Nestled in the serene village of Al Alya in the Wilayat of Rustaq, within the South Al Batinah Governorate of Oman, the Al Alya Mosque stands as a profound testament to the region’s rich religious, intellectual, and architectural legacy. Recognized as one of Oman’s most iconic landmarks, the mosque embodies centuries of Islamic heritage and continues to be a spiritual and communal anchor for local residents.
A Mosque Rooted in History
The mosque dates back to the reign of Imam Nasser bin Murshid Al Ya’arubi in the 17th century CE—an era marked by religious reform and architectural innovation. Located just 800 meters from the famed Rustaq Fort, the mosque occupies a prime position in Al Alya village, offering both geographic and spiritual centrality.
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Elevated about 6 meters above the nearby falaj (ancient water channel), the mosque is surrounded by fertile orchards—some donated as waqf (religious endowments). These include the “Furod” orchard to the south and “Jahal” to the east, reinforcing the mosque’s historical role not just as a house of worship, but as a cornerstone of the local economy and social cohesion.
Endowments Reflecting Generational Generosity
According to Engineer Ahmed bin Saif bin Khamis Al Mazrouei, one of the mosque’s current waqf administrators, Al Alya Mosque is endowed with a wealth of assets. These include:
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47 water shares from the Al Maysar Falaj, valued at an estimated OMR 94,000
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Orchards with over 553 date palms and other prayer niches, collectively worth around OMR 166,000
These endowments have historically supported the mosque’s operations and charitable activities.
A Center for Worship, Community, and Learning
Al Alya Mosque was more than just a prayer space. It served as a local hub for zakat distribution, food aid during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, and community gatherings for weddings and funerals. Until recently, major events and reconciliations were hosted in the mosque before being relocated to Alaya Sabla.
Respected figures such as village elders, imams, and governors frequented the mosque to resolve communal issues. A unique aspect of its service included a public drinking area where clay jars (“jahals”) filled with falaj water were made available to travelers and worshippers.
A Legacy of Scholarship
As Engineer Al Mazrouei highlights, the mosque doubled as an important academic institution. Esteemed scholars, including Sheikh Suleiman bin Abdullah Al-Luwaihi, once studied and taught here, reflecting the mosque’s pivotal role in shaping Rustaq’s religious and intellectual landscape.
Architectural Elegance with a Spiritual Purpose
The mosque is a modest architectural marvel, measuring 21 meters in length and 12 meters in width, divided by 10 robust columns into six longitudinal and three cross-sectional aisles. Below it lies a central room (4×3.5 meters), likely once used for ablution and winter warming, with signs of an ancient well and a connected drainage channel to the falaj.
Its mihrab (prayer niche), standing at 4 meters high and 2 meters wide, is inscribed with beautiful Arabic calligraphy, including the Shahada. Recent restorations have enhanced the mihrab’s size and aesthetic, balancing preservation with functionality.
Adapting to Contemporary Needs
Originally, the mosque had three entrances: two facing east and one northward. With the introduction of Friday congregational prayers, a fourth entrance was added on the south side to accommodate preachers and worshippers with disabilities, while the northern entrance was closed.
Preserving Authenticity
Among the mosque’s most distinctive features is a 6-meter-long wooden staircase made from “alalan” wood, still intact and embedded in the walls since its original construction. Nearby, a 15×12 meter structure once housed students and stored religious supplies. It also included an area specifically designated for drinking water distribution to the local community.
Conclusion
The Al Alya Mosque in Rustaq is far more than a place of prayer. It is a living museum of Islamic faith, a symbol of knowledge, and a community nucleus that has withstood the test of time. Through thoughtful preservation, historical reverence, and community support, it continues to be a beacon of Oman’s enduring Islamic values and cultural brilliance.
