Great Mosque at Damascus, Syria

In the Great Mosque at Damascus are beautiful mosaics that depict many wonders of the natural world. In none of these, however, do images of living creatures appear, for to do so would infringe on the power of Allah, who alone creates life.

The mosque of the Umayyads is the greatest mosque on earth in point of magnificence, the most perfect in architecture, and the most exquisite in beauty, grace, and consummate achievement; no rival to it is known, no equal in existence. This is one of the most wonderful buildings in the world; from whatever side you face toward the city, the Dome of the Eagle appears to you, soaring into the air and standing out above all the buildings of the town. This mosque is renowned for its special virtue. I have read that a prayer said in the mosque of Damascus is equivalent to 30,000 prayers said elsewhere.