AlFateh Grand Mosque — Attraction in Bahrain Island

Being someone who is extremely interested in word religions and cultures, this was automatically a must-do on my trip to Bahrain. It appears at the top of everyone's travel lists, and I can see why. The Great Mosque is a beautiful building with extraordinary architecture, and modest decor. The inside was MUCH more subdued than I expected (in comparison to Catholic cathedrals or Mormon temples).

As you enter, you stop at the visitors desk where you can ask for a FREE tour. (I love anything free) You must be appropriately dressed to enter the Mosque. For women, that means waring the black abaya gown and hijab head scarf. They have attire you can borrow while you are in the mosque, so I headed in to get changed (you just put them on over your clothes). The women there are very respectful and offered to help with anything I needed. I went alone, so was a little worried about not knowing what to do or what was appropriate but they made me feel at ease. The men just needed to be dressed conservatively, but they did not require any special clothing.

After I was changed, I went into a waiting room to wait for my tour guide, which also doubled as their library. My guide was a lovely woman from Egypt who was very knowledgeable in the Muslim faith and the history of not just this mosque but the religion in general. As we went through the tour, she allowed me to stop her and ask any questions I needed. She provided a very thorough and informative background on the Muslin faith and their teachings. This was more intriguing to me that the mosque itself. I realized that I knew very little about this faith, but left feeling educated and able to inform others of it as well.

The tour itself lasted about 45 mins, including my questions. Because I was alone, I was able to have more one on one time with my guide and felt less anxious about asking "stupid" questions. After the tour" was over I was able to take as many pics as I wanted in the praying room of the mosque, as well as the outside courtyards. It was not nearly as big inside as I had expected. Islam is a very modest faith and it showed.

I would highly recommend a visit to this beautiful mosque to anyone looking to learn more about the Muslim faith, as that is what I found most interesting!

My only critique is transportation and access. I took an Uber here from my hotel. The mosque has no wifi and I had no cell service, therefore had no way to call a cab/uber to get me back to my hotel. I asked the women at the tour desk and they called a cab for me. (And he ended up charging me triple what I paid to get there - however I had no choice at this point). I suggest either making sure you have cell service, or prearranging transportation back. There are no cabs waiting or anywhere to easily catch one...

I visited the Mosque on August 4th around 11AM. I am an Asian female (American) and visited the mosque with my 5-years-old daugther with another Asian Male friend who was visiting me in Bahrain. We had a guide (a female in full coverage abaya-- found her name: Miriam) with us. This is the second time I am visiting the mosque, and I have lived here for 3 years.

During this time and numerous encounters with Bahrainis, I can say I have never experienced such a disrespectful person towards my religious belief. For your information, we were extra open-minded and listened to her speedy demonstration with all our ears, asking questions and taking photos. My friend works for the UNESCO, and we both are extremely cosmopolitan citizens who present respects and appreciation towards people with different backgrounds.

When she found out that we are Christian and Catholic, Miriam literally insulted our God (Jesus) and showed most insinuating gesture with some nose-laughing and exaggerated expression: she acted as if she is in disbelief that I believe in crucifixtion, saying "what~? you believe in crucifixion???!!!" "your daughter is Christian? ha!!!--- [-], your daughter is not Christisn, she is Islamic until she reaches puberty and chooses her religion!" Then, she just said the rudest things in super speedy tone without any reservation -- basically implying that we are stupid to believe in my God. I was appalled, but we are such diplomatic people, simply told her that we dont want to go into the argument and shoved it away.

However, hello?~ this is just not acceptable! this woman shouldn't work here in the mosque representing your religion and guiding the multinational community with different religious backgrounds. Please show some respect! You have no knowledge about Christianity! So, stop bashing it out! You cant dare tell who my daughter is. I had a positive attitude towards your religious community before, but this visit completely changed my mind towards Muslim. However again, i hope this lady is not a good representation of your religious community, and I hope the mosque take a serious action against this disrespectful...

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