Peeking through the trees, the minaret of the Mosquée Al-Inâba hints at the stories within. The Mosquée Al-Inâba stands as a testament to Brussels’ diverse religious landscape. But the story of this sacred place goes back further than you might think.
Initially constructed as the Oriental Pavilion for the Brussels International Exposition of 1897, the building was designed by Ernest Van Humbeeck. Imagine it then: not a mosque, but a showcase. It housed a massive panoramic painting titled Cairo and the Banks of the Nile. Emile Wauters created this artwork. Visitors flocked to see this immersive depiction of Egypt. The pavilion was intended as an annex to the Royal Museums of Decorative and Industrial Arts.
However, the panorama’s popularity waned. By 1901, the building began to deteriorate. Despite some restoration attempts, the attraction closed in 1963. The canvas was dismantled in 1971 and eventually disappeared.
Fast forward to 1967. King Baudouin of Belgium gifted the building to King Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz of Saudi Arabia. This was part of negotiations to secure crucial oil contracts. The agreement included a 99-year rent-free lease. The building was transformed into a mosque for Muslim immigrants. Many came from Morocco and Turkey.
Tunisian architect Mongi Boubaker led the reconstruction. The round structure was preserved. But the exterior appearance was significantly altered. Saudi Arabia financed the project. In 1978, the Great Mosque of Brussels was inaugurated.
The Mosquée Al-Inâba became the leading religious institution for the Belgian Islamic community. It also aimed to be a diplomatic bridge between the Saudi and Belgian monarchies. This role has been a point of debate since its refoundation. The mosque became popular with Muslim diplomats. It also attracted Belgians interested in converting to Islam. Thousands of Muslim students have been taught here.
For many years, the mosque operated under the control of the Muslim World League. The organization received funding from Saudi Arabia. The Islamic Cultural Center within the mosque provides various services. These include Arabic courses, Islamic studies, and community support activities.
However, the Mosquée Al-Inâba has faced controversies. Accusations of promoting extremism have surfaced. In 2017, Belgium revoked the residence permit of the mosque’s imam, Abdelhadi Sewif. His Salafist ideology and conservative views were cited as a threat to national security.
In February 2018, Saudi Arabia agreed to relinquish control of the mosque. This decision signaled an effort to shed its reputation as an exporter of ultra-conservative Islam. The Council of Ministers of Belgium decided to transfer the mosque’s management. It went to the Muslim Executive of Belgium and a local believers’ charity.
In recent years, the mosque’s administration has faced scrutiny. Concerns about foreign influence and the promotion of ideologies incompatible with European values have arisen.
Despite these challenges, the Mosquée Al-Inâba continues to serve as a place of worship. It is a cultural center for Brussels’ Muslim community. Its story reflects the complex interplay of history, religion, and politics in this vibrant city. As we stand here, remember the layers of history beneath this building’s walls. From world’s fair pavilion to a center of faith.