I used to be very attached to images whenever i had the chance to travel or saw something catching my attention but by instinct, don't know why, i never felt the need to take pictures of Mosques i visited, probably cause i felt there was something more in them to care of.
The first i went to, was exactly the Islamic Cultural Centre in London, the main Mosque: nothing special as first impression as guest, bookshop, prayer rooms, offices, children school but what made it unique was the people. Don't remember my first approach but for sure will never forget the warm welcome from ladies first, and also from families around.
A special tour was that i made in Muscat Grand Mosque, during a vacation in 2001: was not much into some issues then, so i went to the reception and asked how to visit and what was required: they recommended strongly to have proper dress, body and head covered, and to respect visitors hours, 7am-11 all days except Friday.
My main worry was the dress code: i spent minimum 3 days around the mall to find something decent for what i had understood, and finally got a black winter abbaya with a big supercovering scarf.
The morning after reached the Mosque by taxi, and still was so scared dunno why, that barely listened to the driver telling me and full of pride, how wonderful was this building and how much envy it had generated in Emarates neighbours, specially prince Mhummmed, Dubai crown prince, who til then thought to have the biggest and nicest Mosque of the whole M.E.
While listening to him i thought he was half funny half crazy but could understand cause it was part of pride to be citizen of Oman and grateful to his Sultan baba Qaboos.
Later, meditating in general, i came to the conclusion that, being our duty that of worshipping God at our best, well, then a Sultan surely had great means and greately must celelebrate Allah, though i suspect is just a competition between them, but is not my duty to judge, God will do, examining their intentions.
At the entrance the soldiers looked at me as i was a ufo or a terrorist, very probable since i was dressed too strangely, and without speaking, using italian way of gestures, showed me the way.
Really amazing, i have no words to describe it and sure those images i found on web are not enough. The funniest thing is when i went out there was a group of germans dressed with shirts and shorts, covering with tissues, but in the end they were allowed to enter: i understood the police faces watching me and started laughing with myself.
In spring 2002 had the chance to visit Manama and have wonderful memories of Al Fateh Mosque and the ladies caring of tourists at the reception: had many questions in mind about Quran, islamic history and found a great girl from Sri Lanka who had the ability to explain things in simple way, that happens only when you have everything clear in your heart. When prayer time came, they had already dressed me with an abbaya provided for tourists, so they invited me to go with them in the upper zone: i was scared, told them i had prayed in congregation just once or twice, but they encouraged and helped.
Was a great experience, same as in Kuwait, where i went and visited the State Mosque: i found a group of girls breaking and celebrating a voluntary fast; they started asking about myself, were very happy to know my story and again went with them to pray Maghreb. Later we remained together eating and talking, they started singing to thank God that so many are reverting nowadays and my presence was a sign.
My dream is to go and pray in Makkah and Al Aqsa, inshallah one day i will.
Mosques
