The Zahra Mosque: The Controversial Black Mosque in Idlib

The Zahra Mosque: The Controversial Black Mosque in Idlib
November 9, 2024, 9:51 am

مسجد الزهراء الأسود

Since yesterday, social media has been buzzing with debate over the newly constructed Zahra Mosque, which features an unusual black color in the Dana area of northern Idlib.

After the announcement of the first Friday prayer at the mosque, some social media users expressed their discontent regarding the choice of color and name, suggesting it deviates from traditional Sunni architectural style.

According to local sources, the mosque was built with the help of a displaced family from Maaret al-Numan, currently residing outside Syria. One family member, Hajjah Zahra, donated about four kilograms of gold, and her children funded the construction themselves as a charitable act, naming the mosque in honor of their mother.

However, this charitable initiative did not pass without controversy, as it faced accusations and criticism over what some described as sectarian implications behind the choice of color and name.

On the other hand, a statement from the Ministry of Awqaf in the rescue government has sparked further debate after announcing its intention to review the mosque's name and color. Some viewed this move as a response to social media pressure, prioritizing critics' opinions over making decisions based on religious legitimacy and objective standards.

Opinions are divided, with some seeing this as a manifestation of freedom of expression and the right to criticize, while others view it as interference in a purely charitable project.

Critics of the Zahra Mosque in Idlib argue that the choice of black color and the name itself "stirs sectarian sensitivities in a Sunni community," considering black and the name "Zahra" symbols of Shia Islam.

They believe the design strays from the predominant identity in mosque construction in the area.

Some suggest that the choice of color and name may not have been intentional, yet they emphasize that these decisions, even if made with good intentions, contradict the prevailing norms.

Critics argue that the Ministry of Awqaf's review of the mosque's name and color is a justified step, deemed necessary to preserve "the Sunni religious character of the region and to avoid attempts to resemble Shia practices."

Additionally, critics object to the mosque's architectural design, claiming it lacks simplistic beauty and strays from the traditional Islamic architectural identity in Syria. They believe that excessive embellishment and decoration give the mosque an unusual character, making it resemble a celebration hall rather than a place of worship.

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