“There is no God but Allah” is emblazoned on Saudi flags. Let’s explore the story of the King Fahad Mosque in Riyadh.
King Fahd, who died in 2005, ruled the Gulf state for 23 years. This strategic state is the world’s biggest oil exporter. It is also the cradle of Islam. Over a billion faithful turn toward Mecca in prayer five times a day.
King Fahd was honored after his death with prayers at a mosque. Muslim presidents and prime ministers joined ordinary Saudis to pray for his soul. The funeral reflected the kingdom’s austere Islamic tradition. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah mosque hosted the ceremony. Muslim leaders from around the world offered condolences to King Fahd’s successor. They also performed Muslim prayers for the dead.
King Fahd’s body was carried into the mosque. It was wrapped in a simple brown shroud. The bier was placed before the mourners. Hundreds of security men surrounded them. After the service, family members carried the body on a wooden stretcher. They wore traditional white robes and red-and-white headdresses. The final resting place was Al-Od public cemetery.
King Fahd’s reign also saw expansions of holy sites. In 1996, King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud restored al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa. He also expanded the Grand Mosque on its western side.
Earlier, King Abdulaziz initiated reforms at the Prophet’s Mosque in 1926. He officially announced the first expansion in 1949. This led to compensating building owners around the mosque. Their areas became part of the Prophet’s Mosque. King Saud Bin Abdulaziz added to this expansion. King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz expanded the prayer area west of the Prophet’s Mosque. These spaces were tiled with marble. They were ventilated and lighted too.
King Khalid Bin Abdulaziz replaced al-Kaaba al-Musharrafa’s door with a pure gold door in 1979. It used 280 kg of pure gold. This remains the largest mass of manufactured gold in the world.
King Fahd Bin Abdulaziz guided the second Saudi expansion of the Prophet’s Mosque. He laid the foundation stone in 1985. The expansion included the eastern, western, and northern sides. It added 82,000 square meters. It increased the capacity by 150,000 worshipers.
These expansions show a commitment to accommodating more worshipers. They also highlight architectural and infrastructure developments. The King Fahad Mosque stands as a testament to faith and progress in Riyadh. It also embodies Saudi Arabia’s dedication to Islam.