“A beacon of knowledge for long decades” is how some describe the Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh Mosque. We are standing before a historical Riyadh mosque. This Sunni Islam mosque is located in the ad-Dirah neighborhood. It stands south of Souq al-Zal in the Qasr al-Hukm District.
The Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh Mosque has a rich history. Abdullah bin Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab first built it in 1773. This was soon after Imam Abdulaziz ibn Muhammad’s takeover of Riyadh. The mosque became a learning center for religious and scientific studies. The Dakhna quarter became known as Hayy al-Ulema or neighborhood of the scholars.
Originally named Dakhna Grand Mosque it distinguished itself from the Dakhna Small Mosque. Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ash-Sheikh became the imam in 1921. Later in 1953, he became the first Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia. He kept his position as imam until his death in 1969.
The Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh Mosque has been renovated several times. Renovations occurred in 1942, 1962, and 1983. Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz directed authorities to expand and rebuild it in January 2001. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City oversaw the renovation. Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz inaugurated it in December 2005.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City reconstructed the Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh Mosque on its original location. It now covers over 9000 square meters. It includes prayer places for men and women. There is a nave and a portico. The mosque also hosts offices for the Committee for the Command of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. You will also find a maintenance facility, commercial shops, a library and parking areas.
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City was keen on achieving harmony between the different elements of the Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh Mosque. This includes the lighting system, external plazas, passageways, shaded seating areas, and parking lots.
The Sheikh Muhammad bin Ibrahim Al Asheikh Mosque functionally integrates with other development programs. These include the Souq Al-Zall Development Program, High Court Headquarter, Penal Court Headquarter and Dukhna Square. This integration enhances the experience for worshippers and visitors alike. Its enduring legacy as a place of worship and learning continues to this day.