Feb 26 β€’ 18:48 UTC πŸ‡ΆπŸ‡¦ Qatar Al Jazeera

A mosque in Egypt inspired by the design of Hagia Sophia opens after 50 years of construction

The opening of a mosque in Egypt, inspired by Hagia Sophia, symbolizes resilience as it took nearly five decades to complete.

The newly inaugurated 'Al-Rahman Mosque' in Shubra Al-Khaimah, Egypt, stands as a testament to perseverance, having taken almost 50 years to complete. The construction, a brainchild of Sheikh Hafiz Salama, began in the late 1960s with community support and fundraising efforts. This mosque not only represents a place of worship but also embodies the dreams and hopes of generations who contributed to its establishment, ensuring that faith would triumph over obstacles.

Dr. Mustafa Al-Dessouki, head of the Islamic Guidance Association, shed light on the project’s long history. It started in 1966 when Sheikh Hafiz Salama dedicated his life to charitable works, including building over 38 mosques throughout the region. The foundation stone for the mosque was laid in 1977, aiming to create a comprehensive Islamic center that would include a mosque, a hospital with 100 beds, educational facilities, and a care home for the elderly. The vision was ambitious, intending to serve not just as a religious site but as a community hub.

The opening of Al-Rahman Mosque holds significance not only for the local community but also as a broader symbol of faith and dedication in the face of adversity. The mosque's design, drawing inspiration from one of the world's architectural masterpieces, Hagia Sophia, reinforces the cultural and historical ties between Islamic architecture and the community's religious aspirations. As the mosque welcomes worshippers, it stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the enduring spirit of the people who envisioned it over half a century ago.

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