House for Worship?

By Ali Al Yousifi

What’s the difference between a house and a palace?

 Some might say that a palace is a big and luxurious house. I’d disagree. I think a house and a palace are two completely different things, almost like comparing a museum to a hospital. When it comes to houses and palaces, largeness and extravagance are not the only points of divergence. What’s critical here is that these two building types have entirely different functions and purposes. 

A house is a place where people live. The house building is supposed to make the lives of its inhabitants most comfortable; it helps them in their daily activities. A house serves those who dwell in it; it cares about those inside its walls, not those outside. The inhabitants of a house feel free to adjust the house in any way to make their lives easier; they care about how the house works, not how it looks. A house can be a home.

A palace is also a place where people live, but the palace building is not concerned about making the lives of its inhabitants comfortable. The purpose of a palace is to impress visitors; its attention is turned towards those outside its walls not inside them. A palace must be kept in perfect shape at all times; it doesn’t matter whether the lives of its inhabitants are comfortable or easy, as long as it looks impressive, as long as it inspires respect. A palace can never be a home. 

Places of worship are often referred to as ‘houses of God’, but I think most of them are palaces, not houses. I think many of these buildings care more about impressing visitors than serving users. These palaces, filled with sparkling crystals, polished marble, and carved columns, are not where anyone can feel comfortable, and worship is the last thing these buildings have been designed to accommodate.

An obvious example of this ‘palace of God’ phenomenon is Sheikh Zayed’s Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Don’t misunderstand me, while walking around its spaces, I found this building extremely beautiful, truly impressive. But the next time I feel like contemplating the deeper things in life, this ‘mosque’ will be the last place I’ll think of. You can call it a museum, you can call it a sculpture, you can even call it a very expensive pavilion, but don’t call it a house of God; the closest this building will ever come to domesticity is for it to be a palace of God.