JEDDAH: A historic mosque in Hail has been posing a danger to visitors and worshippers as its eroding walls and ceiling have eroded with time. The situation is aggravated by the rain, especially when water leaks from the ceiling.

The Waqf Department in Hail has expressed its willingness to rebuild the mosque, but a source was quoted as saying by local media that that citizens are reluctant because it was built by their ancestors more than four centuries ago.

Khalid Al-Shammari, a resident of Qafar village, 30 km south-east of Hail, said that many locals have been offering prayers on the land adjoining the mosque for over five years. “They are fed up with the authorities ignoring their demands to renovate and restore the mosque. Some officials have been warning us against praying inside the mosque for the last ten years,” he said.

Another resident, Fahd Al-Menwere, appealed to the authorities and businessmen to contribute for restoring the mosque. “The electricity cables are worn out. On rainy days, water leaks through the ceiling of the mosque.

We notified the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Endowment, Call and Guidance of the situation. The ministry approved our demand but some residents of the village are opposing renovation because it was built by their ancestors,” he said.