serene and mesmerizing ambiance just like any other religious place. i loved the decorations and the feelings it brings just by looking at them. the surrounding areas are littered and i think waste bins should be put in place .

Abuja National Mosque, also known as The National Mosque of Nigeria, and The Nigerian National Mosque is an impressive, notable landmark situated in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja- Nigeria's capital city. This sprawling, incredible 'wonder' dominates the Abuja skyline, and can be seen from miles away! It is centrally located along Independence Avenue- which is just a stone's throw away from the National Christian Center. The mosque was built in the mid 1980's, during President Shehu Shagari's administration. When it was decided that the capital of Nigeria was to be moved from Lagos, (in the South) to the F.C.T Abuja- (Nigeria's 'middle belt' region), there was intense lobbying by well respected Elders and prominent Statesmen to build a general institution that would serve as a center and symbol of national unity for Muslims in Nigeria. Hence, the Abuja National Mosque was born! I guess the same ideology inspired the construction of the equally iconic National Christian Center too. The National Mosque boasts an Islamic Center, a Conference Room and a Library within it's premises. There is also a residential/living quarters for the mosque's Imam and other important Muezzin and religious figures of the mosque. There's the National Mosque Shopping Mall to one side of the parking lot, within a small building. This is a plaza/mini mart on 2 floors that has a handful of small shops and vendors who sell everything from Zam-Zam (holy water), Abayas, Qurans & Islamic Books/Literature, Medicinal Herbs, Religious Souvenirs/Memorabilia, Traditional Caps, Dates, Prayer Mats, Fabrics & Clothing, and much more. A black commemorative plaque outside states that a foundation laying ceremony was performed on the 25th of July, 2019 by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Council for Islamic Affairs. The National Mosque has a breathtakingly beautiful golden dome that is humongous, and probably the most eye-catching and attention-grabbing feature of the mosque! 🤩 There are also 4 smaller golden domes- making them 5 in total. The mosque has 4 long minarets on either side(s) of the larger dome. The National Mosque has all the atypical 'hallmarks' of Islamic Architecture. The main entrance showcases gorgeous Arabic Calligraphy around the doorway, in addition to intricate mosaics, as well as some vibrant cream, pale teal, gold and baby pink coloration. The solid golden door was a superb! The entire building is made with what seems like a combination of pale grey marble and granite. The interior of the mosque is simple, yet ornate, with gold accents used liberally, whether it's the grand chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings, or for the barriers and other panellings. The women's section is situated on the second floor, while the men's is downstairs. The space(s) are very wide and expansive. It is truly a lovely mosque! Though the mosque has been open for almost 40 years, I'd say that is has surprisingly been well maintained; unless of course they've done some renovations over time. Nevertheless, the interior could be a little cleaner, and the walls could definitely use a fresh coat of paint and newer prayer carpets. A slight criticism I'd lodge here is that the mosque's parking lot is not 'commensurate' with the more than 500 person capacity of the mosque. If the mosque fills to capacity, then were are all the worshippers and mosque-goers supposed to park??? On the street, curbside? 🤔 It's really inadequate in my personal opinion. We visited during a non-peak hour and not on a Friday, and my daughter and I were barely able to find a single space to park our car! Imagine if this was during prayer hours or on Friday! Hoping they will try to expand the parking space, because it is simply insufficient for a mosque of this magnitude, and calibre too. The National Mosque is said to be open to the general public, Non-Muslims and tourists for visits, but only when congregational prayers aren't being held. This is my very first visit to this eminent landmark, and I have to admit that I was captivated! 😍 I've been coming to Abuja since I was in my early teens (in the early 90's), but have never had the pleasure of visiting this grand and towering building. It's an imposing, structural wonder that I mentioned, is clearly visible from just about every angle within the city of Abuja; but up close- it couldn't be more amazing! 🤩 This magnificent mosque is a bonafide 'grand', 'magestic' and 'impressive' addition to Nigeria's cultural and Islamic heritage. It made me feel so proud to be a Muslim and a Nigerian when I came her! 😎 🙅🏾‍♀️ The National Mosque a.k.a The National Mosque of Nigeria a.k.a The Nigerian National Mosque is a truly incredible, iconic building and is well worth a visit! I highly, highly recommended it!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽