On one of the sunniest days of the year, a large group of children from Year 2 to Year 5 visited Cambridge Mosque. It was a longer journey than we were used to, but we were all very excited. When the driver told us we were nearly there, we were very confused. This was a narrow, but busy street, with shops, cafés, buses and taxis, as well as lots of people! But all was revealed a moment later, when our coach drew up in front of some high gates, a fountain and a clean, rectangular building, with Arabic writing near the top.
After greeting the volunteers, we began the day with a quick introduction, and then some creative activities. Some of us were decorating prayer mats, some were having a go at writing the shahada (a holy prayer or statement) in Arabic script and some were creating Islamic mathematical patterns. All of us were enjoying ourselves, and lunch came far too soon.
After lunch, our grand tour began by the fountain, in a very calm garden. When we entered the building, we all took off our shoes, the boys putting theirs on one side and the girls the other. Adult females (and some of our girls) also covered their heads and necks with scarves, to show respect.
As we stepped into the atrium, we realised the building looked more like a cathedral than a mosque. Huge columns, like trees, stretched up towards high, vaulted ceilings. Janaid, our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable, remembering lots of facts about how and why the Mosque was built. He also explained sone secrets about the patterns on the walls! We were allowed to visit the washing area (where Moslem people prepare themselves before they pray) and then the main prayer hall. We also heard a very sad but inspiring story about a young Moslem girl, who was very sick, but managed to raise thousands of pounds. This went towards a toddler room, with a glass front, where mums can keep an eye on their children and take part in the Moslem service at the same time.
As well as being a beautiful mosque, this building is also incredibly environmentally friendly. Janaid explained how water from the wash area is reused to water the garden. The mosque is also a building that can keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter, at very little cost compared with older buildings.
One of the things we enjoyed most about our visit was how warm and friendly everybody was. This was an experience we will remember for a long time. Thank you to all the children who attended this trip. Your respectful behaviour, curiosity and enthusiasm made us all proud!
