Es-Semara – Al Masjid Al Atiq in Es-Semara constitutes an architectural masterpiece and a religious edifice with strong historical significance, which is among the first mosques built in the spiritual and knowledge city of the Kingdom's Southern provinces.
Spread over an area of 880 m², this place of worship built in the early sixties is also known as the “Al Hajra” mosque (rock mosque), given that the province of Es-Semara abounds in stones used in construction and renowned for their decorative qualities.
This high place of spirituality, which stands majestically in the centre of the city, has a capacity of approximately 875 people, thus offering the faithful all the conditions necessary for the performance of prayer and religious rituals, in an atmosphere of devotion, piety and tranquillity, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Located in the heart of the buildings of the district built by the Spanish settlers, this edifice has been restored and renovated according to architectural techniques and the traditional local style, via the use of Es-Semara rocks for the construction of the minaret and the arches of the courtyard (Sahn).
Renowned for its unique architecture, this religious edifice with high heritage value is also characterised by a typical minaret with windows open on its facades.
This place of spirituality and piety is composed in particular of a prayer hall spread over three corridors supported by octagonal columns and arches in well-cut local stones, in addition to other facilities that distinguish this religious structure.
In order to allow the faithful to perform their prayers and religious rituals in optimal conditions, particularly during this blessed month, the exterior spaces of Al Masjid Al Atiq and the square adjoining it have been the subject of extension and restoration work in recent years for an amount of more than 13.55 million dirhams (MDH).
In a statement to MAP, the preacher of Al Masjid Al Atiq, Mohamed Bachir Cherif, stressed that this mosque experiences a large influx of faithful to perform obligatory and supererogatory prayers in a climate imbued with piety.
Mr. Cherif, who is also a member of the local Council of Ulema of Es-Semara, indicated that this mosque has enjoyed a special status for a long time, due to the fact that it was a privileged space for learning Fiqh (jurisprudence), the Holy Quran and the Hadiths of the Prophet Sidna Mohammed (PBUH), as well as a place for resolving disputes between tribes.
Mosques play a central role in the dissemination of Islamic teachings, the strengthening of spiritual security and the consolidation of the values of moderation and tolerance, he noted.
For his part, Abdelilah Al Amraoui, an executive at the Provincial Delegation of Islamic Affairs, stressed that Al Masjid Al Atiq is considered the first mosque built in the province, noting that the faithful flock there from all districts to perform supererogatory prayers (Tarawih), as well as the five daily prayers and the Friday prayer.
Mr. Al Amraoui also noted that this place of spirituality has all the necessary amenities for the performance of religious rituals, noting that the city of Es-Semara has seen, in recent years, the establishment of several mosques in various districts, taking into account modern construction standards.
In short, Al Masjid Al Atiq in Es-Semara, which constitutes a destination of choice for the faithful of the province, for prayer, reading the Holy Quran and the invocation of God, is a centuries-old religious edifice that has managed to preserve itself and keep its authenticity.
Es-Semara, the spiritual and knowledge city of the Southern provinces, is distinguished by its religious and spiritual edifices, including mosques, shrines and zaouïas, namely those of Sidi Ahmed Rguibi, Sidi Ahmed Laaroussi, Sidi Ahmed Ou Moussa and Cheikh Maalainine.
This article Es-Semara: Al Masjid Al Atiq, a high place of worship and spirituality appeared first on MAP Express.
