Thousands of Worshipers Attend First Friday Prayer at Djamaâ El-Djazaïr

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

ALGIERS – Thousands of Algerians performed the first Friday prayer at Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, which was inaugurated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune along with a constellation of scholars and preachers from Islamic and Western countries last Sunday.

Since the morning, worshipers have been flocking to the mosque to visit this grand religious monument and participate in a highly significant event – the first Friday prayer held there. The prayer hall, spanning an area of 20,000 square meters, can accommodate over 120,000 worshipers.

Authorities provided parking space for up to four thousand cars, and the public transport company in the Algerian capital announced the launch of several transportation lines from various points in Algiers, providing direct access to the mosque square to facilitate the arrival of worshipers. The prayer was also broadcasted through various local channels.

Leading the worshipers in the first Friday prayer was the Dean of Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, Sheikh Mohamed Mamoun El Kacimi El Hassani. In his sermon, he stated, “It is by Allah’s grace that we gather at Djamaâ El-Djazaïr, and its establishment stems from the understanding that mosques are the primary centers of radiance that aid in the advancement of society.” He added, “We are witnessing a historic moment etched in the memory of generations, affirming Algeria’s deep-rooted identity and the contributions of its scholars. This mosque was built upon land irrigated by the blood of those who resisted colonization, martyred in the Battle of El Ouffia during the early stages of French colonialism.”

First Time for Tarawih Prayer

On another note, for the first time, Tarawih prayers will be held at this mosque during the month of Ramadan. Since its preliminary opening in October 2020, authorities had only permitted the Dhuhr Asr, Maghreb and Isha prayers. Djamaâ El-Djazaïr is located in the Mohammadia area (named after the Prophet Muhammad) in the eastern suburb of the Algerian capital.

Algerian authorities aim to promote the values of moderation and tolerance, develop the values of tolerance, establish national religious authority, revive religious heritage, and preserve the components of the Algerian nation.

The mosque was intentionally built on the ruins of the White Fathers’ School, established by the French cardinal Lavigerie during the colonial era to support the occupation and missionary campaign. This choice aims to establish a religious and political symbolic significance that reinforces Algeria’s victory in reclaiming its identity and defeating France’s attempts to erase and distort its identity over a century and a half, from 1830 until the country’s independence in 1962.

The Great Mosque of Algiers: A Fusion of Modernity and Tradition

The Great Mosque of Algiers stands as a testament to both modern architectural marvels and traditional Islamic aesthetics. Classified as the largest mosque in Africa and the third-largest in the world, after Masdjid Al-Haram in Mecca and Masdjid Al-Nabawi in Medina, it embodies the fusion of modernity and tradition.

Designed with a modernist approach, the mosque’s interior features Andalusian influences, geometric architecture, and intricate decorations in wood, marble, and alabaster. The walls are adorned with six kilometers of Arabic calligraphy from the Quran, complemented by turquoise prayer mats.

Spanning 27.75 hectares, the mosque’s prayer hall alone covers over 2 hectares, accommodating up to 120,000 worshippers. The hall, resembling a massive cube, stands approximately 22.5 meters high, with a dome soaring to 70 meters at its apex. All religious elements, including the Qibla wall, Mihrab, and Minbar, blend seamlessly into the modern aesthetic of the hall.

One of the most striking features of the mosque is its minaret, standing at a staggering height of 265 meters, making it the tallest in the world. Equipped with elevators, the minaret offers panoramic views of Algiers and the Bay of Algiers, resembling a skyscraper in dimension and function.

The mosque complex extends beyond religious functions, encompassing cultural and educational buildings. These include a house for Quran studies, an Islamic cultural center, a library housing a million books, lecture halls, museums, research centers, and more. These facilities position the mosque as not only a center of religious activity but also a hub for social, cultural, and educational events.

Furthermore, the mosque’s outdoor square, administrative headquarters, underground car park, green spaces, and shops contribute to its functionality and significance in Algerian society. Notably, the mosque boasts a highly effective anti-seismic system, capable of mitigating over 70% of earthquake forces.

The inauguration of the Algiers Mosque represents a significant milestone in Algeria’s religious and cultural landscape, symbolizing the country’s commitment to modernity, tradition, and societal advancement.

Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly established itself as a prominent player among Algerian digital news sites, offering a diverse and enriching content experience. The platform, available in Arabic, French, and English editions, captures the attention of a wide-ranging audience, amassing over half a million daily clicks.

A testament to its commitment to excellence, Dzair Tube received the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This recognition underscores the platform’s unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of journalism.

With a significant online presence, Dzair Tube boasts 350,000 subscribers on YouTube, over five million followers on various Facebook pages, and 450,000 subscribers on Instagram. Its digital channel has become a hub for diverse programming, covering news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a broad spectrum of audience preferences.

Equipped with state-of-the-art studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has garnered substantial viewership for its varied programs. Hosting interactive discussions with influential figures across different domains, the platform actively fosters public discourse and engagement. Beyond news coverage, Dzair Tube extends its commitment to the production of marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership programs.

The success of the print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further highlights the platform’s impact, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Recently honored with the Media Leadership Award from the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the landscape of Algerian digital news, maintaining a position of influence and impact in the media industry.