There are quite a few iconic landmarks in Abuja, ranging from natural monoliths like the Zuma Rock to man-made edifices like the National Ecumenical Center, the Abuja National Mosque, Aso Rock, and Jabi Lake, to mention a few. In fact, the whole city is a carefully constructed modern masterpiece of architecture and construction, and over the decades has attracted a lot of tourists and travelers to the city in wonder at its structures. One of such amazing masterpieces is the Abuja National Mosque.
The Abuja National Mosque, also popularly known as the Nigerian National Mosque, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city of Abuja. Featured on the 100 naira note of the Nigerian currency and a beacon of Islamic unity situated in the very heart of the city, the artwork in building form is fully functional, serving as a worship center to faithful believers and tourist site to non-believers who have access to the building when it is not prayer time.
The History: An Architectural Masterpiece
Construction of the mosque started under the leadership of former President Shehu Shagari and was completed in 1984, but it was not until 1990 when Abuja officially became the capital that the mosque was formally opened.
The mosque architecture borrows a lot of design from traditional and ancient Islamic heritage, combined with modern aesthetics and style. Perhaps its most striking feature is its large, towering, golden-aluminium shingled dome and four minarets that rise into the sky, making it almost visible from every part of the city.
Not to be outdone by the outdoors, the interior is intricately designed with crafted mosaic, Islamic calligraphy, and beautiful patterns that showcase the history and rich culture of the Islamic religion in Nigeria, and glass windows and golden lighting that somehow make the place look even more religious. The prayer hall is also quite vast, being able to comfortably hold about 10,000 worshippers during prayer time.
Other buildings in the courtyard include a library, the personal residence of the Imams and Muezzins that call the mosque home, a conference center, and the Islamic center. In addition to these spaces, the outdoor courtyard can also accommodate an additional 15,000 worshippers and is usually converted into a makeshift prayer hall during worship time, and is a great place to relax for tourists when prayers are not being observed.
A Structure of Peace
Apart from its symbol as a physical proof of Islamic unity, the mosque is strategically located on Independence Avenue in the Central Business District of Abuja, placing it at the very heart of the city and directly opposite the National Ecumenical Center also known the Nation Christian Center, another masterpiece and a symbol of christian unity.
This proximity to each other serves to promote the country’s stance on peace and unity amongst the different religious groups within it.
A Hub of Culture and Tradition
The mosque does not just serve as a worship center, though; it also serves as a hub of cultural events promoting Islamic activities, including music performances, poetry reading, interfaith conversations, Islamic education, and even the artworks of new Nigerian artists.
The conference hall is usually used for Islamic symposiums and seminars, and comfortably accommodates 500 people, while the library boasts hundreds of books and Islamic literature that are open to scholars and the general public alike.
Aside from the knowledge-driven parts of the mosque, some shops and stores sell various Islamic items that worshippers and tourists might be interested in buying, some even sourced from Saudi Arabia itself.
A Visitors Welcome
People are usually amazed to hear that the Abuja national mosque is open to all, muslim and non-muslim alike, for free. There are even tour guides ready to teach and guide tourists on the history and origin of the mosque if you are interested.
However, it should be noted that while the mosque is open to all, some restrictions include:
- No access to the mosque during prayer times. So, come preferably early before the evening prayers and not during religious holidays or events.
- Modest dressing for all who come visiting, this usually means clothes that cover the arms and legs well, and of course, women must also cover their heads
- No photographs of some residential and private parts of the mosque. Although pictures are not frowned upon, some parts are either personal or too sacred to be snapped.
Overall, the national mosque is a standing testament of faith, unity, and religion right in the middle of Abuja and is a must-see destination when visiting the capital city. Whether you are a history junkie, religious and culture lover or an architecture and aesthetic connoisseur, the site has something to offer every tourists.
Location: 1012 Sani Abacha Way, Central Business Dis, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory
Hours Open: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
