November 3, 2024

Al Noor Mosque Sharjah – About, Location, Time, Architecture, Rules, Tips

Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque Sharjah – Complete Guide

Al Noor Mosque

Al Noor Mosque is an iconic Sharjah destination with a unique design based on classic Ottoman-style architecture. The United Arab Emirates, which is home to one of the world’s most cultured cities, is a kind and tranquil country that supports cultural interchange among people of all ethnicities. Few places are as friendly and hospitable as the United Arab Emirates for new travelers to the Middle East who want to learn more about Islam and the Arab way of life and culture. Sharjah features over 600 mosques, including the Al Noor Mosque, which has a beautiful setting overlooking the Khalid Lagoon and is one of the most attractive mosques you will see on your Dubai Trips.

It is the only mosque in the emirate that is open to non-Muslims, as Al Noor Mosque is the only mosque in the emirate that is open to visitors of all religions on guided, free one-hour tours conducted weekly by the Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication. When you visit one of these mosques, the guides urge you to ask questions and satisfy your curiosity. One of the many reasons you would adore Sharjah is because of its magnificent mosques. The other emirates have lovely mosques as well, but Sharjah stands out. It has a magical quality to it.

It is a source of interest for anyone interested in learning more about Islamic culture and history because of its cascading domes and tall Ottoman-style minarets. Here’s all you need to know about the Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah, whether you’re going alone or with friends and family.

Al Noor Mosque – About

Al Noor Mosque is a place of worship that can hold at least 2,200 people and be built under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed al Qasimi. There is a separate ladies’ section that can accommodate up to 400 women. The Minbar is situated next to the Mehrab, as is customary in Islamic architecture. Minbar is a raised platform with a wooden construction surrounding it. It is utilized by the Emam to give the Friday (Jumma)prayer discourse. The roofed corner created in the direction of Mecca’s sacred edifice, the Ka’aba, is known as Mehrab. In addition, Muslims around the world pray in this direction.

Many open shelves ran the length of the Al Noor Mosques’ walls. The shelves were stacked with books on faith and belief, law, philosophy, and, of course, numerous copies of the Quran, Islam’s holy book. The majority of the novels were written in Arabic, with others being translated into other languages.

Actually, the architectural splendor of the Al Noor Mosque will captivate you from the outside, and you will want to go inside. Women need to wear a burqa, but males have a permit to enter as long as their legs are cover. The burqa was provided free of charge at the reception desk. The local lady guide will direct you to the Mehrab area after you have placed your shoes on a stand at the gate. 

The contrast between the glass and metal skyscrapers and traditional Turkish buildings creates a fascinating sight. It also functioned as a metaphor for the traditional Gulf nation’s complicated relationship with modernity. As previously stated, Sharjah contains over 600 mosques, some of which are only open to royal Emiratis, while others are open to Muslims and other people of all faiths, such as the Al Noor Mosque.

Al Noor Mosque – Location and Timings

It is centrally present near Buhaira Corniche, next to Al Noor Island and (Khaled Lagoon). There are many restaurants as well as shopping malls near this location. 

The following are the hours of operation for Al Noor Mosque:

  • Public visits begin at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Private visits are available from Sunday through Thursday by booking through the Sharjah Culture Website. Email for a private mosque tour.
  • There is no need to register to visit the mosque; simply arrive five minutes before 10 a.m. on Monday.

Al Noor Mosque – Architecture

Tourists from all over the world go to the UAE’s majestic mosques to marvel at its architectural splendor and learn more about Islam and its history. In 2014, the Al Noor Mosque holds Guinness World Record as the “World’s largest wooden charity box”. The donation begins as part of the mosque’s Ramadan fundraising campaign.

The classic Turkish style architecture is represented by the two tall minarets and cascading domes. Each minaret stands 52 meters tall, and the central dome may be seen from afar. The Al Noor Mosque, with its waterfall of domes and two tall minarets, dominates Sharjah’s skyline in a typical Ottoman style known for its historical architecture. The interior is equally impressive, with calligraphic engravings and writings from the Holy Qur’an, as well as ornately adorned domes, arches, and pillars.

The Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah is strikingly similar to Istanbul’s Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Many half domes, as well as four miniature cupola domes, can be found on the corners. The inside of the domes is also exquisitely embellished with elaborate calligraphy of verses from the Holy Quran. To make the interiors more appealing, a variety of interlaced patterns, florals, and geometrics are used. The prayer area is vast, with arches, colonnettes, and pillars dividing large open spaces.

The two minarets and thirty-four domes seem incredibly gorgeous against the backdrop of blue skies on a sunny Sharjah day. You’ll learn about Islamic and local culture on this trip, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions on the history of the Ottoman style.

Al Noor Mosque – Things to Do

The Sharjah Centre for Cultural Communication offers free English-language mosque tours that are both interesting and educational. The speakers discuss the mosque’s design as well as Islamic and Emirati traditions. The origins of the culture and legacy that you see in the UAE are also present there. Visitors can ask any questions they have at the end of the session.

Al Noor Mosque, which overlooks the Khalid Lagoon, is one of Sharjah’s most stunning tourist attractions. Before sunset is the best time to visit the mosque. Al Noor Island, which lies directly across the river, has an outstanding butterfly garden as well as artworks. You can take a couple of photographs with the mosque lighting up wonderfully in the background after the sunset.

Al Noor Mosque – Rules and Regulations

  • Certain rules must be followed when visiting the Al Noor Mosque in Sharjah.
  • Dress modestly and conservatively.
  • Before entering the mosque, women must wear headscarves. Scarves are available to buy at the mosque’s registration desk.
  • Inside the mosque, shoes are a big no.
  • Prior to entering, you must first register.
  • Only mosque-register tour guides and tour companies have permits to accompany visitors.
  • Tourists can only be accompanied by tour guides and tour firms who have registered with the mosque.
  • Al Noor Mosque Tickets are not to buy.

Al Noor Mosque – How to Go

To go to Al Noor Mosque from Sharjah, you can either take a taxi or take a bus. A taxi would cost between AED 100 and AED 120, therefore taking the bus is a far more cost-effective option. You may get to Jumbo – Sharjah for roughly AED 20 by using bus E307 from Deira City Centre Bus Station. You may easily stroll to the mosque from there.

Al Noor Mosque – Insider’s Tips

  • Clothes for women should be flowy and long. Throughout the trip, you must keep your legs and arms covered and wear a scarf that covers your head.
  • If you have any visible tattoos on your body, take extra precautions to conceal them.
  • Men’s bodies must be entirely cover all the way down to their knees.
  • Inside the mosque, you should not speak loudly.
  • Wear clothing that covers your shoulders completely.
  • You should store your shoes outside or on the footwear stand.
  • It’s free Arabic coffee, tea, and dates, so take advantage of it!
  • Every Monday at 10 a.m., the public is welcome to visit (except public holidays)
  • When the guide speaks, please pay attention. There will be plenty of opportunities for photography.
  • Free admission to this magnificent mosque!