The Grand Mosque

On Wednesday (6/24), we visited the Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Muscat.  No one in the group had ever been to a mosque before and we were all excited.  It was very hot outside- close to 110 degrees Fahrenheit but it wasn't bothersome. 

The Sultan Qaboos Mosque was built about thirty five years ago but has a timeless beauty that was stunning.  I honestly have no words to try to begin to describe it.  From the glimmering chandeliers hanging from the ceilings to the intricate carpet on the floor, the whole experience was breathtaking. 

 

 

 After we had seen the mosque, several women talked to us about the mosque and Islam and answered the questions that we had about Islam.  Throughout my stay here in Oman, most people have been very respectful and open towards other religions and willing to explain their beliefs and points of view to us.  I was not expecting as much openness as I have found, but I certainly appreciate it. 

After leaving the Mosque, we went to the US Embassy (US soil again.. Yay!) for a security briefing.  Many things in Oman run behind schedule, and per Omani tradition, we were late getting back to school.  As a result, they canceled afternoon classes and gave us a few hours to relax, a nice change. 

The day at the Grand Mosque was probably the best day of the trip so far.   I love seeing more of Oman than what I see on my commute every day, and the beauty of the Mosque is not something that I will soon forget.