“A house of God for the people of Sebnay.” That’s what this mosque represents. The Sebnay Mosque stands as a testament to faith in Beirut.
But let’s delve into its story. The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a Sunni Islam mosque. It is located in downtown Beirut. In the 19th century, a zawiya was constructed on this very site. This zawiya was named after Sheikh Abu Nasr al-Yafi.
Decades went into acquiring enough land. This was to facilitate the construction of the new mosque adjacent to the old Zawiya. The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque finally opened its doors in 2008. It stands proudly adjacent to the Maronite Cathedral of Saint George.
Rafic Hariri, the late Prime Minister, donated to the construction. The foundation stone for the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque was laid in November 2002. Sadly, Hariri was assassinated on February 14, 2005. His body is buried near the mosque, within the Martyrs’ Square. The mosque was used for Hariri’s funeral.
During construction, archaeologists made an exciting discovery. They unearthed a section of the east–west main Roman street. This street was known as Decumanus Maximus. It featured paving and columns. After the first stone, concrete was poured in 2003. By 2005, the mosque’s architecture began taking shape.
Azmi Fakhoury designed the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque. Its style echoes Ottoman Turk architecture. The mosque can accommodate up to 6400 worshippers. The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque boasts five domes. All are adorned with light blue tiles. The interior features patterned ceilings and a dome circle. A chandelier-like ornament hangs before the mihrab.
The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque suffered damage in the Beirut explosions on August 4, 2020. Chandeliers and windows shattered. Broken glass covered the floor.
The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque is now a major landmark in Beirut. Its amber color and blue domes are striking. Four minarets stand tall at 65 meters high. The main hall can hold 3700 worshippers. There is a real community feel. People read or nap on the carpet between prayers. The women’s prayer hall has a separate entrance.
The Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque embodies faith and resilience. It is not just a building but a symbol of Beirut’s spirit. It is a place for prayer. It is a place for community. It is a place for reflection.