HAIL — Saudi Arabia's Hail region is distinguished for being a host to several historic mosques that are classified among the oldest mosques in the region, such as Qafar Mosque, which has been rehabilitated as part of Muhammad Bin Salman Project for Historical Mosques Renovation in the Kingdom. As part of the project, as many as 30 mosques spread over 10 regions will be restored and rehabilitated. The construction of Qafar Mosque dates back to the first half of the 14th century AH in the period between 1334 AH-1445 AH when Ruqayya Bint Abdullah founded the mosque after the death of her husband. It was renovated in 1385 AH as per what is written on the pillar of the mihrab. The mosque used to host Friday prayers as worshipers used to pour in from neighboring villages to pray in it. A modern prayer house was built inside the mosque's campus in 1412 AH, and until today the mosque is open to worshipers who perform daily five prayers and the Friday prayer. Qafar Mosque is located in the old town of Qafar near the road linking Hail and Al-Ula, about 20 km southwest of Hail. The mosque is unique as it was originally constructed as per the style of the central region and was built from mud and stone with a wooden roof built from Tamarix and Palm fronds. The total area of the mosque is 687 square meters and can accommodate 170 worshipers. The mosque consists of Al-Sarha, which is an open courtyard and has two depots and a rectangular 8-meter-minaret. A modern prayer area was built inside Al-Sarha, where prayer is held at the present time. Prominent imams of the mosque include Rashid Al-Salami, Sulaiman Rashid Al-Salami, Mohammad Issa Al-Khurais, and Abdullah Nasser Al-Ghaithi. Currently and after rehabilitation, the Mosque consists of a prayer house, Al-Sarha, a prayer area for women, toilets, and ablution places for men and women, and it can accommodate 400 worshipers.
