Imam Mahdi Mosque, First Mosque in Saudi Arabia’s Sihat

IQNA – The Imam Mahdi (AS) Mosque in Sihat, located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, was constructed in 132 years ago.

It is considered one of the oldest mosques in the region and holds the distinction of being the first mosque in the city where Friday prayers were performed.

This grand mosque was founded by Sheikh Jafar Abu Mukaram, who was a prominent scholar in the region.

Half a century ago, the mosque underwent renovation under a program aimed at restoring old places of worship, funded by the people of Sihat with a budget of 22,000 riyals.

Subsequently, Sheikh Abdul Majid Abu Mukaram, the grandson of Sheikh Jafar, initiated further restoration efforts. The renovation was planned to incorporate modern designs.

In 2022, the residents of Sihat decided to renovate and restore the mosque once again. Consequently, prayers, including Friday prayers, were temporarily relocated to the Imam Hassan al-Askari (AS) Mosque in the al-Zuhour area of the city until the renovation was completed.

Prior to the latest renovation, the mosque had a capacity of 1,800 worshippers, which was increased during restoration.

It features a prayer hall for women that can accommodate between 100 to 150 female worshippers.

The mosque is renowned for its religious activities, such as religious education and Quran classes.

Sihat is one of the major cities in the Eastern Province. The entire population of the city is Shia, and most families in Sihat are from the original Arab tribes, including Khuwaled, Ajman, Hawajer, and Sabila.

In addition to the grand mosques, the city is home to several Husseiniyahs (Shia religious centers).

4328683