In the fall of 2025, the Al-Mujadilah Center and Mosque for Women opened in Doha, Qatar. This is the first known mosque designed specifically for women anywhere in the world.
The mosque's name comes from a figure in the Quran, Surat Al-Mujadilah, which means "She Who Discourses."
A Space for Women's Dialogue and Worship
The center offers a worship space focused on women. It also hosts many programs for dialogue, prayer, and study. An annual summit will bring together Muslim women from around the world. They will discuss the role of Muslim women in public life.
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Dr. Sohaira Siddiqui, the center's executive director and an Islamic Studies scholar at Georgetown University, spoke about its importance. She said faith communities are vital for bringing societies together. They help people deal with complex social issues. This needs new ways and brave spaces for meaningful, religiously informed conversations.
Siddiqui added that the center aims to create a Muslim society where all women are involved. Their contributions should be recognized, and their views should shape modern Muslim thought and public discussion.
Thoughtful Design for Inclusivity
The mosque's design rethinks what a woman experiences when she enters a mosque, Siddiqui noted.
New York-based firm DS+R designed the building. A large, flowing roof covers it. This roof has 5,500 small openings that let natural light into the prayer hall and education areas. Inside, two olive trees symbolize a connection to knowledge and nature.
The design team surveyed Muslim women to understand their needs. Women wanted the space to build community and be welcoming.
In most mosques, women use a separate entrance. But at Al-Mujadilah, everyone enters through the main door. Siddiqui explained that "you come in, and you’re in the space."
Also, instead of separate prayer mats that felt "divisive," Al-Mujadilah has one large, traditional red prayer mat. This allows everyone to pray together. Siddiqui said it is powerful to be in a space designed specifically for women.
