After significant pressure, particularly on social media, it is likely that the Algerian government will lift its “ban” on the Djamaa el Djazair mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Algiers, allowing for the Tarawih and Friday prayers to be held there, starting from the last ten days of Ramadan.
Authorities had opened the large mosque in 2020, but weekly Friday prayers were held there only twice, unlike the five daily prayers, which have been observed every day.
In Algeria, authorities attach great importance to the discussions that take place online about public affairs, especially on Facebook. Decisions and directives are often issued based on these conversations.
For many Algerians, especially residents of the capital, it is no longer acceptable for the mosque to remain closed during Ramadan, Friday prayers, and the al-Fitr and al-Adha holidays.
They also insist on the need for lessons to be held at the mosque whereby preachers and scholars could have the opportunity to interact with worshippers regarding religious affairs.
According to unofficial media, authorities have kept the Great Mosque of Algiers closed due to unfinished construction and a shortage of employees and workers.
This means that the mosque cannot be supervised and operated properly.
Sheikh Mamoun Al-Qasimi Al-Hassani was appointed in charge of the mosque two and a half years ago, but unresolved management issues remain a mystery.
News website “Awras,” quoting an informed source, reported that the mosque’s “true launch” will either take place on July 5 or November 1, both significant dates in Algerian history.
Mosque managers have been targeted with heavy criticism for allegedly opening the mosque for tourism purposes solely.
The Great Mosque of Algiers is one of the largest mosques in the world and boasts the world’s tallest minaret, stretching approximately 256 meters high and is visible kilometers away.
The mosque’s construction began in 2011 at a cost of $1 billion dollars. The project was a top priority for late President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Its prayer hall can accommodate up to 120,000 worshipers.
The mosque’s grounds also have space for a Quranic school, a cultural center, a hotel, and a building to accommodate guests during religious occasions. As for its minaret, it houses a library and a high institute for Islamic studies.
The mosque boasts more than three hectares of green spaces, divided into 16 small gardens, where trees mentioned in the holy Quran have been planted.
