Hi. I was wondering, often times when talking to non-Ismailies, do you refer to Jamatkhane, as Mosque or Masjid, or do you say you're going to Jamatkhane? I know it doesn't really seem like a very critical issue, but I think it is something that should be clarified.
I was reading this interview by Hazir Imam, and he said:
"If you go to a Moslem country keep an eye on the Imam of the Mosque: he is married, has his business a hundred metres away from the Mosque, and gathers revenue in the form of offerings from the believers. He is the impartial manager of these funds."
However, just today I received an email stating this:
"Anyway this book ("THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING ISLAM") pointed out that the term 'mosque' is derived from the Spanish word for "mosquito." It was termed as such because during the Crusades, King Ferdinand said they were going to go and swat the Muslims like mosquitoes". (Where else can they find Muslims in large number to be swatted if not in a Masjid?). So, they cheekily termed "Masjid" as "Mosque". "
Do ya'll have any input on this?
mosque vs. masjid
Jamatkhana vs Masjid
You should say that you are going to Jamatkhana and not Masjid.
Masjid technically is derived from the word SAJADA, ie., to prostrate, hence Masjid means a place were prostrations are offered to Allah. As per MHI’s speech below made at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ismaili Centre in Dubai, Jamatkhana is NOT a masjid and it is reserved for the practices of Shia Ismaili Tariqah.
At this juncture, perhaps, it would be appropriate to situate one of the functions of the Ismaili Centre in the tradition of Muslim piety. For many centuries, a prominent feature of the Muslim religious landscape has been the variety of spaces of gathering co-existing harmoniously with the masjid, which in itself has accommodated a range of diverse institutional spaces for educational, social and reflective purposes. Historically serving communities of different interpretations and spiritual affiliations, these spaces have retained their cultural nomenclatures and characteristics, from ribat and zawiyya to khanaqa and jamatkhana. The congregational space incorporated within the Ismaili Centre belongs to the historic category of jamatkhana, an institutional category that also serves a number of sister Sunni and Shia communities, in their respective contexts, in many parts of the world. Here, it will be space reserved for traditions and practices specific to the Shia Ismaili tariqah of Islam.
In the tradition of Muslim spaces of gathering, the Ismaili Centre will be a symbol of the confluence between the spiritual and the secular in Islam. Architect El Dahan has drawn inspiration from the Fatimid mosques in Cairo. Like its functions, the Centre's architecture will reflect our perception of daily life whose rhythm weaves the body and the soul, man and nature into a seamless unity. Guided by the ethic of whatever we do, see and hear, and the quality of our social interactions, resonate on our faith and bear on our spiritual lives, the Centre will seek to create, Insh'allah, a sense of equilibrium, stability and tranquillity. This sense of balance and serenity will find its continuum in the wealth of colours and scents in the adjacent Islamic garden which the Aga Khan Trust for Culture will help to develop as a public park.
I spoke earlier of the Emirate's policies
Masjid technically is derived from the word SAJADA, ie., to prostrate, hence Masjid means a place were prostrations are offered to Allah. As per MHI’s speech below made at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Ismaili Centre in Dubai, Jamatkhana is NOT a masjid and it is reserved for the practices of Shia Ismaili Tariqah.
At this juncture, perhaps, it would be appropriate to situate one of the functions of the Ismaili Centre in the tradition of Muslim piety. For many centuries, a prominent feature of the Muslim religious landscape has been the variety of spaces of gathering co-existing harmoniously with the masjid, which in itself has accommodated a range of diverse institutional spaces for educational, social and reflective purposes. Historically serving communities of different interpretations and spiritual affiliations, these spaces have retained their cultural nomenclatures and characteristics, from ribat and zawiyya to khanaqa and jamatkhana. The congregational space incorporated within the Ismaili Centre belongs to the historic category of jamatkhana, an institutional category that also serves a number of sister Sunni and Shia communities, in their respective contexts, in many parts of the world. Here, it will be space reserved for traditions and practices specific to the Shia Ismaili tariqah of Islam.
In the tradition of Muslim spaces of gathering, the Ismaili Centre will be a symbol of the confluence between the spiritual and the secular in Islam. Architect El Dahan has drawn inspiration from the Fatimid mosques in Cairo. Like its functions, the Centre's architecture will reflect our perception of daily life whose rhythm weaves the body and the soul, man and nature into a seamless unity. Guided by the ethic of whatever we do, see and hear, and the quality of our social interactions, resonate on our faith and bear on our spiritual lives, the Centre will seek to create, Insh'allah, a sense of equilibrium, stability and tranquillity. This sense of balance and serenity will find its continuum in the wealth of colours and scents in the adjacent Islamic garden which the Aga Khan Trust for Culture will help to develop as a public park.
I spoke earlier of the Emirate's policies
Re: mosque vs. masjid
Mosquito in Spanish is el-mosquito! I think we should not even dignify this kind of hate literature by posting it here. It does not serve the broader interests of pluralism.nargisk3 wrote:However, just today I received an email stating this:
"Anyway this book ("THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING ISLAM") pointed out that the term 'mosque' is derived from the Spanish word for "mosquito." It was termed as such because during the Crusades, King Ferdinand said they were going to go and swat the Muslims like mosquitoes". (Where else can they find Muslims in large number to be swatted if not in a Masjid?). So, they cheekily termed "Masjid" as "Mosque". "
Do ya'll have any input on this?
JamatKhana and our Identity
"A secure pluralistic society requires communities that are educated and confident both in the identity and depth of their own traditions and in those of their neighbours. " (Ottawa, May 2004)
The above statement of MHI made in Ottawa recently, clearly refers to the need to understand and reinforce our own traditions which will give us confidence in articulating our identity as Shia Imami Ismailis as a distinct sect within the Muslim Umma. Jamatkhana in this regard is a statement of our identity, i.e. who we are , what are our aspirations, traditions and beliefs. Understanding our rites and ceremonies and practising them regularly should reinforce and deepen that identity. For example, by performing the Dua Karaavi ceremony, one should be made aware of his/her Bayat to the Imam.
We are not living in a time where we need to practice Taqiyah, i.e., to hide or conceal one's beliefs and therefore we should not confuse Jamatkhana and Masjid. They are separate institutions representing different beliefs, identities and purposes. It is also significant in this regard to note that MHI made the statement about Masjid and Jamatkhana in a predominantly Sunni environment (in Dubai) and very close to Wahabbism in Saudi Arabia.
The above statement of MHI made in Ottawa recently, clearly refers to the need to understand and reinforce our own traditions which will give us confidence in articulating our identity as Shia Imami Ismailis as a distinct sect within the Muslim Umma. Jamatkhana in this regard is a statement of our identity, i.e. who we are , what are our aspirations, traditions and beliefs. Understanding our rites and ceremonies and practising them regularly should reinforce and deepen that identity. For example, by performing the Dua Karaavi ceremony, one should be made aware of his/her Bayat to the Imam.
We are not living in a time where we need to practice Taqiyah, i.e., to hide or conceal one's beliefs and therefore we should not confuse Jamatkhana and Masjid. They are separate institutions representing different beliefs, identities and purposes. It is also significant in this regard to note that MHI made the statement about Masjid and Jamatkhana in a predominantly Sunni environment (in Dubai) and very close to Wahabbism in Saudi Arabia.
Mosque and Masjid
Ya Ali Madad to Everyone
For your knowledge sufis call their house of prayer Khanka and they also call it jamatkhana.
May Mowla Bless you all
For your knowledge sufis call their house of prayer Khanka and they also call it jamatkhana.
May Mowla Bless you all
Early spaces of worship did not have specific forms
The word masjid, from which “mosque” is derived, appears frequently in the Qur’an. Technically it means “place of prostration,” that is, the place where believers gather to bow their heads to God. However, the Qur’an does not mention a specific type of building – something which did not exist at the time of the Prophet – but rather a space where the community could gather for prayers and for communal affairs.
When Prophet Muhammad gathered the community in his house in Medina for collective prayers and community affairs, the only requirement was a space large enough to contain the whole population of a given settlement. This space was oriented to qibla, the direction for prayer toward Mecca.
As time went on, other requirements were introduced: a mihrab or niche in the qibla wall to commemorate the presence of the Prophet; a minbar or pulpit from which the sermon was given; sometimes, a maqsura, a space reserved for the ruler and his entourage; various platforms for readers of the Qur’an and other pious works; a minaret, which originally was a visual beacon indicating the presence of a Muslim community in the region, but eventually was used to call the faithful to prayer. The word minaret is from the Arabic manara meaning place or thing that gives light.
Mihrab panel, 1574, Syria. Aga Khan Museum
In the centre of this mihrab panel, the Prophet’s sandals occupy a place of importance. The image of the Prophet’s sandals, “which sometimes seems to be confused with the representation of his footprints, became widespread in the sixteenth century and is also present in Safavid Iran and in India. The sandal is a sign of distinction specific to the Prophet; its protective shape (mithal) “leads to life in both homes” (earthly then eternal). The sandals, believed to have touched the throne of God, made the Prophet the quintessential intercessor par excellence and an example to be followed.”1
Sources:
1Aga Khan Museum
Oleg Grabar, “Art & Architecture in the Islamic World,” Islam: Art and Architecture, Edited by Markus Hattstein and Peter Delius, Cologne: Konenmann, 2000
Compiled by Nimira Dewji
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... fic-forms/
The word masjid, from which “mosque” is derived, appears frequently in the Qur’an. Technically it means “place of prostration,” that is, the place where believers gather to bow their heads to God. However, the Qur’an does not mention a specific type of building – something which did not exist at the time of the Prophet – but rather a space where the community could gather for prayers and for communal affairs.
When Prophet Muhammad gathered the community in his house in Medina for collective prayers and community affairs, the only requirement was a space large enough to contain the whole population of a given settlement. This space was oriented to qibla, the direction for prayer toward Mecca.
As time went on, other requirements were introduced: a mihrab or niche in the qibla wall to commemorate the presence of the Prophet; a minbar or pulpit from which the sermon was given; sometimes, a maqsura, a space reserved for the ruler and his entourage; various platforms for readers of the Qur’an and other pious works; a minaret, which originally was a visual beacon indicating the presence of a Muslim community in the region, but eventually was used to call the faithful to prayer. The word minaret is from the Arabic manara meaning place or thing that gives light.
Mihrab panel, 1574, Syria. Aga Khan Museum
In the centre of this mihrab panel, the Prophet’s sandals occupy a place of importance. The image of the Prophet’s sandals, “which sometimes seems to be confused with the representation of his footprints, became widespread in the sixteenth century and is also present in Safavid Iran and in India. The sandal is a sign of distinction specific to the Prophet; its protective shape (mithal) “leads to life in both homes” (earthly then eternal). The sandals, believed to have touched the throne of God, made the Prophet the quintessential intercessor par excellence and an example to be followed.”1
Sources:
1Aga Khan Museum
Oleg Grabar, “Art & Architecture in the Islamic World,” Islam: Art and Architecture, Edited by Markus Hattstein and Peter Delius, Cologne: Konenmann, 2000
Compiled by Nimira Dewji
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... fic-forms/
Many institutions of learning developed from mosques
The earliest revelation to Prophet Muhammad was about learning and knowledge. The value placed on knowledge in the Qur’an became the foundation for the development of education among Muslims. The incentive to read and learn the Qur’an provided the early Muslim community with its initial educational settings, in which instruction of the Qur’an, the life of the Prophet, and knowledge of the Arabic language, its grammar structures and forms took place.
The Prophet’s first wife, Khadija, was a well-established business woman. His subsequent wife, Aisha, became well known for her role as a transmitter of tradition. His daughter, Fatima, and several other women associated with his household were acknowledged for their love of learning. In the foundational period, there existed several reference points to encourage the participation and pursuit of women in learning.
The mosque and the early Qur’an schools were the first Muslim educational institutions. Informal schools of learning on theological questions came to be developed in mosques and other public places, as well as in private homes. As a result, a variety of other institutional settings developed. These institutions were the maktab or kuttab, the masjid and majlis (literally means ‘a place to sit’ and refers to any formal gathering or assembly of peoples), jami‘ (Friday mosque), and libraries. The maktab or kuttab were places where children received instruction in the Qur’an and in other religious subjects. The masjid and majlis were meeting places associated with mosques where adults gathered in groups to discuss the Prophet’s life and sayings, issues pertaining to legal matters, devotional practice, and poetry. Many jami‘ eventually became seats of higher learning, such as the al-Azhar mosque in Cairo.
Many institutions of learning developed from mosques
Jami al-Azhar (Photo: Gary Otte/Archnet)
Founded initially as the main mosque of a new capital city, Cairo, in 970, al-Azhar became a fully integrated mosque-university during the early period of Shi‘i Fatimid Ismaili rule. The Fatimid Caliphs, through a series of gifts and endowments, developed it into a major centre of learning. At its height, the curriculum taught at al-Azhar and related institutions in Cairo included the study and interpretation of the Qur’an, law, metaphysics, philosophy, the natural sciences, and poetry and literature.
The pesantren, developed in Southeast Asia, were based in rural areas and supported by parents and members of the local community. The subjects taught in the pesantren included Qur’anic studies, law, ethics, logic, history and Sufism.
The well-endowed vast network of institutions, learned scholars, and the students made medieval and pre-modern Muslim societies among the most literate of the time and greatly facilitated the transmission across geographical boundaries and cultural differences.
Sources:
Azim A. Nanji, Learning and Education, The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Hugh Kennedy, “Intellectual Life in the First Four Centuries of Islam,” Intellectual Traditions in Islam, edited by Farhad Daftary, I.B. Tauris, London, 2000
Compiled by Nimira Dewji
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... m-mosques/
The earliest revelation to Prophet Muhammad was about learning and knowledge. The value placed on knowledge in the Qur’an became the foundation for the development of education among Muslims. The incentive to read and learn the Qur’an provided the early Muslim community with its initial educational settings, in which instruction of the Qur’an, the life of the Prophet, and knowledge of the Arabic language, its grammar structures and forms took place.
The Prophet’s first wife, Khadija, was a well-established business woman. His subsequent wife, Aisha, became well known for her role as a transmitter of tradition. His daughter, Fatima, and several other women associated with his household were acknowledged for their love of learning. In the foundational period, there existed several reference points to encourage the participation and pursuit of women in learning.
The mosque and the early Qur’an schools were the first Muslim educational institutions. Informal schools of learning on theological questions came to be developed in mosques and other public places, as well as in private homes. As a result, a variety of other institutional settings developed. These institutions were the maktab or kuttab, the masjid and majlis (literally means ‘a place to sit’ and refers to any formal gathering or assembly of peoples), jami‘ (Friday mosque), and libraries. The maktab or kuttab were places where children received instruction in the Qur’an and in other religious subjects. The masjid and majlis were meeting places associated with mosques where adults gathered in groups to discuss the Prophet’s life and sayings, issues pertaining to legal matters, devotional practice, and poetry. Many jami‘ eventually became seats of higher learning, such as the al-Azhar mosque in Cairo.
Many institutions of learning developed from mosques
Jami al-Azhar (Photo: Gary Otte/Archnet)
Founded initially as the main mosque of a new capital city, Cairo, in 970, al-Azhar became a fully integrated mosque-university during the early period of Shi‘i Fatimid Ismaili rule. The Fatimid Caliphs, through a series of gifts and endowments, developed it into a major centre of learning. At its height, the curriculum taught at al-Azhar and related institutions in Cairo included the study and interpretation of the Qur’an, law, metaphysics, philosophy, the natural sciences, and poetry and literature.
The pesantren, developed in Southeast Asia, were based in rural areas and supported by parents and members of the local community. The subjects taught in the pesantren included Qur’anic studies, law, ethics, logic, history and Sufism.
The well-endowed vast network of institutions, learned scholars, and the students made medieval and pre-modern Muslim societies among the most literate of the time and greatly facilitated the transmission across geographical boundaries and cultural differences.
Sources:
Azim A. Nanji, Learning and Education, The Institute of Ismaili Studies
Hugh Kennedy, “Intellectual Life in the First Four Centuries of Islam,” Intellectual Traditions in Islam, edited by Farhad Daftary, I.B. Tauris, London, 2000
Compiled by Nimira Dewji
https://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2016/ ... m-mosques/
Tokyo unveils ‘mosque on wheels’ to help Muslims
TOKYO: A large white and blue truck pulls up outside a stadium in central Japan and slowly expands into a place of worship. Welcome to the Mobile Mosque.
As Japan prepares to host visitors from around the world for the 2020 Summer Olympics, a Tokyo sports and cultural events company has created a mosque on wheels that its head hopes will make Muslim visitors feel at home.
Yasuharu Inoue, the CEO of Yasu Project, said the possibility that there might not be enough mosques for Muslim visitors in 2020 is alarming for a country that considers itself part of the international community. His Mobile Mosques could travel to different Olympic venues as needed. “As an open and hospitable country, we want to share the idea of ‘omotenashi’ (Japanese hospitality) with Muslim people,” he said in an interview.
The first Mobile Mosque was unveiled earlier this week outside Toyota Stadium, a J-League soccer venue in Toyota City, which is also the headquarters of the car company with the same name.
The back of the modified 25-ton truck flipped up to reveal an entrance and then the side slid out, doubling the width of the truck. The 48-square-meter (515-square-foot) room can accommodate 50 people. Muslim guests prayed inside the mosque, which includes outdoor taps and a washing area for ablution.
Indonesian students who were victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami also participated in the debut ceremony. “The Mobile Mosque is very important to Muslim people such as Japanese people or tourists, Muslim tourists who visit Japan,” said 14-year-old Nur Azizah. “I want to show my friends.”
An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 Muslims live in Japan.
Tatsuya Sakaguchi, a Japanese guest, expressed hope that the Mobile Mosque would help open people’s minds worldwide. “Looking in from the outside at the people in the mosque, they looked very happy,” said Sakaguchi, the representative director of an Osaka retail company.
Inoue said the inspiration for the project came to him on a trip to Qatar four years ago.
Initially, the project organizers plan to target international sporting events both in Japan and overseas. Inoue said he hopes the project will do more than fill a gap in religious infrastructure. “Going forward, I would be so happy if people from Indonesia, Malaysia, Africa, the Middle East and, for example, refugees who are coming from Syria are able to use the mosque as a tool to promote world peace,” he said.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/273266/tokyo- ... p-muslims/
TOKYO: A large white and blue truck pulls up outside a stadium in central Japan and slowly expands into a place of worship. Welcome to the Mobile Mosque.
As Japan prepares to host visitors from around the world for the 2020 Summer Olympics, a Tokyo sports and cultural events company has created a mosque on wheels that its head hopes will make Muslim visitors feel at home.
Yasuharu Inoue, the CEO of Yasu Project, said the possibility that there might not be enough mosques for Muslim visitors in 2020 is alarming for a country that considers itself part of the international community. His Mobile Mosques could travel to different Olympic venues as needed. “As an open and hospitable country, we want to share the idea of ‘omotenashi’ (Japanese hospitality) with Muslim people,” he said in an interview.
The first Mobile Mosque was unveiled earlier this week outside Toyota Stadium, a J-League soccer venue in Toyota City, which is also the headquarters of the car company with the same name.
The back of the modified 25-ton truck flipped up to reveal an entrance and then the side slid out, doubling the width of the truck. The 48-square-meter (515-square-foot) room can accommodate 50 people. Muslim guests prayed inside the mosque, which includes outdoor taps and a washing area for ablution.
Indonesian students who were victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami also participated in the debut ceremony. “The Mobile Mosque is very important to Muslim people such as Japanese people or tourists, Muslim tourists who visit Japan,” said 14-year-old Nur Azizah. “I want to show my friends.”
An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 Muslims live in Japan.
Tatsuya Sakaguchi, a Japanese guest, expressed hope that the Mobile Mosque would help open people’s minds worldwide. “Looking in from the outside at the people in the mosque, they looked very happy,” said Sakaguchi, the representative director of an Osaka retail company.
Inoue said the inspiration for the project came to him on a trip to Qatar four years ago.
Initially, the project organizers plan to target international sporting events both in Japan and overseas. Inoue said he hopes the project will do more than fill a gap in religious infrastructure. “Going forward, I would be so happy if people from Indonesia, Malaysia, Africa, the Middle East and, for example, refugees who are coming from Syria are able to use the mosque as a tool to promote world peace,” he said.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/273266/tokyo- ... p-muslims/
Book
Beyond the Mosque
Diverse Spaces of Muslim Worship
About Beyond the Mosque
'To my knowledge, there is no similar general introduction to the different spaces of worship used by Muslims. The well-travelled author shares his first-hand experiences with readers, showing how cultural and geographical factors have shaped the surprisingly diverse Muslim communities around the world. Written in an easy-to-follow style, this short book is important in correcting the simplistic division of Muslims as either 'Sunni' or 'Shi'i' and revealing the variety of interpretations of Islam that coexist today.'
Dr Farhad Daftary, Director of the Institute of Ismaili Studies
Price and other details:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/beyond-th ... 786726568/
Beyond the Mosque
Diverse Spaces of Muslim Worship
About Beyond the Mosque
'To my knowledge, there is no similar general introduction to the different spaces of worship used by Muslims. The well-travelled author shares his first-hand experiences with readers, showing how cultural and geographical factors have shaped the surprisingly diverse Muslim communities around the world. Written in an easy-to-follow style, this short book is important in correcting the simplistic division of Muslims as either 'Sunni' or 'Shi'i' and revealing the variety of interpretations of Islam that coexist today.'
Dr Farhad Daftary, Director of the Institute of Ismaili Studies
Price and other details:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/beyond-th ... 786726568/
ElevateU - Jamatkhanas: Privacy and Purpose
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYz7rxXMnwY
ITREB USA presents ElevateU - Jamatkhanas: Practices, Privacy, Connections. For more, see https://www.iis.ac.uk/muslim-spaces-p...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYz7rxXMnwY
ITREB USA presents ElevateU - Jamatkhanas: Practices, Privacy, Connections. For more, see https://www.iis.ac.uk/muslim-spaces-p...
Re: mosque vs. masjid
BBC
New capital's lavish mosque angers Egyptians facing poverty
Imogen James - BBC News
Tue, April 4, 2023 at 9:20 AM CDT
The new Grand Mosque in Egypt's New Administrative City
Egypt's new Grand Mosque covers more than 19,000 sq m and is capable of hosting 107,000 worshippers
Egypt has opened a record-breaking mosque in its new administrative capital city - but has been widely criticized for the costs involved.
The government has been building a new city in the desert, to try to move people away from heavily-congested Cairo.
But the unveiling of the new centre and mosque was criticized on social media.
It comes at a time when Egypt has been fighting soaring prices, with inflation running at just over 30% in March.
The New Administrative Capital of Egypt has been purpose-built 45km (28 miles) east of Cairo.
Its new Islamic Cultural Centre also includes the Grand Mosque, which covers more than 19,000 sq m and is capable of hosting 107,000 worshippers.
The mosque cost 800 million Egyptian pounds ($25.9m; £20.7m) to build and is the second-biggest mosque in the Africa.
State media celebrated the mosque for breaking three world records - including the highest pulpit in the world, standing at 16.6m (54.5ft) and handcrafted from the finest types of wood.
The second and third were for the main chandelier of the mosque, which is the heaviest in the world at 24,300kg (53,572lb), and the largest, with a diameter of 22m (72.2ft) and comprising four levels.
The opening event was attended by President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, with state media describing it as showing Egypt's "grandiosity".
But on social media there was severe criticism.
Egypt is facing a deepening economic crisis. Its currency has lost half of its value against the dollar over the past year, causing inflation to reach its highest level in five years.
The country has also been selling state assets to Gulf investors to help plug a widening budget deficit.
Many people went to Twitter and Facebook to criticize lavish spending on religious places at this critical time, as millions of Egyptians struggle every day to put food on their table.
One Facebook user posted: "Overspending, insanity and waste of money. The tallest pulpit, the heaviest chandelier and people can't find anything to eat. Sell this chandelier and pulpit and the whole mosque if this will help solve the problem."
Why Egyptians are being asked to eat chicken feet
Another user said that the mosque remains closed all year, opening every three months so a hundred people can use it, then it is closed again.
A third raised concerns about overspending on mega projects, writing: "Well, what should we do with people who can't find what to eat or young men who can't get married? It does not matter. We have the largest mosque, heaviest chandelier, and the biggest foreign debt that we will continue to pay till Doomsday."
President Sisi - who led the military's overthrow of his predecessor, Mohammed Morsi, in 2013 following protests against his rule - thanked participants, workers and singers at the event, which was also attended by the prime minister.
His official spokesperson used social media to post pictures of him enjoying the celebrations, an event the local media described as launching the era of the "new republic".
https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/eg ... 43377.html
New capital's lavish mosque angers Egyptians facing poverty
Imogen James - BBC News
Tue, April 4, 2023 at 9:20 AM CDT
The new Grand Mosque in Egypt's New Administrative City
Egypt's new Grand Mosque covers more than 19,000 sq m and is capable of hosting 107,000 worshippers
Egypt has opened a record-breaking mosque in its new administrative capital city - but has been widely criticized for the costs involved.
The government has been building a new city in the desert, to try to move people away from heavily-congested Cairo.
But the unveiling of the new centre and mosque was criticized on social media.
It comes at a time when Egypt has been fighting soaring prices, with inflation running at just over 30% in March.
The New Administrative Capital of Egypt has been purpose-built 45km (28 miles) east of Cairo.
Its new Islamic Cultural Centre also includes the Grand Mosque, which covers more than 19,000 sq m and is capable of hosting 107,000 worshippers.
The mosque cost 800 million Egyptian pounds ($25.9m; £20.7m) to build and is the second-biggest mosque in the Africa.
State media celebrated the mosque for breaking three world records - including the highest pulpit in the world, standing at 16.6m (54.5ft) and handcrafted from the finest types of wood.
The second and third were for the main chandelier of the mosque, which is the heaviest in the world at 24,300kg (53,572lb), and the largest, with a diameter of 22m (72.2ft) and comprising four levels.
The opening event was attended by President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, with state media describing it as showing Egypt's "grandiosity".
But on social media there was severe criticism.
Egypt is facing a deepening economic crisis. Its currency has lost half of its value against the dollar over the past year, causing inflation to reach its highest level in five years.
The country has also been selling state assets to Gulf investors to help plug a widening budget deficit.
Many people went to Twitter and Facebook to criticize lavish spending on religious places at this critical time, as millions of Egyptians struggle every day to put food on their table.
One Facebook user posted: "Overspending, insanity and waste of money. The tallest pulpit, the heaviest chandelier and people can't find anything to eat. Sell this chandelier and pulpit and the whole mosque if this will help solve the problem."
Why Egyptians are being asked to eat chicken feet
Another user said that the mosque remains closed all year, opening every three months so a hundred people can use it, then it is closed again.
A third raised concerns about overspending on mega projects, writing: "Well, what should we do with people who can't find what to eat or young men who can't get married? It does not matter. We have the largest mosque, heaviest chandelier, and the biggest foreign debt that we will continue to pay till Doomsday."
President Sisi - who led the military's overthrow of his predecessor, Mohammed Morsi, in 2013 following protests against his rule - thanked participants, workers and singers at the event, which was also attended by the prime minister.
His official spokesperson used social media to post pictures of him enjoying the celebrations, an event the local media described as launching the era of the "new republic".
https://currently.att.yahoo.com/news/eg ... 43377.html
Re: mosque vs. masjid
CNN
Minneapolis police ask for help to find possible suspect after multiple alleged arson attempts at area mosques
Minneapolis Police Department
David Close
Tue, April 25, 2023 at 8:16 PM CDT
Minneapolis police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a possible suspect linked to separate fires at area mosques on Sunday and Monday.
The police department posted pictures of the person along with the plea for assistance on Facebook. Surveillance video and pictures of the possible suspect were released after fires were set at the Mall 24 mosque Sunday and the Mercy Center mosque Monday.
No one was hurt in either incident. Police said there have been no arrests.
It is unclear whether the fires at the two mosques are connected, but in a news release obtained by CNN affiliate KARE on Tuesday, the chief said, “Due to the totality of the circumstances, we will investigate these fires as if they are connected until proven otherwise.”
Surveillance video from Sunday shows a masked person carrying a large brown bag that a Muslim community leader says held a container full of fuel that was used to light a fire in the Mall 24 mosque’s bathroom.
Jaylani Hussein, the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told CNN that worshippers disrupted the possible suspect, who fled the scene.
“We averted a major tragedy. The amount of liquid that he brought to cause the harm that we are expecting here – this mall could have been engulfed but it wasn’t,” Hussein said Monday.
Major damage to the mosque was averted when “most of the fuel poured down the (floor) drain,” Hussein said.
In a news conference Monday, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said there is an active investigation and that the department has been in contact with the FBI and US Attorney’s Office.
“This is now potentially an act of arson that occurred in a house of worship. So, now it is potentially a federal offense,” O’Hara said.
CNN has reached out to police for comment on the alleged attacks.
On Monday, the city’s fire department also responded to the fire at the Mercy Center mosque. Hussein told CNN full credit goes to the fire department, who saved the mosque from serious damage.
Including the two recent incidents, Hussein told CNN there have been four hits on Minneapolis’ mosques so far this year.
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Minneapolis police ask for help to find possible suspect after multiple alleged arson attempts at area mosques
Minneapolis Police Department
David Close
Tue, April 25, 2023 at 8:16 PM CDT
Minneapolis police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a possible suspect linked to separate fires at area mosques on Sunday and Monday.
The police department posted pictures of the person along with the plea for assistance on Facebook. Surveillance video and pictures of the possible suspect were released after fires were set at the Mall 24 mosque Sunday and the Mercy Center mosque Monday.
No one was hurt in either incident. Police said there have been no arrests.
It is unclear whether the fires at the two mosques are connected, but in a news release obtained by CNN affiliate KARE on Tuesday, the chief said, “Due to the totality of the circumstances, we will investigate these fires as if they are connected until proven otherwise.”
Surveillance video from Sunday shows a masked person carrying a large brown bag that a Muslim community leader says held a container full of fuel that was used to light a fire in the Mall 24 mosque’s bathroom.
Jaylani Hussein, the executive director of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told CNN that worshippers disrupted the possible suspect, who fled the scene.
“We averted a major tragedy. The amount of liquid that he brought to cause the harm that we are expecting here – this mall could have been engulfed but it wasn’t,” Hussein said Monday.
Major damage to the mosque was averted when “most of the fuel poured down the (floor) drain,” Hussein said.
In a news conference Monday, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said there is an active investigation and that the department has been in contact with the FBI and US Attorney’s Office.
“This is now potentially an act of arson that occurred in a house of worship. So, now it is potentially a federal offense,” O’Hara said.
CNN has reached out to police for comment on the alleged attacks.
On Monday, the city’s fire department also responded to the fire at the Mercy Center mosque. Hussein told CNN full credit goes to the fire department, who saved the mosque from serious damage.
Including the two recent incidents, Hussein told CNN there have been four hits on Minneapolis’ mosques so far this year.
For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
https://currently.att.yahoo.com/att/min ... 03226.html