1 JSS PRIVATE SCHOOL, AL SAFA, DUBAI. VISIT TO SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE ABUDHABI, (ISLAMIC EDUCATION).28-04-2012 REPORT.
2 The Islamic Department of JSS Private School, Al Safa, Dubai had arranged a visit to The Majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, located in AbuDhabi, the capital of UAE,to enrich the awareness on Islamic Culture among the students. Three teachers: Mr.BasheerAmoo, Mr.Kaleem and Mrs. Noushaba accompanied 23 students to visit the masterpiece. This Masterpiece is unarguably one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary UAE society and one of the most beautiful in the world. On Saturday,28 th April 2012 we boarded the bus at 8:50am and started our journey with the Qur an recitation_surah al-fatihah by Rafaz-6 C followed by the Du a. The students enjoyed their trip to Abu Dhabi with a Quiz Competition organised by Mr.Kaleem and other teachers. We reached our destination around 11:00am.
3 Anxiously waiting for the entry into the Mosque. Two of the Guides,Mr.Ali and Mr.Ahmed were at the decided place waiting for us. They received us very happily and asked us to split into two groups as junior and senior section. They led us to the entrance and explained about the Late President of UAE,H.H.SHEIKH ZAYED BIN AL NAHYAN,fondly thought of as the Father of the Nation(BABA ZAYED) and the wonderful.
4 HIS EXPLANATIONS HAD GONE THROUGH. General Architecture As a testament to the vision of its founder, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque sits majestically at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island, distinctly visible from the three main bridges connecting the island to the main land, Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The strategic geographical location of the Mosque is a symbolic expression of the emotional connection the Mosque has in the hearts of all UAE citizens particularly because it also includes the burial place of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan. Domes and Ceilings The outer walls of the domes and ceilings of the Mosque are clad with marble and its inner designs use GRC (plaster with fibre-glass) which is more durable than traditional plaster. The dome, in Islamic architecture, is not only an artistic shape; it is a miniature sky dome, transforming the rays of the sun into shades and lights overwhelming the congregation of worshippers with warmth and mercy. Part of the outstanding beauty of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is realized in the brilliant architectural designs of the domes crowning the Mosque structure, particularly the biggest dome hovering over the main prayer hall and glimmering with light and shadows.
5 Marble The white marble tiles used in the construction of the Mosque are from several origins. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the Mosque was attracted to the color white, a symbol of purity and piety. Therefore, it was his recommendation that the Mosque be clad with pure white marble. In the Mosque s main prayer hall, multiple-color marble was used in harmonious shapes together with mosaic tiles and gold-coloured glass. The Legendary Carpet The colour green has many positive connotation, indirectly symbolizing life, water, sustainability. In a desert culture such has the Emirates; no wonder the colour green is valued in this harsh environment. Sheikh Zayed was a lover of nature and greenery devoting enormous efforts during his lifetime to transform the UAE from a desert into a green paradise - full with beautiful trees and plants. This is why the green carpet in the Mosque is also symbolic of his legacy. The green carpet is made of tons of fine cotton, superior silk and soft wool, punctuated with splendid floral motifs and eye-catching designs. As an artifact, the carpet evokes an atmosphere of tranquility, relief, love and peace of mind. The gigantic carpet, with sophisticated colors, has become part of the mythic artistic designs of the glamorous Mosque. The artistic connection between the carpet and the internal elevations (of Islamic decoration and floral designs) visually draw the worshipper into feeling of devotion to the Creator. Reclining on green cushions and rich carpets of beauty. (Ar-Rahman, Chapter 55, Verse 76) (Holy Quran). The Menbar (Pulpit)
6 The Menbar is located on the right of the Mehrab (prayer niche) and is the pulpit where the mosque Imam delivers the prayers sermons to the congregation of worshippers on Fridays and other religious occasions. It includes 11 steps in allow the imam to sit in a strategic position to address the large number of worshippers. The Menbar of Sheikh Zayed Mosque is manufactured from Aoud wood and fine mosaic tiles of mother of pearl. It is ornamented with mother of pearl and floral designs. The Grand Chandeliers Seven chandeliers adorn the mosque. The largest chandelier hangs from the dome of the central prayer hall and measures a staggering 10 meters in diameter, 15 meters in height and nine and a half tons in weight. At the time of opening, the largest chandelier in the mosque's central hall was the biggest in the world. It is still the largest known chandelier inside a mosque. The Mosque contains seven multi-sized chandeliers, each one of them is an icon of beauty in terms of design and color. All of them are decorated with gold colour frames, Italian glass and AustrianSwarovskicrystals. After Guides explanations, he had conducted a Quiz.The children had answered well.
7 After a snap with one of the guides we dispersed from the prayer hall and moved to the ablution area and performed thezuhr prayer in Jama ah.
Most of the students had visited the Grant Mosque with their parents before. Eventhen,thay had found it an educational experience and a memorable one. 8
9 ISLAMIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, JSS PRIVATE SCHOOL, AL SAFA, DUBAI.