Luxurious private villas on the picturesque shore of the azure Indian Ocean, kilometers of white sandy beaches, and the romantic atmosphere turned the tropical islands of the Maldives into a resting-place for lovers and honeymooners, and for everyone who wants to spend their time far from the public gaze. However, few people know that the Maldives has lots of architectural masterpieces, historical and cultural monuments.
The Islamic Center of Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam and its main pride – the Great Friday Mosque, named after Friday collective prayer, is a magnificent example of sacred architecture and one of the most popular attractions of the capital of the island state of Malé.
The largest mosque of the islands, with a capacity of about 5,000 people, was built in 1984 and named after the great sultan who liberated locals from the Portuguese colonialists. It is located in the very center of Malé, opposite the presidential palace, and its golden dome is visible from anywhere in the city. Inside, the famous Maldivian mosque is decorated with carved wooden panels and fine Arabic script by local masters, and on the large prayer hall floor, there is a luxurious Pakistani carpet. It is used to define the direction of prayer, since this mosque does not face Mecca, despite the traditional canons. The Great Friday Mosque is a functioning Muslim shrine, so its doors are closed to visitors of other religions. But you can see the Islamic Center as it is closed only during the prayer.
Near the mosque, there is a lovely garden where you can see four special wells made for a ritual washing of hands and feet before the holy prayer, as well as the big sundial so as not to miss the beginning. It is annually visited by thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, and for residents, it is a symbol of faith and prosperity.