There are numerous examples in Sharjah of beautiful places of worship that showcase the emirate’s efforts to safeguard Islamic heritage and to cater for various Muslim communities. Burhani Masjid Sharjah is one of these, a great mosque that is not only a landmark, an architectural beauty from the rich Fatimid tradition, but also serves the Dawoodi Bohra community.

The mosque is now more than just a place of worship; it’s located in the historic district of Al Manakh. It serves as a hub for religious education, community engagement, Quranic study, charitable efforts, and social growth. The mosque has expanded with the growth of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sharjah over the years and was later expanded significantly to meet the growing needs of the community. 

Burhani Masjid Sharjah at a Glance

It was opened by the 52nd spiritual leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, in 2003. A new and bigger complex was opened in 2020 by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, and the mosque now serves over 4,000 worshippers. 

History of Burhani Masjid

Burhani Masjid is an example of the gradual development of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sharjah.

Sharjah’s community has been here for decades and has helped major industries in Sharjah, such as businesses, trade, construction, manufacturing, and professional services. As the community grew, the establishment of a community centre and a mosque became more important. 

Aware of this, the Government of Sharjah provided land for the mosque in Al Manakh. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, donated the land to the late Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who opened the mosque in 2003.

The Bohra community in Sharjah has increased in numbers with the passage of time. With the growing numbers of attendees throughout Friday prayers, during the times of Ramadhan and other major religious events, more space was needed.

Location and Accessibility

Burhani Masjid is located in Al Manakh, one of the historic areas of Sharjah.

Its accessibility is beneficial to residents of surrounding commercial and residential areas. Access to the mosque is very convenient from the road network of Sharjah, and it is a significant place for Dawoodi Bohras from all over Sharjah.

Visitors can also be able to find nearby shops, restaurants, and public facilities within a short distance, as it is an established urban area. 

Architectural Design

The mosque is built in a style that is unique to the construction techniques of the Neo-Fatimid period.

Unlike modern minimalist architecture, Burhani Masjid is inspired by the historical monuments of the Fatimid era in Cairo.

The design is inspired by two renowned Egyptian mosques, according to official sources of Dawoodi Bohra, who claim that the design is based on the layout of the mosques.

• Al-Jami al-Anwar
• Al-Jami al-Aqmar

These influences are manifested in:

• Decorative arches
• Intricate stone detailing
• Elegant façades
• Islamic Geometric Pattern
• Harmonious proportions

The outcome is a building that combines traditional Islamic architecture with contemporary standards, that is serene and beautiful to behold, a place of worship.

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Expansion of the Mosque

This mosque was adequate for the community for many years until the population increased and more space was needed.

The expansion project involved providing more prayer halls and community facilities, which enabled the mosque to serve as a space for more than 4,000 worshippers.

In the opening ceremony, Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin thanked the Government of Sharjah and reiterated the support they have extended to the Dawoodi Bohra community so far. 

Role Within the Dawoodi Bohra Community

The Burhani Masjid has many functions other than for performing prayers.

The mosque is used as a hub for:

• Daily prayers
• Friday congregational prayers
• Quran recitation
• Religious education
• Community meetings
• Charity initiatives
• Social welfare activities

According to the official community information, the mosque complex was created to serve religious and educational purposes and has become an important centre for Bohra families in Sharjah. 

Interior Design and Prayer Facilities

After its expansion, Burhani Masjid was designed to fit a capacity of over 4,000 worshippers, thus becoming one of the largest places of worship for the Dawoodi Bohra community in the UAE. The mosque is a blend of traditional Fatimid architecture and contemporary amenities, providing a serene and functional space for worship. 

In the mosque, visitors can find:

• Spacious prayer halls
• Special ablution (wudu) facilities
• Prayer areas with well-maintained carpeting.
• Special prayer for women during congregational prayers
• Up-to-date lighting and ventilation systems.
• Easy entry to and movement around the building.

The simplicity, cleanliness, and symmetry—characteristics of Islamic architecture and worship—are evident in the interior.

Educational Activities

The Burhani Masjid is not just a mosque, but also a significant educational institution for the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Children, youths, and adults have access to structured programmes of religious education. These usually emphasize:

• Recitation of the Quran and memorization of it.
• Arabic language learning
• Islamic ethics
• Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)
• Islamic history
• Moral development

Education is a concern of the Dawoodi Bohra community, and mosques like Burhani Masjid serve as community learning centers in addition to being places of worship. 

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Community Services

The ability to enhance community life is one of the most distinguishing features of Burhani Masjid.

The mosque has been active in promoting social responsibility and community involvement throughout the year through various activities. These include:

• Community meals
• Charities and welfare organisations
• Religious lectures
• Family gatherings
• Volunteer initiatives
• Youth engagement activities

The programs are in line with the Dawoodi Bohra tradition of performing worship and distributing services, social and educational assistance, and providing service to the community.

Ramadan at Burhani Masjid

The mosque is one of the busiest periods of the year during Ramadan, as well as one of the most important periods of the year.

In the Holy Month, worshippers gather for:

• Five daily prayers
• Taraweeh prayers
• Quran recitation
• Community iftar meals
• Religious sermons
• Special educational sessions

The attendance at the mosque is much higher during the month of Ramadan, and this contributed to the expansion of the site as this month has grown in its size.

Eid Celebrations

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are celebrated with big congregational prayers and community assemblies.

Families gather to greet and do charitable works. The mosque is also a place where community members connect and practice important Islamic rituals.

Architectural Highlights

Burhani Masjid is distinguished by its close ties with Fatimid architecture, which has been linked with the Fatimid Caliphate.

It has some outstanding architectural features such as:

Elegant Minarets

The tall minarets of the mosque contribute to the overall traditional Islamic proportions and make it a prominent feature of the skyline.

Decorative Façade

Its exterior features elaborate stonework from classical Egyptian Fatimid mosques.

Arched Walkways

Arched walkways and entrances are designed to be attractive and to offer shade for the worshippers.

Geometric Ornamentation

Islamic geometric patterns have been used throughout the building traditionally without excessive decoration.

Balanced Layout

The prayer halls are designed to allow the imam to be seen, while allowing easy movement during congregational prayers.

The sources of the Dawoodi Bohra community state that the influence of the façade and arcades was taken from the famous mosques Al-Jami al-Anwar and Al-Jami al-Aqmar in Cairo, Egypt, both of which are of the Fatimid era.

Importance Within Sharjah

Sharjah is a well-known city for the preservation of Islamic culture and heritage.

Despite its many well-known mosques, the Burhani Masjid has a special place in the emirate as it caters to the Dawoodi Bohra community while also adding to the religious diversity of Sharjah.

The mosque also symbolizes the historic ties between the Government of Sharjah and the Dawoodi Bohra community, evidenced by the provision of land for the building of the original mosque and later on for its expansion.

Visitor Etiquette

Visitors should observe correct etiquette in the mosque.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Dress modestly.
• Take off shoes before going into prayer spaces.
• Be quiet in the mosque.
• Do not disturb worshippers while they are praying.
• Take photos only with permission.
• Respect allocated prayer areas.

Preservation of the peaceful atmosphere of the mosque is achieved by following these simple practices.

Nearby Landmarks

Located in Al Manakh, some great local attractions in the heart of Sharjah can be explored while visiting Burhani Masjid, such as:

• Central Souq (Blue Souk)
• Al Jubail Market
• Rolla Square
• King Faisal Mosque
• Sharjah Heritage Area
• Al Majaz Waterfront

These places allow the inclusion of the mosque as a part of the overall exploration of Sharjah’s cultural and historic districts.

Why Burhani Masjid Is Significant

Several factors make Burhani Masjid different from many other mosques in the emirate:

• This is the main Dawoodi Bohra mosque of Sharjah.
• It is a worship, education, and community service center in one house.
• It is a Neo-Fatimid style of architecture that is directly inspired by the design of ancient Egyptian mosques.
• The larger complex can seat over 4,000 worshipers.
• It represents the presence and contributions of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sharjah for a long time. 

Best Time to Visit

During the non-congregational time of the mosque, it is the most peaceful time. Those wishing to enjoy architecture or to pray should make their way in a way that is respectful to the mosque’s timing and the faithful.

The highest activity times are typically:

• Friday congregational prayers
• Ramadan evenings
• Eid prayers
• Major religious gatherings by the Dawoodi Bohra sect are banned.

Tourism and photography are acceptable activities, provided prayer times are not used except for worship. Obey any instructions from mosque personnel.

How to Reach Burhani Masjid

Burhani Masjid is situated in the central part of Sharjah, in the Al Manakh area, which is well connected by road.

There are several ways to get to the mosque:

• Private car
• Or taxi or ride-hailing services.
• Sharjah’s public buses for central areas

Extra travel time should be allowed when driving during the Friday prayers or religious activities when additional traffic is likely on adjoining roads.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

These suggestions can help you to have a respectful experience while visiting any of the above for worship or to learn about the architecture of Islam.

• Dress light, with sleeves covering knees and shoulders.
• Take off your shoes when entering prayer halls.
• Turn mobile phones to mute.
• Talk in a low voice inside the mosque.
• Respect areas reserved for worshippers.
• Please ask permission to take photographs.
• Obey instructions from volunteers or staff of the mosque.

By taking these into account, we are honoring these practices and maintaining the peaceful atmosphere that the mosque is designed to foster.

Community Contributions

Burhani Masjid is more than a place of daily prayers, based on the official Dawoodi Bohra information. It acts as an educational, social welfare, volunteer, and community development hub.

The Dawoodi Bohra community is also recognized internationally for its activities in the field of:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Food distribution
• Environmental sustainability
• Community volunteering

Many of the activities carried out under the auspices of Burhani Masjid and community organizations are based on these values. 

Why Burhani Masjid Matters

Not only for its elegant Neo-Fatimid architecture, but also on account of its representing the history and development of the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sharjah, Burhani Masjid is significant.

The mosque has grown into a significant religious and community landmark since its opening in 2003 and its significant expansion in 2020. The Government of Sharjah’s decision to provide land for the original mosque and subsequent expansion demonstrates its dedication to catering for the varied Muslim communities in this Emirate. 

The Burhani Masjid remains a place of worship, education, service, and spiritual development for people to attend and enjoy today.

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Conclusion

In all its architectural splendor and dedication to worship, education, and community service, Burhani Masjid is one of the important Islamic sites in Sharjah. It is also an important place for the residents and visitors alike due to its Neo-Fatimid design, generous prayer spaces, and being the main place of worship for the Dawoodi Bohra community.

From exploring Islamic architecture to gaining a deeper understanding of the Dawoodi Bohra community or simply delving into Sharjah’s religious history, Burhani Masjid provides a glimpse into a tradition that champions faith, knowledge, and service. The mosque stands as a symbol of unity and is an integral part of Sharjah’s cultural heritage, continuing to serve the community as it expands.

Frequently Asked Questions

In which area is Burhani Masjid?

Al Manakh is the location of Burhani Masjid in the UAE city of Sharjah.

What is the purpose of Burhani Masjid?

The mosque is primarily used by the Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community as a religious and community centre.

In which year was Burhani Masjid built?

One of the founders of the mosque was Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, who inaugurated the mosque in 2003. It was extended and re-opened by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin in 2020. 

What is the style of this mosque?

The mosque’s style is inspired by historic Fatimid mosques in Cairo, such as Al-Jami al-Aqmar and Al-Jami al-Anwar, and is based on Neo-Fatimid architecture.

Is it possible to visit the Burhani Masjid?

Visitors might be able to enter the mosque by observing the guidelines, prayer times, and etiquette of the mosque. If mosque leaders have any instructions to give, it is best to adhere to them.

Does Burhani Masjid have parking?

Yes, parking is available for worshipers and visitors close to Burhani Masjid. Early arrival is advised during special religious functions, Ramadan, and Friday prayers as parking may be limited.