Christ Isa bin Maryam Mosque in Madaba Governorate (Al Jazeera)
Amman -
With its towering minaret, the octagonal geometric shape of its building, and its striking name, the “Jesus Christ Ibn Maryam Mosque” stands in the Madaba Governorate - which is 33 kilometers southwest of the Jordanian capital, Amman - close to the Latin Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit, in one of the messages of coexistence, tolerance and religious rapprochement. Christian Islam in a city steeped in history.
The symbolism of the Christ Jesus bin Maryam Mosque lies in the choice of its name, as it is the first mosque in the Islamic world bearing the name of the Prophet of God Jesus, peace and blessings be upon him. The idea of building it goes back to Hajj Ghaleb Al-Otaibi, a resident of the city of Madaba, who searched a lot for a name that had not been mentioned before for all mosques. The world, as well as to indicate the spirit of brotherhood and tolerance that brings together the residents of one city, Muslims and Christians, especially since the land on which the mosque was built originally belonged to one of the city’s Christian sons. The name of the Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him, was chosen in a religious precedent approved by the Mufti. Kingdom at that time.
The mosque was built in an octagonal geometric shape of beautiful white stone, and it is similar to the Dome of the Rock Mosque (Al Jazeera)
Architectural masterpiece
"Al Jazeera Net" visited the mosque and learned about the distinct way in which it was built. It is an architectural masterpiece that combines authenticity and modernity, as its interior walls contain artistic paintings made of oak wood, specially made in Aleppo, with Quranic verses written on them, focusing on the story of the Prophet Jesus and his mother. Mary, peace be upon them, where we read, for example, “The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, is only the Messenger of God, and His word which He bestowed upon Mary, and a spirit from Him” (An-Nisa’, verse 171), and likewise, “The likeness of Jesus before God is like that of Adam. He created him from dust, then said to him, ‘Be,’ and he was” (Al Imran. / Verse 59).
A picture of the Isa bin Maryam Mosque and the Latin Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit in one of the messages of coexistence (Al Jazeera)
As we wander inside the mosque, we find Islamic oriental decorations, columns, walls, and various domes, spreading an atmosphere of deep psychological and spiritual comfort. The mosque was built on an area of one thousand square meters, and is composed of three floors, a portico, and a dome about 51 meters long.
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In addition, the mosque was built in an octagonal geometric shape of beautiful white stone. It is close in construction to the Dome of the Rock Mosque in occupied Jerusalem, with a 60-meter minaret, the longest ever in the city. Those in charge of the mosque and its worshipers confirm that its naming comes as a continuation of its status. The social, religious and cultural diversity experienced by Madaba.
Issa bin Maryam Mosque was built in the city of Madaba, full of religious diversity (Al Jazeera)
Religious diversity
The imam of the mosque, Sheikh Hamza Al-Rawajih, told Al Jazeera Net that “the city of Madaba is mixed with religious diversity, and the construction of the Isa bin Maryam Mosque came years ago in a neighborhood that was not crowded with residents,” but what is noteworthy about the matter is that the number of Christian residents surrounding the mosque today is equal to the number of Muslims, which means A large number of Christians lived near the mosque that bears the name of the Prophet of God, Jesus bin Maryam, peace be upon him.
Mihrab of Issa bin Maryam Mosque (Al Jazeera)
Al-Rawajeh pointed out that “the mosque has become a shrine for many citizens outside Madaba Governorate, and it has also become a tourist attraction visited by people from outside Jordan, Muslims and Christians,” pointing out that Christians and Muslims alike always confirm that the mosque carries the messages of brotherhood and tolerance experienced by the citizens of this city. “The presence of the mosque near the church confirms this meaning.”
Issa bin Maryam Mosque from the inside (Al Jazeera)
It is narrated about the city of Madaba that the imam of one of the city’s mosques became seriously ill during the month of Ramadan, which prevented him from informing the fasting Muslims that the time for breaking the fast had begun. He noticed this matter in charge of the church next to the mosque, and the Christian man knew that something had happened to his Muslim neighbor, but he was not able to do so. However, he began ringing the church bells to inform the Muslims that it was time for breakfast.
The mosque has become a shrine for many citizens outside Madaba Governorate (Al Jazeera)
Madaba Governorate is located parallel to the historic so-called “Kings Road,” which is more than 5,000 years old, and its population is estimated at about 150,000 people. It is known as the city of mosaics and ancient churches due to numerous discoveries under its land of historical monuments made of engraved and painted mosaics, dating back to the two eras. Byzantine and Umayyad, making it a favorite destination for religious tourism.
Source: Al Jazeera