A Beacon of Knowledge and Faith: The New Imam Al-Bukhari Mosque in Samarkand

The historic city of Samarkand will soon witness a momentous occasion, the official opening of the Imam Al-Bukhari Mosque, a majestic new centerpiece within the Imam Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex in Khartang Village, a suburb in Samarqand, Uzbekistan. This opening does not only celebrate the remarkable architectural achievement but also revives a centuries-old legacy of scholarship, spirituality, and service to humanity.

The new mosque stands near the resting place of Imam Muhammad ibn Isma'il Al-Bukhari (810-870 CE), one of Islam's most revered scholars and the compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari, universally regarded as the most authentic collection of Hadith after the Qur'an. The mosque indeed epitomizes Uzbekistan's effort in honoring a scholar of timeless influence. For centuries, visitors and scholars from around the world have visited his mausoleum in Khartang, a humble site that has now evolved into a global center of knowledge, faith and learning.

Following Uzbekistan's independence, the government and international partners launched extensive efforts to restore and expand the Al-Bukhari Memorial Complex, transforming it into a space that reflects both deep reverence for the past and optimism for the future. The Complex which is a new landmark for Central Asia houses various significant buildings, including the newly constructed Imam Al-Bukhari Mosque.

The new mosque is one of the largest and most magnificent houses of worship in Central Asia. It is designed to accommodate approximately 10,000 worshippers, with seating for about 7,000 in the main hall and 3,000 in the women's hall. Additionally, the spacious open courtyard can host many more attendees during large gatherings. The mosque stands as a symbol of openness, unity, and inclusivity.

Its architectural splendor is accentuated by four towering minarets, each standing 74.6 meters high, and a grand central dome that merges traditional Islamic motifs with modern design principles. The surrounding complex spans over 40 hectares, featuring a museum, library, educational and research centers, hotels, and visitor facilities, all designed to serve the needs of a growing number of visitors, learners and scholars.

Every aspect of the mosque reflects a harmonious balance between spiritual grace and contemporary functionality, embodying a space where tradition meets modern excellence. For instance, the ablution (wudu) area, which is a vital part of any mosque, is equipped with modern solid-surface foot-washing stations, providing a hygienic, comfortable, and sustainable solution for thousands of daily users. This careful attention to design details symbolizes the mosque's broader mission, that is to combine timeless devotion with modern excellence, ensuring that both spiritual and physical needs of worshippers are met with dignity.

A Living Center of Scholarship and Service

Beyond serving as a space for daily and congregational prayers, the Imam Al-Bukhari Complex is envisioned as a living center of scholarship, dedicated to studying Hadith, Islamic history, and the intellectual legacy of Imam Al-Bukhari. Among the planned activities of the complex include regular lectures, seminars, and international conferences on Hadith and Islamic thought. The complex will organize educational programs for students and scholars from across the Muslim world. There is a museum and exhibition hall which display manuscripts, artifacts, and interactive presentations on Islamic civilization.

At its heart, the new Imam Al-Bukhari Mosque embodies a mission to renew the role of the university-mosque tradition where prayer, learning, and community service are intertwined. Its vision extends far beyond Samarkand, that is to honor Imam Al-Bukhari's intellectual legacy by promoting authentic scholarship rooted in ethics and critical thought. The mosque also aims to foster unity among Muslims globally, serving as a bridge between cultures and generations. It aims to inspire young scholars and leaders who will uphold the principles of truth, compassion, and knowledge in the complex realities of the modern world.

A Global Invitation

As the mosque opens its doors, the call to prayer will echo through Samarkand which is a city that once formed the heart of the Silk Road and the meeting point of civilizations. The opening of the Imam Al-Bukhari Mosque is more than a local event; it is a spiritual milestone for the entire Muslim ummah. It invites all who seek wisdom and faith to reconnect with the legacy of Imam Al-Bukhari who is a figure whose devotion to authentic knowledge continues to illuminate hearts more than a millennium later.

May this mosque stand as a beacon of knowledge, peace, and unity, guiding generations to come toward the higher purposes of faith and humanity.

Shukran Abd Rahman is a Professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at the Department of Psychology, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia. He previously served as a Fellow Researcher at the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where he had the opportunity to witness the progress of the mosque's construction. The research center is located adjacent to the soon-to-be-launched mosque.