Al-Alya Mosque in A’Rustaq: A Landmark Embodies Depth of Islamic Heritage
A’Rustaq, 20 Jul (ONA) — Al-Alya Mosque in the Wilayat of A’Rustaq, South Al Batinah Governorate, stands as one of the most prominent religious and historical landmarks in the Sultanate of Oman. It carries profound spiritual, intellectual, and architectural significance, reflecting the depth of Islamic heritage that has characterized the region for centuries.
The mosque dates back to the era of Imam Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya'arubi in the 17th century.
Located in the heart of Al-Alya Village, approximately 800 meters from A’Rustaq Fort, the mosque occupies a central position, serving residents for prayers and social gatherings. Built on elevated ground about six meters above the falaj (traditional irrigation channel), it is surrounded by diverse orchards—some of which are endowed as waqf (religious endowment), such as the Al-Furudh orchard to the south and the Al-Jahal orchard to the east, highlighting the mosque’s economic and social importance in the community.
Eng. Ahmed Saif Al-Mazrouei, one of the caretakers of the mosque’s endowment, explained that the mosque holds significant endowed assets, including 47 water shares in Falaj Al-Maysar, valued at approximately RO 94,000, as well as orchards containing over 553 palm trees and agricultural plots, with an estimated total value of RO 166,000.
In a statement to Omani News Agency (ONA), Al-Mazrouei added that the mosque was historically used to distribute zakat (alms) and food supplies to eligible villagers during religious occasions such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. It also served as a venue for weddings and funerals until recently, when these events were moved to Sablat Al-Alya.
The mosque was a gathering place for community leaders, locally called “Ahl al-Hall wal-Aqd,” to discuss village affairs and hosted visits by imams and governors. It was also a site for reconciliation meetings and judicial proceedings. A designated area within the mosque provided drinking water through traditional clay vessels (jihal), filled with water from Falaj Al-Maysar and hung in their designated spots.
Eng. Al-Mazrouei emphasized that the mosque was not merely a place of worship but also a distinguished center of learning and social life. Several scholars and sheikhs studied there, underscoring its historical role as a leading educational and communal institution in A’Rustaq.
The mosque measures 21 meters in length and 12 meters in width, featuring 10 columns that divide the prayer hall into six longitudinal and three transverse sections. A central courtyard (4 x 3.5 meters) was historically used for ablution and heating. A well beneath the mosque, likely connected to the falaj channel, may have served ablution purposes.
The mihrab (prayer niche) is two meters wide and four meters high, adorned with simple yet elegant inscriptions bearing the Shahada (Islamic testimony of faith) on multiple levels. Recent restoration work expanded the mihrab, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Originally, the mosque had three entrances—two on the eastern side and one on the northern side. However, after being designated for Friday prayers, a new southern entrance was added for the imam and people with disabilities, while the northern door was closed.
— Ends/AH
