Mosque of the Companions
Mosque of the Companions
- The Mosque of the Companions (Arabic: مَسْجِد ٱلصَّحَابَة, Musjid aṣ-Ṣaḥābah) is a Musjid in the city of Massawa, Eritrea. Possibly dating back to the early 7th century C.E., some believe it to be the first Musjid built in Africa.
- The Musjid was reportedly built by Sahaabah (companions) of Rasoolullaah Sallallaahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam who traveled to Africa to escape persecution by people in the city of Makkah. According to Richard J. Reid, it may have been constructed in the 620s or 630s. These companions were part of the first migration (Hijra) to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia and Eritrea), seeking refuge under the Christian King Negus, who offered protection to the early Muslims.
- The Musjid of Quba, which is the first Musjid built by Nabi Muhammad Sallallaahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam in what is now Medina, dates to around the same time. The current structure of the Musjid in Massawa is of much later construction, as some features, like the mihrab (a niche indicating the direction of Makkah, developed in the late 7th century) and the minaret (a tower from which the call to prayer is announced, developed in the 9th century), did not appear in Islamic architecture until later.
- The historical significance of the Mosque of the Companions lies not only in its potential antiquity but also in its representation of the early spread of Islam into Africa. The site stands as a testament to the early Muslim community’s struggles and perseverance. Over the centuries, the Musjid has undergone various reconstructions and renovations, reflecting the evolving architectural styles and the continuous use of the site as a place of worship.
- Massawa, where the Musjid is located, is a key port city on the Red Sea, known for its unique blend of Ottoman, Egyptian, and Italian colonial architecture. The city’s history as a crucial trading hub is intertwined with the story of the Musjid, emphasizing the historical connections between Africa and the broader Muslim world.