Saudi Arabia's religion: Experience Islam through the mosques

Islam is the world's second-largest religion, with 1.8 billion Muslims. The term "Muslim" comes from the Arabic word meaning "one who submits," referring to submitting to the will of God. The origin of Islam comes from the Arabic word "salam," which means "peace." In addition to being a religious belief, Islam also encompasses a way of life, connecting believers from around the world through their shared faith in God and prophets. The five pillars of Islam are the most important rules for every devout Muslim. These pillars consist of publicly declaring faith or professing it as a profession, praying five times a day, giving alms, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca. These rituals and moral obligations are a part of Muslim life. Even with differing beliefs within Islam, these five pillars remain the most important tenets that every devout Muslim should follow. Visiting a mosque is an option for tourists and they may even participate in prayer. However, it is important to dress appropriately, as Mosah pointed out, "One must wear suitable clothing." It is best to inform the community of the mosque you plan to visit in advance so that they can provide you with a chair. The only mosques that Muslims are allowed to enter are the ones located in Mecca and Medina (the holiest cities in Islam).

Jawatha Mosque

Jawatha Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the eastern Arabian Peninsula, built nearly 1400 years ago. Established by the Bani Abd Al Qays tribe, it was the first Friday prayer site outside the city of Medina. Its sandy clay brick walls and low-slung minaret resemble a small fortress, but in reality it's a scaled-down version of the Masmak Fortress in Riyadh. Recently restored, the mosque has been carefully matched with original materials. Behind its sturdy wooden doors, visitors will find a spacious hall with white arched entrances, topped with thatched and wooden roofs for added charm. Jawatha Mosque is located in the northeastern suburb of Al Kilabiyah village in Hofuf. Visitors can tour the mosque, but should be mindful of appropriate dress. (Visitor note: Mosques are open to non-Muslims outside of prayer times.)

Al Rajhi Grand Mosque

Al Rajhi Mosque is located in Riyadh and is one of the largest mosques in Saudi Arabia, as well as one of the capital's most important Islamic institutions. The mosque is used as a place of worship, with a men's prayer hall that can accommodate 18,000 people and a women's prayer hall that can accommodate 2,500 people. It also has two libraries and an education center, and serves as a community gathering place. Every Friday, all prayer literature is translated into seven languages and displayed on digital screens for those with hearing impairments. (Visitor's note: Friday prayers here are translated into multiple languages.)

Lahore Mosque (Floating Mosque)

"The Floating Mosque" is a unique building, built on a white cement base above the Red Sea, and the world's first mosque built on water. Located in Jeddah, this mosque is the starting point for the holy journey to Mecca and Medina, and is one of the must-visit sites for Muslims. The building is made of glittering white marble, with a huge turquoise dome and 56 stained glass windows inside, surrounded by Quranic scriptures written in Arabic. Despite the traditional design, "The Floating Mosque" uses state-of-the-art technology with modern lighting and sound systems. The Al Rahma Mosque in Jeddah can accommodate up to 2100 worshipers and provides a separate prayer hall for women. It is a place where people from different cultures and ethnicities can gather, feel peaceful, safe, and loved by God.