The architectural designs
As part of a class activity, we were required to visit a mosque. So on a cool Monday morning on 25th November, we set off to Geneva. The mosque was spectacular and had a minaret rising to over 22 meters high. According to the mosque`s history, it was constructed in 1978 and is still regarded as the biggest in the whole of Switzerland. At the entrance, we were greeted by four clergymen, one being our guide, and the other introduced himself as the Imam. As a Muslim, I have visited many mosques, but this was a first to this specific mosque. The architectural designs within the mosque caught my attention. Not only did the mosque have a beautiful design outside, but it was well decorated inside.
The mosque, within its ceilings and walls, was decorated with Arabic art, also referred to as arabesque, that symbolizes God`s nature. When reflecting on the previous religious houses I have had the privilege to visit, this spectacular mosque was well lit. The walls and ceiling were emitting bright light, expressing happiness all over the mosque. A synagogue I once visited was poorly lit, making it uncharacteristic dark all the time. The prayer room is located on the left side of the entrance to the huge mosque. The Muslim religion recognizes five prayers of Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha. Men take charge of the prayers while the women follow closely behind. During prayers, both men and women face the direction the Kaaba is pointing. Personally, I do not follow the Islamic religion closely and only pray during Ramadhan. Ramadhan is the time we seek reprieve from God as we worship Him.
From the prayer room, we headed to the Islamic classrooms. When people visit the mosque and want to learn the Islamic religion, the classes provide the environment and resources. The rooms were beautiful and filled with various reading materials that comprised of different interpretations of the Qur`an. It was amazing to see how the Muslims were open to sharing Islamic knowledge to anyone seeking more clarification. Moving forward, we came across the morgue. The guide informed us that when a Muslim passes on, the body is brought to the morgue for Islamic rituals. The one undertaking these rituals must be a Muslim, adult, and be of the same gender as the deceased.
The Imam had excused himself while we were in the classrooms to officiate the day’s prayer. Imams are considered as influential religious leaders who dedicate their lives to guide people through religion. According to our guide, mosques are not permitted to announce their prayers through the minaret, as stipulated by the Swiss laws. However, we could hear ongoing prayers of several mosques within the vicinity. I was in disbelief by what the guide said, and I later found an article arguing against the mistakes made by the Swiss legislation. Switzerland being a multicultural country, I believe we should not be governed by laws that look down upon one religion while favoring the other. Mosques should be allowed to announce their prayers over the minarets, the same way as churches are allowed to sound the bell every hour.
There is no doubt the trip was very educative and an eye-opener at the same time. It has been ages since I went to a mosque, and this trip reconnected me with my religion and way of life. More importantly, the hospitality we received was exemplary. I thank the Imam, our guide, and other Muslims present who demonstrated to us kindness and a willingness to share in the Islamic knowledge. They are a reminder of how our culture favors, cares, and love all people regardless of their culture or religion.