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The decades-old Fatima Bint Al Rasul Mosque in Hamad Town could soon see sweeping restoration – or even complete reconstruction – following mounting concerns over its deteriorating condition, community safety risks and the importance of preserving sacred community spaces.
A field visit was conducted to the mosque in Block 1210 yesterday by Northern Municipal Council member and area councillor Abdulla Mubarak Bilal Al Qobaisi, alongside engineers from the Sunni Waqf (Endowment) Directorate.
The aim was a thorough inspection of the mosque’s structural condition, utilities and urgent needs.
“This mosque isn’t just a building; it’s the heart of our community,” said Mr Al Qobaisi, who has led a formal push within the council to prioritise urgent intervention.
“For 39 years, the mosque has served generations of residents for prayer, learning and gathering. But its physical condition has sadly not kept pace with time.”
He noted that complaints had grown in recent months, particularly regarding the condition of the mosque’s roof, flooring, restrooms, ablution areas and air conditioning units.
A video he shared earlier showed peeling walls, crumbling tiling and corroded fittings.
“What we saw during the visit was deeply worrying,” said Mr Al Qobaisi.
“The wear and tear is evident, from broken tiles to poorly functioning water facilities. It is our duty to respond before a structural failure or health hazard puts worshippers at risk.”
He urged authorities to look into these concerns seriously, pointing out that the mosque’s location – in the heart of a densely populated residential area – also made its safety and usability a matter of public welfare.
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(Left) Mr Al Qobaisi, second from left, during his tour, (right) Mr Al Qobaisi, centre, with waqf officials at the mosque’s front door
Mr Al Qobaisi’s proposal to either restore or rebuild the mosque entirely was co-signed by three other councillors and presented to the council during its most recent session.
The proposal was unanimously approved and is now being forwarded to Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Minister Nawaf Al Maawda.
Representatives from the directorate who joined Mr Al Qobaisi on the visit, acknowledged the growing need for mosque rehabilitation and confirmed that previous internal assessments had identified areas of concern.
“The waqf engineers were co-operative and responsive during the visit,” said Mr Al Qobaisi.
“They confirmed that the mosque’s condition had been reviewed earlier, and that a maintenance plan was being drafted.”
While the directorate has yet to release a formal statement, Mr Al Qobaisi praised their engagement but stressed that urgent decisions and actions were now necessary.
Public response has so far been overwhelmingly positive, with many community members expressing appreciation for Mr Al Qobaisi’s visit and advocacy.
The push for restoration received firm support from the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Dr Salman Abdulla.
“Places of worship are sacred, but they must also be safe,” he said.
“The mosque has long served the faithful, but its current condition is not acceptable. We must take collective responsibility to ensure this space is preserved for generations to come.”
He also noted that the mosque’s case was emblematic of broader challenges facing ageing religious infrastructure across Bahrain, particularly in older areas.
He called for stronger co-ordination between councils, ministries and religious authorities to systematically address such issues.
“This is not just about one mosque; it’s about ensuring that all worship spaces are maintained to the highest standards – spiritually, architecturally and structurally – while aligning with Bahrain’s broader goals for sustainable urban development and community safety.”
The request addressed to Mr Al Maawada includes: immediate intervention by the ministry, budget allocation for restoration or reconstruction, land reallocation, if needed, to accommodate a larger or redesigned facility and fast-tracking of permits and infrastructure approvals.
The Sunni Waqf Directorate has not publicly confirmed its next steps.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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