Qubba (dome)

Most mosques also feature one or more domes, called qubba in Arabic. While not a ritual requirement like the mihrab, a dome does possess significance within the mosque—as a symbolic representation of the vault of heaven.

The qubba represents the dome of heaven and is decorated in such a way as to give the observer an idea of its beauty. Many mosques have very elaborate and beautiful qubbas and they are often the first thing a visitor notices.