Al-Ahsa Governorate is rich in many archaeological and historical monuments dating back thousands of years, and some of them still remain today. The historical Jawatha Mosque is one of the oldest known landmarks in Al-Ahsa, as it dates back to the beginning of the Islamic era, and is considered one of the first mosques to be built. It is the second mosque in Islam in which Friday prayers were held after the Prophet’s Mosque.
The mosque was built during the era of the Messenger, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, in the seventh year of migration by the tribe of Bani Abdul Qais, who lived in Al-Ahsa during the early years of Islam during the prophetic mission, and they voluntarily converted to Islam after meeting the Prophet, peace be upon him, in Medina. The Prophet praised them by saying: “Honor your brothers, for they are the most like people to you. They converted to Islam voluntarily, not by compulsion.”
The mosque witnessed the greatest events in Islamic history after the death of the Messenger, may God bless him and grant him peace, when the Muslims who were steadfast in their religion held a sit-in at the fortress of Jawatha inside the walls of the mosque when the apostates besieged them in the year 14 AH 635 AD. Ibn al-Hadrami and spent the sedition. The origin of the name Jawatha comes from the man's groaning when he panicked, as if they called him that when they used to return to the mosque when they panic, and this is supported by the presence of a fort at the site.
The Jawatha Mosque consists of a prayer house that contains 3 corridors parallel to the qibla wall. The entrance to the mosque is mediated by the entrance hall. It also contains a plaster for dates, a room used as a warehouse, and 3 circular towers placed on the outer corners of the mosque. The area of the mosque is about 206.5 square meters, and it can accommodate more than 170 worshipers. Its composition is characterized by a unique architectural style, as it was built of stone and mud mortar, and its roof is made of sandalwood.
The mosque underwent many restoration works throughout the ages, and the Ministry of Tourism restored it several times, the last of which was in 2017, when it was completely furnished and restored with clay materials similar to the materials used in its initial construction, and it was fully lit and furnished. To become a destination for many tourists and researchers, given that it carries a historical weight and a civilizational and cultural heritage.
Haneen Yami (Dammam) @OKAZ_online
