Al-Fateh Mosque (Great Mosque), Manama (must see)

Al-Fateh Mosque is an impressive architectural masterpiece located in Juffair, a suburban neighborhood of Manama in Bahrain. Built by the late Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in 1987, it is one of the largest mosques in the world, covering an area of 6,500 square meters and having the capacity to accommodate over 7,000 worshippers at a time.

The mosque was named after Ahmed Al Fateh, a great Muslim general who conquered Bahrain in the 7th century. It was designed with a blend of traditional Islamic and modern architectural styles. The huge dome built on top of the mosque is an outstanding feature of the mosque. Weighing over 60 tons, the dome is the world's largest fiberglass dome, constructed entirely of fiberglass.

The mosque's interior is equally impressive. The marble used in the floors is of Italian origin, and the doors are made of teak wood from India. The chandelier, which hangs from the ceiling, is from Austria, and throughout the mosque are Kufic calligraphy.

The Al-Fateh Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a tourist attraction. It is open to visitors and tourists on all Fridays and from 9 am to 4 pm. Tour guides conduct tours in several languages, including English, French, Filipino, Russian, and many others. Special arrangements can be made for groups to ensure a smooth visit.

In 2006, the National Library of Bahrain was opened on the mosque's premises, providing visitors with access to thousands of books, including some as old as 100 years or more. The library has copies of the books of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad or what is referred to as the books of Hadith, the Global Arabic Encyclopedia, the Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence, Al-Azhar journals which have been printed more than a hundred years ago, as well as numerous periodicals and magazines.