Cambridge Central Mosque
This mosque is winning awards after awards. Its simply beautiful. It mimics a calm oasis in the middle of Cambridge, UK. Cambridge Central Mosque is Europe’s first-ever eco mosque. The Mosque design was inspired both by Islamic and English religious architectural traditions. It is Islamic. But very British at the same time. The mosque Architect, Marks Barfield worked with a garden designer and Islamic artists to marry traditional Islamic architecture, geometry and horticulture into this masjid. It uses indigenous English materials, English plants and English craftsmanship to create a unique synthesis. But it also incorporates Islamic universalism. Its geometric patterns symbolizing the infinite originated in Islamic Spain. Its calligraphic wonders came from Turkey. Its timber rising as tree throughout the mosque came from Switzerland. The Kufic script decorates the wall saying Qul Huwallahu Ahad Qul Huwallahu Ahad. "Say He is God, the One" Say He is the One God You enter via an Islamic garden, before passing through a covered portico and then an atrium, preparing you gradually for the contemplation of the prayer hall, facing Makkah. This combination of gardens with whispering fountains and open prayer spaces has been used to great effect throughout Islamic history. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world. Even the roofs are green with four gardens on the roof top. Professor Abdal Hakim Murad has been the leader behind this project. Yusuf Islam, the Cat Steven, brought his beauty to it. Turkish president actually inaugurated it. The Shah Jahan Mosque at Woking was Britain’s first purpose-built mosque. It was established in 1889. However this is Cambridge Central is first mosque in Europe to have zero carbon footprint. Yes Zero carbon. Zero carbon is what humanity needs. We have been ruthless in our production. And absolutely careless in our consumption. Us, human beings, need to be humble submitting to God Almighty. Thankful for his bounties but Consuming less and sharing more. Insha Allah!
