Al-Nassrallah Mosque

Nearly four years ago, perhaps more, I addressed in this column the obstacles that had halted work on the Al-Nasrallah Victory Mosque in the Sabah Al-Salem area, following complaints from worshippers who are still awaiting its opening. The mosque has oscillated between intermittent construction and completion after more than four years, and between anticipation of its opening and three years of closure without any known reasons. Neither the Awqaf (Endowments) Authority has set an opening date, nor do the worshippers know the reasons for the delay.

Since the mosque’s demolition, worshippers have been praying in a small women’s prayer room. Every Friday, they enter a state of confusion, searching for a mosque in which to pray, despite the Al-Nasrallah Mosque being nearby. Everyone wonders when their mosque will open, even though construction has been completed, while the surrounding area remains covered in dirt, and no one knows when this situation will end. Nearly eight years have passed between demolition, reconstruction, completion, and closure, leading to an unknown opening date known only to God.

Most houses of God are built from donations by benefactors, and there are many such benefactors in our society—praise be to God—who provide funds for all construction needs as an act of devotion and reward from the Most Merciful. Even mosques built at the expense of the Ministry have their own dedicated budgets, meaning that the necessary funds are available. So, what is obstructing construction, causing delays, and preventing its opening? Some might say, “Every delay in it is for the best,” but the delay of this mosque brings only confusion. Otherwise, what is the reason that a mosque has been closed for seven years and remains so to this day?

Worshippers had expected it to open last Ramadan, but their hopes were dashed. Then they hoped for Eid al-Adha, but nothing happened. Even now, the mystery of this mosque remains unsolved... Long may you live. Yousef Al-Shaheen