Tuesday March 19th, 2024
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Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum Reopens After EGP 13 Million Restoration

After an extensive EGP 13 million restoration effort, the historic Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum is finally reopening its doors to the public on Friday, November 20th.

Staff Writer

Imam Al-Shafi'i Mausoleum Reopens After EGP 13 Million Restoration

A leading figure in the writings, rulings and understanding of Islam, Imam Al-Shafi'i was a great influence across the Middle East in his life. And in his death, the man often known as 'Shaykh al-Islam' left behind an impressive legacy of Islamic jurisprudence, many of which is still quoted and argued about to this day. While he passed away in 820 in Al-Fustat, his memory was honoured in 1176 by Ayyubid Salah ad-Din, who built the Mausoleum of Imam Al-Shafi'i over his burial site near Mount al-Muqattam. As one of the oldest structures in what is now known as the City of the Dead, this Mausoleum is a defining feature of the area. After an extensive EGP 13 million restoration effort, this historic Mausoleum is finally reopening its doors to the public on Friday, November 20th.


The restoration was carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, but funded by the American Ambassadors Fund.


In actuality, the Mausoleum is just one of 49 Islamic structures to be opened on Friday, but not all of them are as significant. The Ministry of Endowments announced that within the 81-day period, they’ve been able to open 501 mosques nationwide, particularly in remote areas that were in need of prayer facilities.