Summary
- Situated in Islamic Cairo near Khan El-Khalili Bazaar, the mosque is easily accessible by taxis, public buses, or the Cairo Metro.
- The mosque is dedicated to Abu Abdullah Al-Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
- Originally constructed in 1154 and rebuilt in 1874, the mosque showcases Fatimid architecture. It houses the alleged burial site of Al-Hussein’s head.
- The mosque exhibits a blend of architectural styles, from Fatimid to Gothic revival. Noteworthy features include a grand minaret, intricate arabesque patterns, Teflon and steel umbrellas, and a mix of Islamic design elements in the courtyard, prayer hall, and façade.
- Al Hussein Mosque serves as a cultural and religious landmark in Cairo, attracting visitors worldwide.
In the heart of the bustling city, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the ebb and flow of humanity, there stands a majestic testament to faith and architectural brilliance – the Al Hussein Mosque. Its towering minarets pierce the sky, whispering ancient tales to the heavens, while the ornate domes cradle the dreams and prayers of those who seek solace within its hallowed walls.
In this article, you will go through the hallowed halls and mosaic-laden courtyards of Al Hussein Mosque as we unravel the layers of its history, explore the architectural marvels that have stood the test of time, and delve into the spiritual sanctuary that beckons both locals and wanderers alike.
Address & How to Get Al Hussein Mosque
The magnificent Al Hussein mosque can be found in the heart of Islamic Cairo in the golden Al Azhar street area near Khan El-Khalili Bazaar in Sayyida Zeinab Square. It can be reached very easily through several different modes of transportation: taxis, public buses, or the Cairo Metro.
It is advised to hire a travel agency that will handle all the transportation and provide a tour guide that will shed light on the history and architecture of this miraculous wonder.
Who Is Al Hussein
Abū ʿAbd Allāh al-Ḥusayn ibn ʿAlī is a marvelous and influential figure in the history of Islam who was known as the grandson of Islamic prophet Muhammad and the son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatima, Muhammad’s daughter. He was known as the younger brother of Hasan Ibn Ali who was the third Imam of Shia Islam. The prophet Muhammed referred to him and his brother as “The Leaders of the Youth of Paradise“. Al Hussein supported him in the time of wars during the time of the caliphate of Ali.
He and his brother stayed in Medina to avoid any kind of political involvement between his brother Hasan’s abdication in 660 AD and his death in 669 AD. After his older brother died, the public of Iraq chose Hussein to become the new leader and make his move after the death of the caliphate Mu’awiya, who passed away around 680 AD. Then his son Yazid took over and sought the allegiance of Hussein who he refused and left Medina for Mecca.
The tribe of Kufa asked Hussein to be their Imam and he accepted. On his way there, he was intercepted by a Umayyad army, leading to the Battle of Karbala on October 10, 680 where he was killed. This battle marked the creation of the pro-Alid party (Shi’at Ali) which is prominent in Iran. Both Sunni and Shia Muslims mourn his death on the Day of Ashura and mark him as a martyr and one of the greatest human losses in the history of Islam.
History of Al Hussein Mosque
Al Hussein mosque or the Mosque of al-Imam al-Husayn was created around 1154 and then reconstructed around 1874 which is marked by being one of the holiest Islamic sites in all of Cairo. It also represents the Fatimid architecture in the building, which is seen as one of the finest examples of Fatimid architecture. It is believed the head of Hussein is buried on the incredible grounds of the mosque. In the Fatimid age, the head of Imam Hussein was discovered in 1091 in Palestine which led to the creation of a new mosque and marvelous shrine across the region through the commandments of the Fatimid grand vizier Badr al-Jamali. In the Ayyubid age, the mosque was rebuilt and reconstructed in 1237, and 11 years later, it suffered a fire. The only existing section of the Ayyubid mosque is the great minaret which is found at Bal al Akhdar Gate.
There are many head custodians with their own history which includes many tales and miraculous protection. A great structure over the tomb known as Zarih in recent history was built in Mumbai and then installed in the mosque around 1965, marking the burial site. The Zarih was meant to head to Iraq in the Al Abbas Mosque in Karbala but instead led to the Al Hussein mosque. The mosque suffered from heavy damage from water, but in 1996, it underwent several great restorations, which included the placement of a majestic steel replacement dome. Even in March 2022, a new shrine was built to showcase its enchanting and immortal beauty.
Architecture of Al Hussein Mosque
The magnificent architecture of Al Hussein Mosque was built in the Fatimid but over time the mosque underwent great architectural changes. The lower part of the southern portal remains the finest architectural part of the original structure. Around 1237 in the Ayyubid period, a great minaret was placed in the original gateway which displayed intricate and amazing arabesque patterns in Islamic architectural style. Isma’il Pasha around 1874 took part in a magnificent reconstruction project which was highly inspired by the Gothic revival architecture which was able to merge Ottoman and Italian Gothic styles.
It features a number of different Islamic architectural styles and elements which is known as Islamic eclecticism which also reflects the amazing diverse influences of the architectural methods of the Khedival era. During the recent ages, the mosque has been equipped with three massive canopy umbrellas which provide shade and incredible protection from the magnificent elements for all worshippers. The umbrellas are made of Teflon and steel which are mechanically operated and follow the design seen in a number of various Saudi Arabian mosques.
It has a large courtyard, minarets, and a prayer hall that follows a magnificent design of delightful from the Islamic ages. The mosque’s façade is decorated with intricate magical Islamic geometric patterns and captivating calligraphy. The interior holds beautiful tile work, carved wooden screens, and a central dome. The Al-Hussein Mosque continues to be a place of worship and visitation for travelers from all over the world who wish to witness its epic allure.
