a simple place where I can devote my thoughts to God. Luckily, I can admire the beauty of the men's prayer hall after prayer. They are so oblivious to everything and can pray without distraction from this beauty."
Though I do not wholeheartedly agree to all of these religious concepts, I respect her beliefs and respect this beautiful mosque. This is the men's prayer hall, which is entirely handmade and crafted. It can hold 6,000 people.
Our sweet, adorable tour guide befriended Katheryn immediately (as does everyone in the world), because they both have such kind spirits. I snapped the picture below as our guide put her arm around Katheryn while saying "You bunch are a good bunch. Some people come here and are close minded and prejudiced. You can tell when a group comes with open minds and good hearts like you". As do most Omani's, she was so happy that Americans and Europeans, and even an Australian, wanted to learn Arabic. She invited us to share some dates and coffee with her after we toured the men's prayer hall.
I'd say my first visit to a mosque was quite successful. It was an enlightening experience and not something you do everyday in America. Everyday it's experiences like this that remind me of the misperceptions people have about religion. If only we could step back and admire the true followers of peaceful religion and realize that those waging war do not believe the same things… But I digress (and also live in a fantasy world where everyone got along). Until next time, inshallah.