Mazin bin Ghadouba Mosque is an important Islamic monument of the Sultanate of Oman. It has unique status of the first mosque in the country.
It is nestled amongst greenery and houses with an internal road going past its main door. The mosque stands as it would have when first built centuries ago.
The sound of prayer calls brings in worshippers. Some arrive slightly earlier to reflect and read the holy Qur'an. It is a Ramadhan afternoon and the mosque has its visitors reading holy Qur'an. Even young children run in as they return from their school.
All throughout the years the mosque has been receiving care and attention and has finally been restored.
During the Sultanate of Oman’s modern renaissance, the mosque was renewed in 1979. All through the renovation and rehabilitation, the mosque continues to stand on its ancient foundation.
Samayil is located in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and this is the location of the mosque of high significance next to the Hajar Mountains. The site's history goes back to the seventh century AD, according to historians.
Mazin bin Ghadouba Mosque is a historic Mosque and is considered the oldest Mosque as it was built by Mazin bin Ghadouba in 627 AD.
The legend goes that Mazin bin Ghadouba heard about the messenger of Allah, Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, and took the journey to meet him.
The wadi of Samayil is one of the largest and is also known as Samayil Gap. The valley divides the Hajar Mountains into East and West subranges. This was an important part of the land route for the frankincense trade once upon a time.
It is said that upon meeting the Prophet (PBUH) Mazin bin Ghadouba embraced Islam. Thus Mazin bin Ghadouba is also referred to as ‘Sahabi e Rasool.’ When he returned to his homeland after the visit, he built the mosque, which is considered to be the mosque that introduced others to Islam, including Aabd and Jaiffer, the sons of Julanda, Kings at that time in the Sultanate of Oman.
The mosque was renovated in 1979 by Late Sultan Qaboos and the inscription states this at the main door. The road to the left takes up to the other side of the mosque where cars can be parked. Today the mosque is equipped with all the modern amenities. The marble tiles, the carpeted area in the prayer hall, and the shelves for the holy Qur'an might be of the modern day, but the ceiling reminds one of the traditional architecture of the past.
The most interesting aspect is its service to the community and is not just a historical monument.
Right at the entrance to the hall is this description: ‘The mosque of the companion Mazin bin Ghadouba bin Subaiy’ah bin Shimas al Sa’adi, the first Omani who embraced Islam in the sixth Hijri year. The mosque was built when the companion Mazin returned to the Sultanate of Oman coming from Medinah, so it is the first mosque built in the country.
The mosque was restored and was inaugurated on Friday, the first of Ramadhan 1438 Hijri, May 27, 2017.
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