This past weekend part 3- Meknes Mausoleum

Mausoleum:

So the mausoleum was originally a mosque, but they converted it into a mausoleum where people go to just pay respects to Mullay Ismail, because in Islam there are restrictions on praying near dead people. However, Mullay Ismail was a descendent of the prophet, so some people do come here to receive blessings as well. 

In Islam, it is forbidden to create pictures of people, especially the prophet Muhammad because it is seen as trying to imperfectly create/replicate what God has already created. So, they decorate their buildings and mosques with beautiful intricate geometric designs and Arabic calligraphy. The geometric designs are seen as a way to prove that humans are God's most perfect and sophisticated creation, and the Arabic calligraphy usually is of verses from the Quran. 

Fountain in the shape of the 8 pointed star, a prominent symbol in Islam

Standing where the imam stands during prayer, facing east. The small chamber amplifies his voice naturally without a mic.

Our tour guide explaining what every image means. Mullay Ismail was famous for his religious tolerance, so this mosque contains symbols of the Star of David, the Cross, and the Muslim star (which symbolizes the stars they used to navigate through the desert).

The tomb!!!

This weekend was very fun. Tomorrow we tour the medina of Fez. Then on Mknday it's back to the grind stone. My goals for this week are to have at least two extended conversations with cab drivers in Darija, go to a Hamaam, learn how to make tea, spend at least 30 minutes reviewing flash cards each day, and not using wifi at school until all my work is completed. I think I can do it. Wish me luck!