[1] The mosque preserves the tomb of Sunan Kudus, one of the nine Islamic saints of Java (the Wali Sanga), and is a popular pilgrimage point.

[2] It preserves pre-Islamic architectural forms such as old Javanese split doorways, ancient Hindu-Buddhist-influenced Majapahit-style red brickwork, and a three-tired pyramidal roof.

[2] The most unusual feature is the brick minaret on which a pavilion shelters a large skin drum (bedug), which is used to summon the faithful to prayer instead of the more common muezzin.

The Majapahit style gates, walls, and minaret that appear so incongruous today may have blended more harmoniously with the main structure (which probably had a meru roof supported by large pillars, as in Cirebon and Demak).

He is believed to be the venerated Sunan Kudus, one of the nine Islamic saints of Java (Wali Sanga) who lies buried in an elaborately carved mausoleum behind the mosque.