Al Awainah Mosque, one of the most significant historical mosques in the Sultanate of Oman, stands out for its beautifully decorated ‘Mihrab,’ which reflects the style of the traditional Omani ‘Mihrabs’ found across various governorates.
As part of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's ongoing efforts to preserve Omani architectural heritage, the mosque is undergoing restoration, alongside a newly constructed school dedicated to teaching the Holy Quran.
This restoration initiative is part of a broader national effort, with 79 historic mosques having been restored out of the total 116, showcasing a commitment to preserving the rich Islamic architectural traditions of Oman.
Additionally, other mosques such as the Qurnat Qaid Mosque in Samayil and the Awlad Hamad Mosque in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, are either under restoration or planned for restoration in the near future.
The ‘Mihrab’ of Al Awainah Mosque was carefully replicated after the original was transferred to the National Museum in Muscat under the auspices of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. The ‘Mihrab,’ now displayed at the museum, serves as a unique historical symbol of Oman's expert craftsmanship in the art of engraving Islamic Mihrabs.
Another notable feature of the mosque is its small staircase leading to the ‘Al Manarah,’ or 'Al Boom' — a small dome at the mosque's corner. The 'owl' or 'Boom' dome served as a traditional call to prayer tower, where the muezzin would call the faithful from high above, ensuring the sound reached far and wide before the advent of modern loudspeakers.
The mosque's prayer hall, spanning about 72 square metres, is nestled near the ‘Al Awainah Castle,’ a multi-story building that once served as an administrative centre until the 1970s. Historical sources note that the 10th and 16th centuries were particularly significant in the development of Omani ‘Mihrabs,’ with renowned artisans like Abdullah bin Qasim al Manhi and the Mishmal al Manhi family leaving their mark on this intricate craft.
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