New Hours
The visiting hours at the Bidyah Mosque were from 9.am-12 midday (see photo) but by popular demand they have been extended to be from 9.00am-5 pm (or maybe even later).
Not During Prayer
Visitors (who are not Muslims) during these hours are asked to refrain from touring inside the mosque at the times of prayer as it still functions as a place of worship led by the imam who lives on the site.
Prayer Times
The Hours of Prayer change slightly every day but today in Fujairah the times are:
Fajr 5.30am
Dhurur 12.31pm
Asr 3.46pm
Magrib 6.09pm
Isha 7.39pm
The December to March period is a busy time at the Bidyah historical area and it is one of the most popular sites for UAE tourists. Often Dubai and Sharjah residents like to make a day visit to Fujairah and the East Coast, hitting the Friday Market by mid-morning, touring Kalba and Fujairah city around midday then cruising to Khor Fakkan and Al Aqah in the afternoon before heading home. Coming this way and on such a schedule, visitors wouldn’t get to Bidyah (between Khor Fakkan and Al Aqah) until the afternoon. Tourists will be appreciative of the extended visiting hours.
Ask for a Tour
An administrator (Badria) has been working at Bidyah for the last three years and she with her team has planted more flowers and shrubs and established a small shop where visitors can buy souvenirs and religious items. Badria gives tours of the historic mosque and points out other significant things at this important cultural and religious site.
Further
Visit Al Bidya Mosque—the Oldest Worship Place in the Emirates, FIF, 9 August 2009.
Geoff Pound
This article is also posted on the Fujairah in Focus Facebook Page.
Image: Looking down on the mosque with its distinctive four domes.
Wonderful post. I miss visiting this lovely place.
ReplyDeleteMystic Peace Poet