Dr. Muhammad Kamal Ismail refused payment for designing the Two Holy Mosques

Dr. Muhammad Kamal Ismail was an Egyptian architect who was responsible for designing the expansion of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Muhammad Kamal Ismail was an Egyptian architect who supervised and designed the Two Holy Mosques in the city of Makkah and Madinah. The design of these places with the use of umbrellas and marble highlights his unmatched intelligence in the field of architecture.

Dr Ismail came into this world in 1908 and earned three doctorate degrees in Islamic Architecture. He was a record maker since his early days and was one of the youth icons who achieved numerous professional and academic milestones.

Dr Ismail was asked by King Fahad to supervise and design the expansion project of the Haramain- the mosque of Makkah and Madinah. Muhammad Kamal made use of his design sense to introduce electric domes, cold marble flooring, and retractable umbrellas. This architectural design was unique approach that enhanced the physical comfort of millions of pilgrims in the hot weather of Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Muhammad Kamal was offered compensation for this remarkable design, however, he refused to take the payment. His response to the offer of fees was always the same: “How will I face Allah?”

Dr Ismail lived a simple life and dedicated his life to worship. It is also known that he sourced a special type of marble from Greece for the Grand Mosque in Makkah and for Madinah.

Dr Ismail passed away in 2008 but his story continues to inspire many individuals out there. His significant achievements and remarkable design cannot be neglected. Moreover, his refusal to accept any payment reflects his view of his work as a divine service.