Introduction
Al-Jafrah Mosque was one of most important historic mosques in old Riyadh City. Although this mosque no longer exists today, it holds a special place in Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage. The mosque was located in heart of old Riyadh and served the community for many years before it was demolished in the 1950s.
In this article you will learn about the history of Al-Jafrah Mosque, its location, the famous scholars who led prayers there and why it was demolished.
Quick Facts About Al-Jafrah Mosque
Name: Al-Jafrah Mosque (also called Al-Hayza Mosque)
Location: Southwest Riyadh in the Hillat al-Sharqiyah Neighborhood
Status: Demolished in the mid-1950s
Current Site: Now part of the Al-Hukm Palace complex
Famous For: Historic scholars and imams who served the community
What Was Al-Jafrah Mosque
Al-Jafrah Mosque was historic mosque that served people of old Riyadh for many decades. It was not just a place for prayer. It was also a center of Islamic learning and community life in old Riyadh.
Two Names, One Mosque
The mosque had two names:
- Al-Jafrah Mosque – The official name used by most people
- Al-Hayza Mosque – Named after the Al-Hayza neighborhood where it was located
Both names refer to same mosque. People used these names depending on which part of Riyadh they came from.
🏛️ Key Historical Facts
Important Note:
Al-Jafrah Mosque is no longer standing. It was demolished in the mid-1950s during the modernization and expansion of Riyadh. However its history remains an important part of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage.
What Made It Special:
- ✅ One of oldest mosques in historic Riyadh
- ✅ Located in important Hillat al-Sharqiyah neighborhood
- ✅ Served by famous Islamic scholars and imams
- ✅ Connected to the early reign of King Abdulaziz
- ✅ Part of old Riyadh’s Islamic heritage
Location of Al-Jafrah Mosque
Where Was It Located
Al-Jafrah Mosque was located in southwestern Riyadh. Specifically in the Hillat al-Sharqiyah Neighborhood. This neighborhood was also called Al-Hayza. Which is why the mosque had two names.
What Is There Now
Today the entire area where mosque once stood is part of the Al-Hukm Palace complex. Al-Hukm Palace is official royal palace in Riyadh and serves as an important government center.
When Riyadh expanded and modernized in 1950s, many old buildings and neighborhoods were replaced with new structures. Al-Jafrah Mosque was one of historic buildings that was demolished during this time.
📍 Location & Historical Context
📌 Original Location: Southwest Riyadh, Hillat al-Sharqiyah (Al-Hayza) Neighborhood
🏛️ Current Site: Al-Hukm Palace complex
📅 Demolition Date: Mid-1950s
🏙️ Area: Old Riyadh City (historic center)
🕌 Type: Community mosque and learning center
⏳ Era: Pre-modern Riyadh period
Famous Imams of Al-Jafrah Mosque
Al-Jafrah Mosque was blessed with many great Islamic scholars who served as imams (prayer leaders). These scholars were not just religious leaders. They were also teachers, advisors and important members of Riyadh society.
1. Sheikh Hamad Bin Faris
Sheikh Hamad Bin Faris was one of most respected imams of Al-Jafrah Mosque. He was:
- A great Islamic scholar of Riyadh
- Head of Treasury during the early reign of King Abdulaziz
- A trusted advisor in both religious and government matters
- Known for his knowledge and wisdom
His role as both a religious leader and government official shows how important Islamic scholars were in building the Saudi state.
2. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Dawood
Sheikh Abdullah was another respected imam who served at Al-Jafrah Mosque. He continued the tradition of having knowledgeable scholars lead the prayers and teach the community.
3. Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Yamani
Sheikh Ali was special because he served community in two ways:
- As an imam leading prayers at Al-Jafrah Mosque
- As an educator running a nearby Kuttab (traditional Islamic elementary school)
The Kuttab was where children learned to read the Quran, write and study basic Islamic knowledge. This shows how the mosque and education were connected in old Riyadh.
4. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sinan
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sinan was another respected imam who served at the mosque and contributed to religious life of the community.
5. Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al-Sheqrey
Sheikh Abdulaziz was the last in line of distinguished imams who served at Al-Jafrah Mosque before its demolition.
👥 Famous Imams & Their Roles
| Name | Position | Other Roles | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheikh Hamad Bin Faris | Imam | Head of Treasury under King Abdulaziz | Scholar and government official |
| Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Bin Dawood | Imam | Religious leader | Islamic scholarship |
| Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Yamani | Imam | Ran nearby Kuttab school | Education and teaching |
| Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sinan | Imam | Religious leader | Community service |
| Sheikh Abdulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al-Sheqrey | Imam | Religious leader | Islamic knowledge |
📖 Educational Note:
A Kuttab was a traditional Islamic elementary school where children learned Quran, Arabic writing and basic Islamic studies. These schools were common in old Riyadh and were usually located near mosques.
The Muezzins of Al-Jafrah Mosque
The muezzin is person who calls Muslims to prayer five times a day. This is called the Adhan. Al-Jafrah Mosque had several well-known muezzins who served the community.
1. Abdulrahman Bin Majid
Abdulrahman Bin Majid was one of respected muezzins of Al-Jafrah Mosque. His voice called people to prayer every day, reminding the community to fulfill their religious duties.
2. Jumaan Al-Yamani
Jumaan Al-Yamani was another muezzin who served at mosque. He was known in community for his dedication to calling people to prayer.
3. Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Munif
Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Munif had the honor of being a muezzin at this historic mosque. His voice echoed through the streets of old Riyadh, calling believers to prayer.
4. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Nuaimah
Sheikh Mohammed Al-Nuaimah was perhaps the most notable muezzin because he had another important role:
- Muezzin at Al-Jafrah Mosque
- Head of the Royal Guard for King Abdulaziz
This shows the high status of those who served at Al-Jafrah Mosque. Even people with important government positions were honored to serve as muezzins.
🔔 Notable Muezzins & Their Service
| Name | Role | Special Position | Era |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdulrahman Bin Majid | Muezzin | Community leader | Early Saudi period |
| Jumaan Al-Yamani | Muezzin | Religious servant | Early Saudi period |
| Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Munif | Muezzin | Known voice in old Riyadh | Early Saudi period |
| Sheikh Mohammed Al-Nuaimah | Muezzin | Head of Royal Guard for King Abdulaziz | Early Saudi period |
Why Was Al-Jafrah Mosque Demolished
Al-Jafrah Mosque was demolished in the mid-1950s as part of Riyadh’s modernization and expansion.
Reasons for Demolition:
- City Expansion: Riyadh was growing rapidly and needed space for new buildings and infrastructure
- Palace Complex Development: The area was needed for the Al-Hukm Palace complex. Which became center of government
- Urban Planning: Old neighborhoods were being redesigned to accommodate modern city planning
- Modernization: Saudi Arabia was entering a new era of development and old structures were replaced with modern buildings
What Happened to the Community
While the physical building was demolished. The community that prayed there moved to other nearby mosques in Riyadh. The legacy of its great imams and muezzins continued in other places.
🏗️ The Demolition & Its Context
⚠️ Historical Change:
The demolition of Al-Jafrah Mosque in the mid-1950s marked the end of an era for old Riyadh. However it was part of necessary transformation that turned Riyadh into the modern capital city it is today.
Timeline of Change:
- Before 1950s: Al-Jafrah Mosque serves the community
- Mid-1950s: Mosque demolished for urban development
- After 1950s: Area becomes part of Al-Hukm Palace complex
- Today: The site is part of modern Riyadh’s government center
Lessons from Al-Jafrah Mosque History
The story of Al-Jafrah Mosque teaches us several important lessons:
1. Preserving History
Today, Saudi Arabia works hard to preserve historic buildings and sites. The lesson learned from losing mosques like Al-Jafrah led to better heritage conservation.
2. Balance Between Old and New
Modern development is important, but so is preserving history. Saudi Arabia now tries to balance both needs.
3. Honoring Scholars
The great imams and muezzins who served at Al-Jafrah Mosque remind us to honor religious scholars and their contributions to society.
4. Community Centers
Mosques were not just places of prayer – they were community centers where people learned, met, and supported each other.
Final Thoughts
Al-Jafrah Mosque may no longer stand in the streets of Riyadh. However its history remains an important part of Saudi Arabia’s Islamic heritage. The mosque served the community for many years. It provided a place for prayer and learning. It was a place for community gathering.
The great scholars and imams who served at Al-Jafrah Mosque left a lasting legacy. Sheikh Hamad Bin Faris and Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Al-Yamani were among them. They left a legacy of Islamic knowledge and service.
Even the muezzins showed how religious service was valued. Sheikh Mohammed Al-Nuaimah also served as head of King Abdulaziz’s royal guard. This showed that religious service was valued at all levels of society.
We cannot visit Al-Jafrah Mosque today. But we can honor its memory by preserving other historic sites. We can learn from the past. The transformation of Riyadh from a small desert town to a modern capital city required many sacrifices. Al-Jafrah Mosque was one of them.
May Allah bless all those who built and served at Al-Jafrah Mosque. May Allah bless those who prayed there. May their legacy continue to inspire us.
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