Nestled in Dubai’s ancient Shindagha neighborhood stands the Al Shuyookh Mosque, a humble yet great structure with a thatched roof and a veranda. Despite its unassuming look, this mosque has stood the take a look at of time, serving worshippers for over 128 years on the grounds that its founding in 1897.
A Historic Landmark
The Al Shuyookh Mosque changed into primarily based with the aid of using Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, the grandfather of Dubai’s current ruler. It holds the distinction of being one of the first mosques built within the location and most of the earliest to conduct Friday congregation prayers. Sheikh Saeed have become the ruler of Dubai in 1912, following the passing of his father, and dominated till his loss of life in 1958, marking him as Dubai’s longest-serving chief.
For over three many years, the mosque’s spiritual guidance has been overseen through Imam Ebrahim Musaliar. Having dedicated lots of his existence to serving this mosque, Ebrahim has collected numerous memories from older Emirati worshippers approximately Sheikh Saeed’s compassion and determination to his humans.
A Ruler’s Devotion to His People
Imam Ebrahim recollects how Sheikh Saeed personally ensured the consolation of worshippers. “In those days, there were no water pipes, so people had to carry water manually for ablution,” Ebrahim stated. “Many old-timers have told me that Sheikh Saeed might awaken well earlier than the morning Fajr prayers to draw water from the well and fill the ablution tubs himself.”
At the time, Al Shuyookh Mosque become the only mosque in the vicinity carrying out Friday prayers. To ease get access for worshippers from Deira, Sheikh Saeed ordered abra rides (traditional water taxis) to be free for those coming to wish. This thoughtful gesture allowed worshippers to cross the Dubai Creek with out fee all through prayer hours and go back to their places of work straight away.
An Unexpected Journey to Dubai
Imam Ebrahim’s personal journey to Al Shuyookh Mosque is a splendid tale in itself. Originally from India, Ebrahim arrived in Dubai in 1990 even as accompanying an entrepreneur on his manner to Umrah. Prior to this, he had spent years coaching faith and turning in non secular talks in his hometown.
“When we stopped in Dubai, several of my college students came to look me,” Ebrahim mentioned. “One of them noted that the Awqaf became engaging in assessments to recruit imams for mosques in Dubai. I turned into simplest visiting for an afternoon, so my student fast referred to as a taxi and took me to the Awqaf office.”
Ebrahim underwent an impromptu oral examination with a manager at the Awqaf workplace and changed into told that his paintings visa would be arranged at the same time as he persisted his journey to carry out Umrah. Months later, Ebrahim back to Dubai to start his role because the imam of Al Shuyookh Mosque, a role he has held ever considering.
Honored for His Service
In 2022, Ebrahim turned into one of the first imams to acquire Dubai’s prestigious Golden Visa in recognition of his lengthy-standing determination to the mosque and the network. During his tenure, he has had the respect of leading prayers attended by means of incredible figures such as Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Saudi Arabia’s King Salman.
A Pillar of the Community
Despite there being more than six other mosques in the location, Al Shuyookh Mosque stays a cherished accumulating region, specifically all through Ramadan. Each evening, over 400 people accumulate for iftar, strengthening the community bond.
“Before iftar, I pray for everyone present,” Imam Ebrahim stated. “Some people approach me with specific requests for duas, and I include them in my prayers. Many go back year after year for the feel of connection and belonging that this mosque offers.”
Through its rich history, devoted management, and sturdy community ties, Al Shuyookh Mosque maintains to face as a beacon of faith and subculture in the coronary heart of Dubai’s background district.
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