Re: A young PIA, interviewed on Swedish TV
Did you know that the oldest mosque in Africa is found in Eritrea?
🧵by Karim Wafa Al-Hussaini: @DrKarimWafa
While most people believe that the first mosques in Africa were built in Tunisia or Egypt, it is estimated that the first one dates back to the life of the Prophet (ﷺ).
A thread on the oldest mosque in Africa…
Let me take you on a journey to the Mosque of the Companions in Massawa, Eritrea - a hidden gem of Islamic architecture. This mosque is steeped in history, going back to the earliest days of Islam.
Built in the 7th century, the mosque was where early Islamic scholars gathered to study religious texts in the Horn of Africa. It was founded by the companions of the Prophet who he sent to East Africa, as Muslims were persecuted under the rule of the Qurayshi merchants.
The mosque has simple decorative elements, such as wood carvings.
Located on the coast of the Red Sea, the mosque was once a hub for trade and commerce. The town of Massawa, was a melting pot of cultures and religions.
Today, the Mosque of the Companions still stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural diversity of Eritrea.