travel maldives

Hukuru Miskiy or the Friday Mosque of Male’ is a significant heritage site. The building is one of the remaining testimonies to the craftsmanship and amazing skill of Maldivians. The extensive coral carvings and richly decorated lacquered woodwork show the artistry and resourcefulness of Maldivians.

The intricate carvings testify to the artistry of Maldivians | Photo: Hussain Ihvan

 The first mosque in the Maldives was said to have been built on this site in 548 AH (1153 AD) by Sultan Mohammed Ibn Abdullah shortly after he embraced Islam. It was renovated by Sultan Shihabudeen in 738 AH (1338 AD). Unfortunately no detailed structural record of either building has been found.

Exterior of the mosque shows the craftsmanship of Maldivians at the time. The carved door with lock and key is also used as the emblem of the Maldives National University. | Photo: Hussain Ihvan
However, the first mosque was finally demolished altogether by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I in 1066 AH (1656 AD) in order to build the breathtaking Friday Mosque we see today. The white cylindrical minaret was built much later in 1085 AH (1675 AD) after the sultan’s return from Hajj pilgrimage. It resembles minarets in Mecca of the time.

The mosque is believed to be the first school where the holy Quran was taught. The sultan allocated funds for teachers to educate and Imams to call for prayers. Iskandar School in Male’ is named after this great sultan.

The closest mausoleum to the minaret is Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, who died on the morning of  Friday 15 Rabi-ul-Akhir 1098 AH (1687 AD) after having reigned for 39 years, 6 months and 10 days. His death is very controversial. He is believed to have been assassinated by his most beautiful concubine Mariyam Kanbafaanu, so that their son and heir to the throne, Kuda Mohammed, could become sultan. Kuda means small or young in the Dhivehi language.

At the time, the young prince was a mere boy of 6 years of age. And sure enough, Kuda Mohammed became the boy-sultan of Maldives in 1098 AH (1687 AD). The Sultan’s mother, Mariyam Kanbafaanu, grew in influence and eventually gained absolute power over the monarch. She was known to have many lovers and encouraged her subjects to openly engage in sexual activitie
s. Many scholars and righteous people left Male’ to find refuge from the chaos. Her reign was short lived
In 1102 AH (1691 AD) Malabar pirate vessels from India attacked the northern atolls of Maldives. A fleet was sent from Male’ under the command of the Ministers and the battle was won. The self-proclaimed Queen Mariyam and the young Sultan Kuda Mohammed sailed off to meet the victorious fleet returning to Male’. They rendezvoused at Bodu Bandos Island (now Bandos Island Resort) and spent the night in great rejoicing.

The next day, the Royal Odi (vessel) which was carrying Mariyam, the young sultan and other royalties fired a salute. It is believed the sparks caused a fire and set ablaze the Royal Odi. Mariyam’s body was not found. Kuda Mohammed survived the accident badly burnt, but succumbed to the injuries and died on 1102 AH (1691 AD), aged 10 years, 11 months and 6 days. His mausoleum stands in the vicinity of the Friday Mosque alongside other royals. All the mausoleums and headstones are unique with intricately carved coral stones. The pointed headstones mark the graves of men and the smoother curved stones are for women.

Non-Muslims are advised to dress accordingly when entering the premises. A decent garment like slacks or a sarong that covers the knees is appropriate. Women should cover their hair with a scarf or a shawl. A special permission from the Ministry of Islamic Affairs is required to enter the mosque itself. Likewise, permission is needed to take pictures of the interior of the mosque. It is permissible to look around the vicinity.  Hukuru Miskiy is a must-see place that is rich in artistry and history. Truly a piece of magnificent Maldivian heritage.

Book Now!






Copy: http://www.tnmv.net/2011/03/hukuru-miskiy-the-friday-mosque-of-male%E2%80%99/#.Ucv6npxZTgU