Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Sayyida Khadija Mosque in the Al-Waha area of the Al-Ruwaidat suburb on Al Dhaid Road. Alongside the mosque’s opening, His Highness also inspected the readiness of the adjacent Al-Ruwaidat Cemetery.
According to Emirates News Agency, the inauguration event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Advisor at the Ruler’s Office, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Sharjah, as well as several sheikhs, senior officials, and government department heads.
His Highness began the tour at the condolence hall, which consists of two halls that can accommodate 60 people each, providing services for bereaved families during burial and condolence gatherings. The inspection continued at the Al-Ruwaidat Cemetery, which features paved roads, designated parking areas, and integrated services linked to the mosque and cemetery, all aimed at facilitating burial procedures and easing access for families and mourners.
The mortuary building, designed to respect the deceased, includes separate washing areas for men and women, equipped with modern systems to ensure efficient resource use and streamlined burial preparation. Separate waiting rooms for men and women are also provided.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled by His Highness to mark the inauguration of the mosque, which is built in the Fatimid architectural style with modern elements, covering an area of 49,383 square metres. The mosque can accommodate 1,400 men in the main prayer hall, 1,325 worshippers in the outer portico, and 140 women in the women’s prayer area.
The facilities at the mosque include a library, mortuary building, water stations, ablution areas, restrooms, parking for 592 vehicles, and residences for the imam and muezzin. Notably, the mosque features a central dome with a diameter of 10 meters, two smaller domes with diameters of 4.5 meters, and two minarets standing 40 meters high, all incorporating energy- and water-saving technologies.
During the event, a sermon by Sheikh Dr Salem Al-Doubi, head of the Preaching and Fatwa Section at the Department of Islamic Affairs in Sharjah, highlighted the spiritual and societal significance of mosques and the rewards for those who contribute to their construction and maintenance. His Highness’s efforts in supporting worship spaces and fostering spiritual tranquillity were commended.
The event concluded with His Highness joining worshippers for the Maghrib prayer at Sayyida Khadija Mosque.