Did you know that Masjid Al-Imam Shafi’i in Jeddah is rumored to be one of the oldest mosques in the city? Some locals even say it dates back to the second caliph Umar. However, that’s likely not true. Historical records show Jeddah didn’t even exist back then.
The town was once inhabited by pirates. In 703 AD, pirates from the Kingdom of Axum occupied Jeddah. A more accurate construction date for Masjid Al-Imam Shafi’i is 649 AH, which translates to 1251 AD. The minaret is the oldest part. An even older mosque may have stood on this very location.
Much of the mosque’s architecture reflects Ottoman styles. This suggests that the current structure does not date back to the time of the first caliphs. The Masjid Al-Imam Shafi’i stands as a testament to Jeddah’s rich history. It has seen pirates, empires, and countless worshippers pass through its doors.
The mosque is named after Imam Shafi. He was a prominent Islamic scholar. Imam Shafi was born in Gaza in 150 AH. That corresponds to the year Imam Abu Hanifa died. Imam Shafi is considered a descendant of Prophet Muhammad.
He was a great theologian and writer. His contributions to Islamic jurisprudence are immense. People often called him “Shaykh al-Islam”. This was due to his work in Islamic sciences. The Shafi School of Fiqh developed from his teachings.
Imam Shafi’s Risala laid the foundation of fiqh. He revised it over eighty times to avoid errors. However, he believed only the book of Allah is perfect. Imam Shafi moved to Hijaz with his mother when he was two. He spent his childhood with relatives in Makkah and later lived in Madinah, Yemen, Egypt, and Baghdad.
He memorized the Quran at the young age of seven. At ten, he memorized the “Muwatta,” a compilation of hadiths by Imam Malik. Imam Shafi received permission to issue fatwas at fifteen. He traveled to Madinah at thirteen to meet Imam Malik.
Imam Shafi died in Cairo in 204 AH at the age of 54. Today, the Shafi Fiqh is the second most followed Fiqh among Muslims. All four major fiqh of Islam accept each other. Following one school of thought is perfectly acceptable.
As you stand before Masjid Al-Imam Shafi’i remember its long history. Remember Imam Shafi’i’s legacy. It is a place of prayer. It is a place of historical significance. It represents a vibrant part of Jeddah’s cultural heritage. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history, faith, and architectural beauty embodied in this sacred space.