The Abuja National Mosque, also known as the Nigerian National Mosque, stands as a significant landmark in the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. It is the national mosque of Nigeria, located in the capital city, Abuja. This magnificent structure dominates the Abuja skyline and can be seen from miles away.
Abuja National Mosque. Source: Wikipedia
Historical Context
The history of the National Mosque began in the 1980s, when the Federal Government of Nigeria, during the regime of President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, decided to move the capital from Lagos to the new Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In 1981, some prominent Muslims from all over the country suggested that the Muslim community should solicit and collect contributions from both domestic and foreign sources to erect a mosque as a place of worship. The idea was widely accepted and supported by Nigerian Muslims, envisioning the mosque as a national institution and a symbol of unity for the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
Built in 1984, the mosque is one of the most important religious sites in Nigeria and is a symbol of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Architectural Features
The architecture of the mosque is featured by distinctive gold anodised, aluminium shingled domes. Its unique design incorporates both traditional and modern elements, blending the ancient Islamic style with modern Nigerian aesthetics. There are five golden domes: one large dome that is visible from miles away and four small domes. Also there are four different minarets, each on every corner of the religious building, 120 meters in height.
Read also: Traveling from Abuja to Lagos
Domes of the Abuja National Mosque. Source: Pinterest
Components of the Complex
Within its walls, the National Mosque houses an Islamic center, a conference room, and a library. The complex includes a conference centre capable of serving six hundred persons, the office for the Islamic Centre, and residential facilities for the imams and muazzins. There are also living quarters for the Imam of the mosque and other religious leaders.
Management and Administration
On 9 October 2017, with approval of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Abuja National Mosque Management Board under the chairmanship of Alh. Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe, was dissolved. In its stead, a Sole Administrator, to be addressed as the Murshid of the National Mosque, was appointed in the person of Professor Shehu Ahmad Said Galadanci, CON. Additionally, three Imams, who were previously addressed as Deputy Chief Imams, were appointed as coequal Imams of the National Mosque to assist the Murshid. They are Prof. Ibrahim Ahmad Maqari, Sheikh Ahmad Onilewura, and Dr. Muhammad Kabir Adam. The Murshid assumed duty on 15 November 2017, combining the post of Chief Imam and Administrative Head of the National Mosque.
The mosque has been open for nearly four decades and has always been well-maintained. It is said to be open for visits by the general public, non-Muslims, and tourists when congregational prayers are not being held.
Read also: Abuja Hotel Review: Summerset Continental
Read also: Patient Care at Nizamiye Hospital
Popular articles:
tags: #Nigeria
