Burhani Masjid Sharjah is situated in the Manakha area of Sharjah, directly opposite the city’s Etisalat building. Its architecture is inspired by medieval Cairo, featuring beautiful decorative arches and intricate wooden decorations. This mosque holds significant cultural and religious importance for the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sharjah.
Burhani Masjid Sharjah History
Burhani Masjid Sharjah is a well-known masjid of Dawoodi Bohra people in Al Manakh, Sharjah. It was originally opened by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in 2003 and later on expanded by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin in February 2020. It is also famous for its beautiful Fatimi architectural style that has taken inspiration from some historic mosques of Cairo like al-Jami al-Anwar and al-Aqmar.
It is currently being used for prayers, recitation of the Quran, and religious teachings. It is a very beautiful masjid in Sharjah owing to its rich history and significance to the locals.
Burhani Masjid Sharjah Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Al Masjid Al Fatimiyeen Al Bohra |
| Common name | Burhani Masjid Sharjah |
| Foundation laid | May 2000 |
| Inaugurated | July 26, 2003 |
| Construction duration | ~38 months |
| Construction cost | ~AED 16 million (historical figure) |
| Architectural style | Fatimi |
| Community | Dawoodi Bohra |
| Local organizing body | Anjuman-e-Najmi, Sharjah |
Burhani Masjid Sharjah Map
Quick Facts About Burhani Masjid Sharjah
| Feature | Details |
| Mosque | Burhani Masjid Sharjah |
| Other names used in sources | Masjid al-Fatimeen al-Bohra |
| Location | Al Manakh, Sharjah, UAE |
| Community | Dawoodi Bohra |
| Original inauguration | 2003 |
| Inaugurated by | Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin |
| Expansion inaugurated | February 2020 |
| Expanded complex inaugurated by | Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin |
| Architectural influence | Fatimi Islamic architecture |
| Historic design references | al-Jami al-Anwar and al-Aqmar, Cairo |
| Reported capacity after expansion | More than 4,000 worshippers |
| Main functions | Prayer, Quran recitation, religious education, community gatherings, and social initiatives |
Architecture and Design
Some architectural features make Burhani Masjid Sharjah unique among other mosques of the emirate.
Burhani Masjid Sharjah was built in the Fatimi architecture style, the origin of which goes back to the period of the Fatimid Caliphate existing in the Middle Ages in the territories of modern North Africa and the Middle East. This style is characterized by the elaborate facades of stone, calligraphic elements, and layer symmetry. It is implemented in the architecture of the Dawoodi Bohra mosques all over the world, including Sharjah.
Several of Burhani Masjid’s facades and arcades were designed according to the designs of two historic Cairene mosques –Al Anwar Mosque, located near Bab al-Futuh, and Al-Aqmar Mosque. These 900-year-old buildings were not selected randomly; reproducing the elements of their design becomes the way of connecting with the heritage of the Fatimid period claimed by the Dawoodi Bohra community.
The interior design elements are wooden doors and windows designed according to the old Indian Bohra mosques
Separate men’s and women’s prayer halls
The design of the mosque includes several levels with separate prayer halls. The main prayer hall is designated for men, while women have two other levels.
Location and How to Get There
In the Manakha neighborhood of Sharjah, Burhani Masjid Sharjah is situated across from the Etisalat building, which can be used as a landmark to identify the mosque by automobile. If you are unsure of its exact name, you can ask locals or taxi drivers for help.
The mosque’s surrounding landmarks that serve as orientation
As previously said, the mosque is next to Etisalat’s iconic structure, which aids with orientation.
Capacity and Facilities
Burhani Masjid Sharjah capacity: According to the information from the time of opening of the mosque, its capacity amounted to approximately 8,000 worshippers. This number characterizes the scale of the project compared to the scale of the local Bohra community at that time. Anyway, any historical figure should be regarded only as the benchmark, as the capacity might have been changed during the possible renovations.
Accessibility features
The men’s and women’s prayer halls As it was mentioned in the architectural section, the design of the mosque involves separate levels for men and women; one level is for men, while two other levels are for women. Accessibility: The detailed information about the accessibility of the mosque and the availability of ramps, parking for the visitors with disabilities, etc. is better obtained directly from the mosque or from Anjuman-e-Najmi Sharjah.
Visiting Etiquette for Non-Community Members
Visiting the mosque, which belongs to a certain religious community, implies some special considerations. These are the things that are important for visiting Burhani Masjid Sharjah:
dress properly
(loose-fitting clothes covering shoulders and knees)
Find out in advance the rules of visiting the mosque, as this mosque serves mainly for the Bohra community.
Do not visit the mosque during prayer and event times. Ask for the permission to take photos, especially of the interior
Keep quiet.
Treat the mosque with the same respect as you would treat any mosque, regardless of your own religious beliefs.
These simple rules will ensure the smooth visit.
Prayer Times and Special Events
Guidance on prayer times
The timetable of Burhani Masjid Sharjah’s daily prayers is based on the standard prayer schedule of the Islamic calendar, which changes depending on the position of the sun throughout the year. So it is better to find out in advance the current prayer times.
The special significance of the mosque during the major Bohra religious events
The mosque gains the special significance during the major religious events of the Dawoodi Bohra calendar, when different gatherings and ceremonies take place. At this time, the number of visitors increases. Both community members and non-members visiting the mosque should be prepared for the crowds and changing visiting rules.
Burhani Masjid Sharjah vs. Burhani Masjid Dubai
One of the most common confusions people face when searching for information about Burhani Masjid Sharjah is the confusion of it with its sister mosque in Dubai. These two mosques serve the same community and bear similar names. However, these are different mosques located in different emirates.
| Feature | Burhani Masjid, Sharjah | Burhani Masjid Dubai |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Manakha, Sharjah (opposite Etisalat) | Al Qusais, Dubai |
| Founding era | Foundation laid 2000, inaugurated 2003 | Established separately, serving Dubai’s Bohra community |
| Architectural style | Fatimi, a facade inspired by Cairo landmarks | Fatimi architectural style as well, distinct structure |
| Community served | Sharjah’s Dawoodi Bohra congregation via Anjuman-e-Najmi | Dubai’s Dawoodi Bohra congregation |
| Notable events hosted | Local community religious observances | Has hosted large-scale gatherings, including major Ashara Mubaraka events |
Why Burhani Masjid Sharjah is important
Cultural and architectural significance within Sharjah’s identity
Being the cultural capital of the UAE, recognized by UNESCO, Sharjah pays attention to the development and preservation of its unique architecture and cultural heritage through the construction of various landmarks. The building of the mosque in the Fatimi architecture style with the facades and arcades copied from 900-year-old Cairene landmarks gives the additional architectural voice to the city.
Its role in strengthening the Dawoodi Bohra community’s presence in the UAE
The significance of the mosque in forming the strong presence of the Dawoodi Bohra community in the UAE
Apart from the significance of the mosque in architectural and cultural terms, there is the other significance of it for the community it serves. As the specially built place of worship and the place for the community activities, supported by the local community organization and good relations with the ruling family of Sharjah, the mosque forms the sense of belonging to this place in the Bohras.
Conclusion
Burhani Masjid Sharjah is the example of the merging of history, architecture, and community, which becomes clear only after you learn its whole history. From the foundation in 2000 to the magnificent facade inspired by the medieval Cairene landmarks, this mosque has much more to offer than being only one more pin on the map of Sharjah.
In case you plan to visit this mosque, it is recommended to find out in advance the prayer times and the rules of visiting, dress accordingly, and behave in a respectful manner at the place of worship. If your intention is to visit Burhani Masjid Dubai instead, now you know all the difference between them.
FAQ
Where is Burhani Masjid Sharjah located?
Burhani Masjid Sharjah is located in Al Manakh, Sharjah, UAE near Etisalat area. Ayman Bin Khuraim Street is the street location that is displayed on the map data of the present time.
When was Burhani Masjid Sharjah built?
The mosque was firstly opened by the 52nd al-Dai al-Mutlaq of Dawoodi Bohra sect, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, in 2003. It was later extended in 2020 to hold more worshippers.
What is the other name of the mosque?
Masjid al-Fatimeen al-Bohra is another name of the mosque. This is the name referred to in various resources with relation to the mosque and its extension in 2020.
Who was the person that inaugurated the mosque in Sharjah?
The original mosque was inaugurated by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in 2003. In February 2020, the complex was opened by Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.
How many people can be accommodated in the mosque?
The mosque that was extended in 2020 accommodates over 4,000 worshippers.
What is the architectural style of the mosque?
Fatimi is the architectural style of the mosque and it is similar to the architecture of Fatimi mosques of Cairo, al-Aqmar and al-Jami al-Anwar mosques.
Is Burhani Masjid Sharjah a Dawoodi Bohra mosque?
Yes. Burhani Masjid Sharjah is one of the important religious sites of Dawoodi Bohra community in Sharjah. It serves as a place for prayer, recital of the Quran, learning religion and community activities.
Is the Sharjah mosque the same as Burhani Masjid Al Qusais Dubai?
No. They are different mosques. Sharjah mosque is located in Al Manakh, Sharjah while the Burhani Mosque Al Qusais is in Dubai.
Are prayer times available online?
Various third party websites provide some prayer times or opening hours but I do not have knowledge of any official prayer times. It is best to confirm about the prayer times before proceeding out.
Can tourists visit the mosque?
It is a community center. I have no knowledge of any official tourism or visiting policies at this time. It is advisable to take prior permission from the Dawoodi Bohra community of the locality.
