More recently, the Moscow Cathedral Mosque was restored and expanded. the main in Russia and the largest mosque in all of Europe. The construction turned out to be truly monumental: the area is 19 thousand square meters. meters, total capacity - 10 thousand people, six floors with elevators and all the necessary appliances for people with disabilities.
Since the reconstruction began, many representatives of the non-Muslim world have been keenly interested in what does the concept of "cathedral mosque" mean? How does it differ from other types of mosques and, after all, why is the mosque so important for a Muslim that Muslim communities from around the world are ready to make donations to build this religious building?
Key Features of Islamic Sacred Architecture
A mosque is a Muslim religious building designed for prayer. The very first such structure was erected in Medina by Muhammad himself, the last prophet of Islam. Then it had the appearance of a small area, limited by the cover and the fence. Translated into Arabic, the mosque sounds like a “masjid,” that is, a place for bowing to the earth.
The main external elements of the structure are columns, arches, domes. Islam borrowed these building forms from Christian temples. After the Turks captured the Byzantine Empire, they turned many of the iconic buildings of Christianity into mosques. Later, Muslim architects were so inspired by their forms that they continued the construction of new structures on the same building patterns. The most striking example of such imitative architecture can be called the Blue Mosque - the prototype of the St. Sophia Church of the Wisdom of God.
The architectural features of the mosque are designed to express the multifaceted nature of the Islamic worldview. The structure itself is a symbol of the earthly essence of man, the top of the dome symbolizes the limit of everything, that is, Allah, and the inner space of the dome embodies the Spirit.
Usually one or several minarets are added to the mosque. The most common number of minarets is 2 or 4. Two minarets symbolize two hands raised to the sky in prayer.
It is from the minaret that the muazin makes a call to prayer. To do this, he must climb the spiral staircase of the minaret, turn in the direction of Mecca and loudly sing the azan (call). In modern times, muazins no longer need to climb minarets, the azan recordings played at the right time in the loudspeaker play a warning role.
Internal organization
The most notable elements of the interior of the mosque are:
- The niche mihrab, which is located in one of the walls of the mosque, its main purpose is orientation to Mecca, because it is there that the prayer should be turned face.
- Department of Mullah Minbar, which stands to the right of the mihrab.
- The repository of the holy Quran.
Inside the mosque, nothing animated is depicted, because such an image claims to be likened to the Almighty. This prohibition is given in the Qur'an, where it is written that Allah will torment the one who creates such an image until the creator breathes life into the depicted object.
In mosques, geometric and floral ornaments and calligraphic quotes from Quran and Sunnah are widespread. The most specific feature is the rhythm, synchronization of the image, on which ornate patterns of leaves are organically intertwined with lines of the sacred text.
Types of mosques
The following types of mosque are distinguished:
- Musalla is a city building used for services at the Eid al-Adha celebration. It has the appearance of an open area.
- A quarter mosque is a building designed for daily five-time prayer.
- Cathedral Mosque - a building designed for Friday prayers.
- Kabir is the central Muslim religious building of the capital.
Appointment
Since the Umayyad era, the cathedral mosque is a visual aspect of the greatness of Muslim rulers and the prosperity of the Ummah. That is why it is always distinguished by a wealth of decoration and pretentious decor.
In the cathedral mosque, Muslims gather for Friday prayers (juma namaz). On Friday, a hutba prayer is read here. Holiday sermons are also held.
Islam has such a remarkable tradition: mosques can be called in different ways. For example, in honor of the great prophet, one of the four righteous caliphs, or, if the building was built by a specific person, by the name of his or his parents. If the building is built with community money or donations from foreign brothers in faith, its name should be as general as possible. For example, based on where the cathedral mosque of Moscow is located , and taking into account the fact that it was built by the general forces of the Ummah, we can say that it generalizes, unites in the geographical and sacral senses all Muslims of Russia. By the way, her address is: Vypolzov Lane, 7.
According to representatives of the highest spiritual leadership, it is the cathedral mosque that plays a fundamental role in strengthening the foundations of the Muslim Ummah. For example, Moscow, in addition to its direct functions, also serves as a universal spiritual center: important documents for the Ummah are accepted here, international receptions of the leaders of the Arab world are organized, mass spiritual and cultural events and excursions are organized, explanatory talks about Islam are held.