The mosque, recipient of the world's richest architecture prize -- the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (to architect Marina Tabassum) -- was the focal element of the exhibition. Unique in its design and for its simplicity, use of natural light and ventilation, the mosque built in the Sultanate mosque architecture is more than just a prayer space -- it can be used as a school, an informal playground and as a place for spiritual contemplation. And that is exactly what Shahdidul Alam portrays in his photos. “The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) introduced mosques in Madinah as a multi-dimensional space -- as administrative office, shelter, educational institute and even as a nursing space. He even opened the doors to mosques to non-Muslims,” says Alam. “The concept of mosques has moved quite far away from that, and my target with this exhibition was to debunk the wave of Islamophobia in the world, and portray Islam as the religion it is -- a religion of openness and welcoming nature.”

The exhibition was initially supposed to take place inside the mosque, as agreed upon by the mosque committee and the architect, but some “pressure” prompted a slight change of plan -- to host it outside the walls.

“I came here over a long time and took photos here, and I saw that this mosque is not just for prayers; I have seen people in deep contemplation, and even resting. I have seen children play cricket outside the mosque, and even birds knitting their nests. If a ball flew in to the mosque, someone at the mosque would go and send the ball outside, without scolding the children. It gave me the feeling that this mosque is unique -- it has a life of its own, that is forgiving, open and receptive, just as the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had intended mosques to be,” he told The Daily Star.

Alam said he had already received calls to take this exhibition abroad and that he would like to take this exhibition to other mosques in the country as well.

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