Located in the Al Rahmaniya Suburb of Sharjah, UAE, Jami’ Al Rahmaniya seeks to redefine the mosque as a structure and a space that overflows with spiritual and communal significance. Inspired by the Qur’anic verse, “And do not walk on the earth arrogantly. You can neither penetrate the earth nor reach the mountains in height” (Surah Al-Isra 37), this mosque embodies humility, simplicity, and beauty—cornerstones of Islamic architecture.
Jami’ Al Rahmaniya Technical Information
- Architects1-5: Almena
- Location: Al Rahmaniya Suburb, Sharjah, UAE
- Area: 3,650 m2 | 39,000 Sq. Ft.
- Project Year: 2024 – 2025
- Images: © BLURRi, © Almena
The real generator of the mosque’s space becomes not the functional space but the function of the space itself.
– Almena Architects
Jami’ Al Rahmaniya Photographs
Design Philosophy: The Mosque Beyond Physical Boundaries
In Jami’ Al Rahmaniya, the row emerges as the foundational spatial unit. This concept reflects the essence of Islamic prayer, where worshipers align shoulder-to-shoulder in unbroken rows. These rows extend beyond the mosque’s physical walls, illustrating the fluidity of sacred space—a spiritual and communal continuum that seamlessly accommodates growing numbers of worshipers.
Drawing from the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “The Earth has been made for me (and for my followers) a place for praying and a means of purification,” the design broadens the definition of a mosque. Jami’ Al Rahmaniya exemplifies how a mosque can transcend its architectural boundaries to exist wherever worshipers gather, integrating the physical with the spiritual.
Architectural Features and Spatial Experience
The spatial organization of Jami’ Al Rahmaniya begins with the Qibla wall, the axis around which the mosque’s spaces are arranged. Unlike traditional mosques, this design ensures parity in experience for men and women by placing their prayer halls on the same level, eliminating hierarchical spatial arrangements. The surrounding Riwaq frames the mosque and incorporates necessary amenities while maintaining architectural coherence.
Courtyards as Connective Spaces: The courtyards act as transitional zones between the prayer halls and the outdoors. These spaces are designed to connect worshippers to the sky, creating a serene environment for reflection and spiritual elevation.
Lightness and Integration: The mosque’s Riwaq introduces a sense of lightness and permeability, blending the building seamlessly with the urban fabric. This openness fosters community interaction and extends the mosque’s function beyond worship.
The central courtyard features a water element symbolizing purity and a garden with trees representing paradise. The minimalist minaret acts as a visual marker and spiritual guide, while the Qibla wall’s solidity contrasts with the surrounding openness, anchoring the spiritual focus of the mosque.
Natural daylight filters through the Qibla wall, creating an ethereal ambiance in the prayer hall. This interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the sacred nature of the space while maintaining simplicity and elegance.
Jami’ Al Rahmaniya as a Timeless Mosque
Jami’ Al Rahmaniya’s design prioritizes its relationship with the surrounding community. By integrating prayer spaces with community gardens and flexible outdoor areas, the mosque extends its influence beyond the confines of its structure, creating a public space for spiritual and social engagement.
The mosque’s adaptability allows it to serve the evolving needs of its community. Rows of worshipers can extend beyond the prayer hall, and outdoor spaces can be repurposed for gatherings or contemplation. This flexibility ensures that the mosque remains relevant and functional over time.
Jami’ Al Rahmaniya contributes a contemporary narrative to mosque design, balancing tradition with modernity. It challenges conventional ideas of architectural permanence by focusing on the spiritual and communal essence of the mosque. This project reaffirms the role of Islamic architecture as a medium for spiritual elevation and cultural expression.
Jami’ Al Rahmaniya Plans
Jami’ Al Rahmaniya Image Gallery
About Almena
Founded in Cairo in 2019 by Abdallah Mekkawi and Abdelrahman Adel, Almena is an Egyptian design partnership rooted in socially and environmentally conscious architecture. With a shared academic background in architecture and a deep commitment to meaningful design, the firm emphasizes projects that positively impact communities and the built environment. Relocating to Dubai in 2021, Almena broadened its perspective by engaging with diverse architectural practices while maintaining a strong connection to its cultural roots. Guided by a philosophy of context-driven and innovative design, Almena strives to strengthen communities, respect regional traditions, and drive impactful change across Egypt and the broader region.
Notes & Additional Credits
Landscape Design: Hossam El Hadad
Signage & Wayfinding: XO Design Studio
Engineer of Record (AoR) & Engineering: Al Nahda Engineering Consultants
BIM Consultant: Asset BIM Consultant
Art Direction: BLURRi
