In the Name of Allah, the Lord of Mercy, the Giver of Mercy
“Think carefully. Select those who have minds. Work with great intellects.”
The profound meaning of this saying reflects the essence of a doctrine of light and inspiration firmly ingrained in the mind and heart of Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founder of Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre in Dubai. He has built the mosque to be a minaret of devotion, tolerance, and brotherhood among the adherents of faith. Creative thinking, coupled with nobility of intention and aim, makes him see obstacles, which render others reluctant to proceed, an end in itself to persevere for.
Numerous are the spots of light that shine brightly in his soul and unleash his enthusiasm to the utmost. Among the brightest of them that works the deepest influence and retains the highest status is Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque & Centre in the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
This great landmark has grown a jewel in the emirate’s crown, a place that attracts the hearts and eyes of visitors from everywhere.
If you get the chance to visit that grand Islamic edifice one day, you will take pride in that iconic building that spells peace, mercy, and tranquillity. It stands superb with its four minarets embracing the skies of Dubai, its domes rising on top, and its walls inlaid with the best and most beautiful creations contemporary craftsmen are capable of producing. Thanks to their efforts, this work of art has come to light to be an attraction to performers of Salah -and even tourists– who are seen in crowds in the passageways of the mosque and centre and under the domes, with their eyes roving admiringly over every shape, part, curvature, and colour of this creation.
It is worthy of mention that thousands of those who regularly perform Salah in this mosque come from relatively faraway places; they come to enjoy the remarkable spiritual character of the fine voices reciting the Glorious Qur’an, that marvellous constellation of renowned Islamic scholars who lead Salah in the month of Ramadan. This gesture of Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor emerges from his eagerness to confer a distinguished atmosphere on the place in this holy month to make the performers of worship feel as if they were taking a worldwide tour among various mosques, but all in one month and in one place, by listening to the notable Qur'an reciters who accept the invitation of the generous man in the holy month.
The dynamics motivating most of those visions, which go beyond the present to a future more fast-paced and hectic than ever, should necessarily go in a parallel line with significant decisions to be made. Attention should be given to such influences that discipline the human soul and instil in it the basis for peace and amity toward all mankind. The founder of this edifice has been ever so keen on deeply rooting such influences by creating an atmosphere that is at once highly spiritual and elegant, at once modern and representative of originality and doctrine of the righteous. This is not to be wondered at in a self-made man who has started absolutely from scratch, who, with firm confident steps, has managed to muscle his way through such a tough journey that others would have deemed impossible to proceed along. He has advanced with fearlessness and shunned all reluctance and hesitation. He made his start in light of the wisdom that says: “Think with a vision. Work with diligence. Leave a print that contributes to elevating your country high up among the stars!”