Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a: The History and Significance of Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a – The Pearl Mosque of Cairo

The History and Significance of Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a (The Pearl Mosque)

The Lulua Mosque in 2010, after its renovation

Introduction to Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a

Al Jamea al Lu'lu, ehnu matlab "The Pearl Mosque" thai che. Jamea al Lu'lu ek most remarkable Fatemi Aimat ni Masjids ma si ek che. Aa Masjid Al Moeaztul Qahera (Cairo) Misr ma che. Aa masjid na tameer nu kaam 16th Imam Maulana Hussain al-Hakim bi Amrillah (AS) (996-1021CE) ma shuru thayu ane khtm bhi thayu. Aa masjid Fatemi architecture ni ek nayab nishani che. Aa masjid na naam sij ehni Purity ane Value khbr thai che.

Historical Background

Aa Masjid nu tameer 105-1016CE ma Muqattam Hill in (Al Moeaztul Qahera) Cairo, ma Fatemi Imam Maulana Hussain al-Hakim bi Amrillah (AS) na zamana ma thayu. Imam Al Hakim As na zamana Religious ane Educational Institutions na tameer vaste ghanu famous che. Aapna Zamana ma Al Moeaztul Qahera (Cairo) ma ghana Madrasa, Masjid ane Markaz nu tameer thayu che.

Al Jamea Al Lu'lu Ibadat ni jagah ane Fatemi Markaz banne tarah si mashur thu.

Architectural Features

Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a ehna unique design ane Fatemi Architectural Details vaste mashur che.

1. Tower-Like Structure: Biji Masajids na jem aa masjid nu structure nathi. Aa masjid ek distinctive vertical, multi-level design che. Aa masjid Muqattam Hills par aaram si nazar aave che.

2. Multiple Mihrabs: Har ek floor par Mihrabs mojud che je Islamic Architecture ma rare che ane Fatemi Innovation ne bayan kare che.

3. Materials and Construction:  Aa Masjid nu tameer locally available limestone and rubble si thai ane sathe aa Masjid na arches Bricks ane Stones ni che. Je mazbuti ni nishani che.

4. Decorative Elements: Aa masjid ma Pathar par carvings, geometric patterns, and Kufic inscriptions nazar aave che. 

Mihrab inside the renovated mosque

Preservation and Modern Relevance

Saalo na halat na baad Masjid ni halat ghani khrb hati. ye vaste Fatemi Dai Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin R.a ye umeed mubarak farmavi ke aa masjid nu bhi renovation thai ye vaste aa masjid nu restoration nu kaam 1998 ma Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin R.a ye farmayu.

• Aa masjid Misr ma ek historical landmark che jene aaje bhi ghana Ulama, architects, and tourists ne attract kare che.

• Aa Masjid Fatimid architectural excellence nishani che ane sathe Misr na Islamic Heritage ni bhi nishani che.

• Aa masjid ma aaje bhi ibadat thai. Aane aa masjid aaje bhi Fatimid era nu bayan kare che.

Timeline of Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a (The Pearl Mosque)

• 996 CE (386H): The reign of the 16th Fatemi Imam, Maulana Al-Hakim bi Amrillah (AS), begins in Cairo.

• 1005 CE (396H): Construction of Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a starts under the command of Imam Al-Hakim (AS) on the Muqattam Hill in Al Moeazatul Qahera (Cairo).

• 1016 CE (407H): The mosque’s construction is completed, showcasing a unique vertical design with multiple mihrabs — a hallmark of Fatemi architectural brilliance.

• 11th–12th Century CE: Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a serves as both a place of worship and an educational center, attracting scholars and worshippers alike.

• After 1171 CE: Following the fall of the Fatemi Caliphate, the mosque faces neglect and damage but remains a lasting symbol of Fatemi glory.

• 20th Century: Over time, the structure deteriorates, standing as a quiet reminder of its grand past.

• 1998 CE (1419H): Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA initiates the restoration of Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a, fulfilling the vision to revive its spiritual and historical beauty.

• Early 2000s: The restoration is completed, and the mosque once again shines as a living monument of Fatemi heritage and devotion in Cairo.

Interesting Facts About Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a (The Pearl Mosque)

1. The Name “Al-Lu’lu’a” Means “The Pearl”:
   The mosque is called Al-Lu’lu’a — Arabic for The Pearl — symbolizing purity, rarity, and divine beauty in Fatemi architecture.

2. Built by Imam Al-Hakim bi Amrillah (AS):
   It was constructed during the reign of the 16th Fatemi Imam, Maulana Al-Hakim bi Amrillah (AS), known for promoting ilm (knowledge) and the arts.

3. A Vertical Mosque Design:
   Unlike most mosques, Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a has a multi-level structure, with mihrabs on different floors — a unique architectural innovation of the Fatemi era.

4. Located on Muqattam Hill:
   Perched on Muqattam Hill in Cairo, the mosque offers a panoramic view of the city and stands as a beacon of Fatemi history.

5. Rare Multiple Mihrabs:
   The mosque features multiple prayer niches (mihrabs) on various levels, reflecting the deep spiritual symbolism and precision of Fatemi design.

6. Restored by Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA:
   In 1998, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA initiated the restoration of the mosque, reviving its beauty and spiritual importance for future generations.

7. A Blend of Strength and Artistry:
   Built from limestone, brick, and carved stone, the structure represents both durability and the fine artistic touch of Fatemi craftsmen.

8. Revived Fatemi Heritage:
   The mosque’s restoration symbolizes the continuity of Fatemi legacy — connecting the glorious past of Imam Al-Hakim’s era to the Dawoodi Bohra community today.

9. Still Active for Prayer:
   Even today, Al-Jamea al-Lu’lu’a remains a functioning place of worship, visited by scholars, architects, and devotees who admire its serene atmosphere.

10. A Symbol of Eternal Purity:
    True to its name, the mosque continues to shine like a pearl — a reflection of faith, ilm, and devotion that has endured for over a millennium.

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Disclaimer

This blog has been written based on the author’s thorough research and verified quotes available from reliable online sources. It is intended solely for educational and informative purposes. The content is respectful, harmless, and not meant to offend, harm, or mislead anyone.