Manama, Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA) President, today inaugurated the 'Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa' Mosque in Muharraq. The mosque was renovated and equipped as part of the SCIA's projects to construct mosques. The opening of the mosque is in line with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's directives to put in place an action plan to preserve the historical and cultural identity of the buildings and cities of Bahrain. It is also based on the order of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to open, restore, and develop 32 mosques belonging to the Sunni and Jaafari Endowments, located across the Kingdom's governorates, as part of a development plan for mosques. The inauguration of the iconic mosque coincides with the kingdom's celebrations of the Silver Jubilee of HM the King's Accession to the Throne, as well as the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan. Commenting, the SCIA President expressed delight at the opening oof the iconic mosque during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, expressing heartfelt congratulations to the local citizens on the occasion. He lauded the unlimited support accorded to the houses of worship in the kingdom by HM King Hamad and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, based on their belief in their importance and vital role. He indicated that the mosque, which is among the oldest in Bahrain, stands witness to Muharraq's rich history, as it carries the name of the late Ruler of Bahrain, HH Shaikh Hamad bin Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. He expressed the SCIA's pride in carrying out its duties in serving the mosques across the kingdom's governorates, in cooperation with the Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry, the Sunni Endowments Directorate and the Jaafari Directorate. The mosque inauguration ceremony was attended mainly by Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry, in addition to official s, scholars and dignitaries. The mosque is an important landmark in the city of Muharraq, as it has been a centre for religious studies, especially for the sciences of the holy Quran, Sunnah and Islamic jurisprudence. The mosque was renovated many times, most notably in the 1950s, as per an order of the late HH Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and in the 1980s, as per an order of the late HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. It was also rebuilt during HM King Hamad's prosperous era, at the beginning of the new millennium, and renovated in 2024. Covering a total area of 2,284 square metres, the two-storey mosque has one large minaret on the north side, in the same location as the old one. It can accommodate more than 3,000 male and female worshippers. The Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Mosque has three doors: The main one is to the east, while the other two are located to the north and south. Its design was inspired by the architectural heritage of the city of Muharraq, and is in harmony with the nearb y ancient houses. The mosque has hosted many eminent scholars and well-known judges as imams and Friday prayers' preachers. Source: Bahrain News Agency
Thursday, November 07, 2024