Book excerpt: Visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a 'must do' on any visit to Oman. This walking tour takes you through the mosque and its grounds, giving insights into its design and the artists who created this superlative building. Tony Walsh, the author, has written extensively about Oman and operated a tour company in Oman from 1995. The guide is written for a layperson who is interested in understanding the background of this remarkable building. C o n t e n t s Chapter 1 ISLAM Page 1 Chapter 2 MOSQUES Page 5 Chapter 3 HISTORY OF THE SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE Page 11 Chapter 4 VISITING THE SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE Page 13 Chapter 5 THE GARDENS Page 19 Chapter 6 SOUTH COURTYARD Page 23 Chapter 7 THE MEN'S MUSALLA (Prayer Room) Page 29 Chapter 8 CENTRAL COURTYARD Page 41 Chapter 9 RIWAQS Page 43 Chapter 10 WOMEN'S PRAYER ROOM Page 52