Hukuru Miskiiy in Male – Maldives

The Hukuru Miskiiy in Male is one of the most beautiful and iconic mosques in the Maldives. It is not just a religious edifice; it is also now a popular draw among tourists.

Location and How to Get to This Specific Site

The mosque is located in Male, the capital of Maldives. You can reach the city by taxi or fly in direct. Once there, you will have no trouble spotting the mosque. All the major tourist attractions are very close to each other.

What to See There

The mosque is known for its intricate carvings of wood. Visitors to the site will also admire its lacquer work, which is exceptional. The interior and exterior walls are all carved masterfully.

Ornamental designs and Arabic writings dominate their surfaces. The doors have beautiful Arabic inscriptions. The roof, frames and windows are made from assorted wood. A visit to the compound will reveal tombstones of ancient origin.

History

The Hukuru Miskiiy in Male is without question the very first built on the Maldives. It was constructed in 1956 to cater to the growing Islamic population on the island. The mosque was built during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar I.

The structure was constructed using coral stones. Various types of wood were used for its building. The windows are made from teak, redwood and sandalwood.

Cost

Entry to the mosque is free. However, non-Muslims require permission before they can enter. Taxi fares in Male charge Rf 20 flat. There is an addition Rf 5 charge for every bag you carry. Hotel room charges usually start at $50.

Other Info

Its name means Friday Mosque. The name was chosen because of the day’s relevance. It is the time when male Muslims head for the main religious congregation. This takes place at noon. The Imam provides religious advice. During its early history, Friday was the day prayers took place.

After you visit the mosque, you can check out the other sites. Nearby are the Sultan Park and National Museum, Maldives National Defense Force HQ and the Islamic Center. The Islamic Center is one of the best known spots in Maldives.

The Hukuru Miskiiy in Male is just one of the many attractions in the country. The nice thing about Male is that it is small enough you can see most of the other sites clearly. This makes a comprehensive tour of the city very easy.