Majid Ibrahim
For this assignment, I picked the Sheikh Zayed mosque as my art piece. Although it may not be a conventional piece of art such as a painting, I find it to have moved me deeply just as any other piece of art would. I have lived in Abu Dhabi my entire life, and this mosque has served as my go-to for nearly all significant religious occasions.
The grave of the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan resides within the gardens of the mosque. In my opinion, he was a great leader who pioneered the development of the UAE. He is a man I deeply respect, so having his resting place within the mosque makes it have an important place in my heart.
One of the reasons the mosque has had an impact on me is because of the sheer beauty of its interior and exterior. The pristine white marble on the floors and walls creates a sense of purity and tranquillity. Coupled with this, the golden palm and colourful flower designs create a unique visual image of elegance and nature coming together. This results in a profound sense of calm enveloping me as I enter the mosque. It’s almost as if I’ve entered another world where there are no problems and only peace.
As I enter the mosque, I am greeted by massive crystal chandeliers, a wall covered in the names of God, and the lingering scent of incense. The Imam of the mosque is always a clear and expressive reciter, I find it easy to enter a meditative state. When put together, these elements contribute to an atmosphere of utter serenity and devotion.
It is not only the architecture that has made an impression on me, my personal connection with the mosque stems from my own journey of self-discovery and faith. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque holds personal significance for me because of the memories I’ve made within its sacred walls. I recall many different years of me praying the Ramadan and Eid prayers there. This mosque has been a constant presence in my spiritual development from the beginning to the present day, always accompanying me on my journey of self-development.
When I see this mosque in the distance while driving by, I feel at home, not just physically, but also emotionally. I think that the many memories I have had in the mosque have contributed to this feeling of attachment and belonging to this place. In addition, many people travel long distances from all around the world to visit this magnificent mosque; I am grateful for the ability to visit this mosque at any time because I live only ten minutes away.
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque moves me deeply for a variety of reasons, including its design and architecture, my personal memories of the mosque, and its cultural significance. It is a testament to the harmonious blend of art and religion, and it has left a lasting mark on my soul.