Sana'a: The Grand Mufti of Yemen, Sheikh Shamsuddin Sharafuddin, praised the efforts of the General Authority of Endowments and Guidance in caring for the Great Mosque of Sana'a, a historic and Islamic landmark that holds a special place in the hearts of Yemenis.
According to Yemen News Agency, during the inauguration of the expansion works on the southern arcade and parts of the western arcade at the Great Mosque, Sheikh Sharafuddin described the expansion completed by the Authority in this important section of the mosque as a significant step in preserving this primary and original landmark, which was built by Imam Ali (peace be upon him) on the order of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family).
He called on beneficiaries of endowment funds and properties to fulfill their responsibilities before God and to hand over what is due to the Endowments and Guidance Authority, as the official body entrusted with managing endowment assets and funds.
In turn, the Chairman of the General Authority of Endowments and Guidance, Sheikh Abdul-Majid Al-Houthi, explained that the Authority is inaugurating today the expansion works on the southern arcade and parts of the western arcade of the mosque, following the completion of their restoration and maintenance after decades of stalled work.
He emphasized that the Authority will continue to rehabilitate the remaining parts of these two arcades so they can welcome worshippers, fasting individuals, and night prayers, highlighting the sacredness of the Great Mosque of Sana'a and its historical significance in Islamic history, as it was built under the instruction of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) to Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
Sheikh Al-Houthi also highlighted the Authority's attention to the Great Mosque due to its historical and Islamic significance, considering it a scholarly edifice and a beacon of guidance throughout history, which has produced a distinguished generation of scholars.
He noted the importance of the southern arcade, the mosque's original section built during the Prophet's (peace be upon him and his family) time, and its special sanctity as it was constructed by Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
The Chairman of the Authority stated that the inauguration of the expansion, costing a total of 573 million Yemeni riyals, coincides with the launch of vital projects such as the solar power system for water pumps linked to the Great Mosque and other mosques in Old Sana'a-a city recognized globally for its historical significance, requiring everyone's care to prepare it for visitors from around the world.
He added that the Great Mosque of Sana'a still requires extensive expansion and additional facilities, noting that a major future expansion project will help accommodate worshippers at the mosque, which is heavily attended daily.
Sheikh Al-Houthi also commended the contributions of philanthropists in restoring and rehabilitating the southern arcade, as well as repairing the Al-'Awsajah Dome and its adjacent domes.
Following the inauguration, Sheikh Abdul-Majid Al-Houthi, Deputy Chairman Dr. Fouad Naji, Sheikh Saleh Al-Kholani of the Yemen Scholars Association, and other Authority officials toured the completed works in the southern and western arcades. They received briefings from the engineers and project managers on the key works completed during the expansion, which have contributed to preserving the mosque's historical and Islamic heritage.