Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque

(Redirected from Masjid al-Badawi)

The Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque, (Arabic: مسجد أحمد البدوي) is a mosque and shrine complex in Tanta, Egypt. The name of this mosque is derived from the Sufi mystic Ahmad al-Badawi, the founder of the Badawiyya Sufi order, who is buried in the shrine of the building. The mosque is also the largest and most-visited mosque in Tanta.

Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque
مسجد أحمد البدوي
The mosque of Ahmad al-Badawi during his Mawlid celebration
Religion
AffiliationIslam
PatronAhmad al-Badawi
Location
LocationTanta, Gharbia Governorate, Egypt
Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque is located in Egypt
Ahmad al-Badawi Mosque
Shown within Egypt
Geographic coordinates30°59′56″N 30°47′01″E / 30.998889°N 30.783611°E / 30.998889; 30.783611
Architecture
TypeMosque
CompletedAt least 1276 AD
Specifications
Dome(s)3
Minaret(s)3
Shrine(s)1

History

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After the death of Ahmad al-Badawi in the 13th century, his trusted student Abd al-Mu'tal succeeded him and built a khanqah next to his grave.[1] This khanqah was eventually demolished and the site was incorporated into a mosque by the Mamluk Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad.[2] It was further expanded by Sultan Qaytbay.[2] Years later, on the orders of Ali Bey al-Kabir, the Mamluk governor of the Ottoman Empire, a metal zarih was built around the grave of Ahmad al-Badawi.[3] In the 1960s, the mosque received a new pair of minarets and an iwan. In 1975, during the presidency of Anwar Sadat, the mosque was further expanded.[4]

Architecture

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The mosque is built in the style of Mamluk architecture. Muqarnas were used in both exterior and interior designs. The mihrab of the mosque incorporates pieces of rare mosaic material.[4]

The mosque also includes a collection of his possessions, including his rosary, which is ten meters long and contains a thousand beads. His turban, garb, and wooden staff are also preserved in the private collection there.[4]

Mawlid of Ahmad al-Badawi

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The birthday celebration of Ahmad al-Badawi, known as the Mawlid (Milad) is celebrated every year.[4] During this time and on Ramadan, special candies are sold at the entrance of the mosque which are sweet and named after the saint himself.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "مسجد أحمد البدوي أو المسجد الأحمدي". beta.sis.gov.eg. 2023-11-21.
  2. ^ a b egyptopia.com. "Mosque of Sidi Ahmad El-Badawi - Other Destinations in Egypt : El Gharbia Governorate Travel Guide : -". egyptopia.com. Retrieved 2023-11-11.
  3. ^ Alaa Bakr, A Brief History of Sufism, Dar Al-Khulafa Al-Rashidun, Alexandria, 2008, p. 113
  4. ^ a b c d "مسجد السيد البدوي أهم الآثار في منطقة وسط الدلتا". الجمهورية اون لاين. August 30, 2024.