“Hayy al-Ulema,” the neighborhood of scholars. That is just one name for the area surrounding our next stop. Today, we find ourselves before the majestic Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Mosque.
This Sunni Islam mosque is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. More specifically, it is in the ad-Dirah neighborhood. It stands proudly south of Souq al-Zal. The Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Mosque is located in the Qasr al-Hukm District. This area has been a center of learning and worship for centuries.
Let’s step back in time to 1773. Abdullah bin Muhammad Al Sheikh established this mosque. It began as the Dakhna Grand Mosque. The mosque was in the Dakhna quarter of the old walled town. Over time, it became a hub for Hanbali Sunni scholars. The Dakhna quarter even earned the nickname “Hayy al-Ulema.” This translates to “neighborhood of the scholars”.
The Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Mosque stands as one of Riyadh’s oldest mosques. It carries the name of Muhammad ibn Ibrahim Al ash-Sheikh. The mosque has seen many changes. Throughout the 20th century, it was demolished and rebuilt multiple times. The latest renovation occurred between 2001 and 2005. This was during the Qasr Al Hukm District Development Project.
King Abdulaziz ibn Saud appointed Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ash-Sheikh as the imam in 1921. This followed the death of Abd Allah ibn Abd al-Latif Al ash-Sheikh. In 1953, Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ash-Sheikh became the first Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia. He continued as the imam of the mosque until his death in 1969.
In January 2001, Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz ordered the expansion and rebuilding of the mosque. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City oversaw the renovation. Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz led this commission. The renovated mosque was inaugurated in December 2005.
The Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Mosque is more than just a building. It represents Riyadh’s rich history and commitment to Islamic scholarship. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of faith and learning in this vibrant city.