El Nabi Daniel Mosque Alexandria

Discover the history, architecture, and secrets of El Nabi Daniel Mosque Alexandria, one of the most revered mosques in Egypt.

Ali Pasha Mubarak wrote in his book Al-Khitat Al-Tawfiqiyya: “A mosque known as El Nabi Daniel Mosque was originally small, but was rebuilt by Mohamed Ali Pasha in the year 1238 AH. It has a special celebration every year during Ramadan, and it is managed under the Waqf system. The mosque also contains a special burial vault for the Khedival family, where the late Mohamed Said Pasha, his son Tosson Pasha, and others are buried.”

This mosque has long been associated with various legends, including the belief that Prophet Daniel is buried there. It has also been linked to the search for the tomb of Alexander the Great. However, excavations and research conducted at the mosque in the late 19th and early 20th centuries have refuted these claims.

El Nabi Daniel Mosque Alexandria

Located in the heart of Alexandria’s historic Nabi Daniel Street, El Nabi Daniel Mosque is more than just a place of worship—it is a sanctuary of mystique, spirituality, and legend. This centuries-old mosque is not only a religious landmark but also a cultural icon that has woven itself into the narrative of Alexandria's past and present.

The mosque is revered for its association with Prophet Daniel , attracting historians, travelers, and spiritual seekers alike. Walking through its gates is like stepping into a story carved through layers of faith, mystery, and historical grandeur.

The Historical Origins of El Nabi Daniel Mosque Alexandria

located in Nabi Daniel street in Moharram Bek in Alexandria. In fact, Nabi Daniel is not popular among the Muslims globally. The present Nabi Daniel mosque Alexandria built at the end of the 18th century. It restored in 1823 by Mohammad Ali. A smaller shrine preexisted on the site. It maybe was the mosque of Dzoul Karnein – the Sire with the two horns -. In fact, Nabi Daniel mosque Alexandria contains the remains of the scholar and venerated teacher Prophet Daniel. It also has his companion Sidi Lokman el Hakim, a religious story teller. 

The Arab legend of the Prophet Daniel appeared during the 9th century He told by two astronomers: Mohammad Ibn Kathir el Farghani and Abou Ma’shar. It mentioned that “a young Jew, Daniel persecuted and chased from Syria. It was by the idolaters whom he tried to convert. Moreover, an old man appeared in a dream urging him to go to war. The war was against the infidels and promising victory over all Asia. In fact . Nabi Daniel acquired many followers in Egypt. It is where he sought refuge and built Alexandria. Obeying what the old man ordered him in his dream, he made war against the infidels. 

After a successful expedition, he returned to Alexandria and died of old age. Furthermore, his body placed in a golden sarcophagus inlaid with precious stones. But the Jews stole it to mint coins and replaced it with a stone sarcophagus. Further details about Nabi Daniel mosque Alexandria: Vassili Grigorovich Barskij, visited Alexandria in 1727 and 1730. In fact, he was Russian monk. He made a plan of the city. Near the Kom el Dekka mound, he drew a small Mohammedan shrine. 

While precise construction dates remain debated, historians generally agree that the El Nabi Daniel Mosque dates back to the 14th century, built over what was believed to be the tomb of Prophet Daniel or a saint named Mohamed Daniel Al-Mosuli, an Islamic scholar from Mosul. The mosque later became central to Sufi traditions and mystic practices throughout Alexandria.

Over time, the mosque grew in prominence due to local legends that it housed the tomb of Lokman el Hakim, a notion rooted in a mix of religious reverence and local oral traditions.

Legend and Mystery: Prophet Daniel and Lokman el Hakim

One of the mosque’s most intriguing elements is the mystery surrounding who lies beneath it. Some believe that the mosque conceals the final resting place of Lokman el Hakim who founded Alexandria in 331 BC. Others are convinced it houses the body of Prophet Daniel, a major figure in Abrahamic religions. The fusion of Greek and Islamic histories has led to numerous expeditions.

Regardless of factual accuracy, these stories have cemented the mosque’s reputation as a gateway between the historical and the divine.

Architectural Brilliance of El Nabi Daniel Mosque

Blending Mamluk, Ottoman, and Islamic design elements, the mosque’s structure boasts ornate arched entrances, intricately patterned wooden ceilings, and Islamic calligraphy etched across its inner walls. The central dome and slender minaret give the mosque a distinctive skyline silhouette.

Renovation efforts in recent decades have preserved its grandeur while ensuring structural integrity. The prayer hall, adorned with Persian carpets and chandeliers, continues to provide a serene space for worshippers and visitors alike.

The Mosque’s Role in Spiritual and Sufi Traditions

El Nabi Daniel Mosque is a vital hub for Sufi gatherings in Alexandria. It regularly hosts Zikr ceremonies—spiritual chanting events that draw followers from across Egypt. The mosque is also known for its Friday sermons, often delivered by esteemed religious scholars. These sermons delve into theological insights, moral values, and contemporary Islamic interpretations.

Women also have dedicated areas for prayer and participation, reflecting the inclusive nature of the mosque’s spiritual mission.

El Nabi Daniel Mosque is considered one of the oldest and earliest mosques built in Egypt. Its walls contain very ancient Islamic relics, and it is a site visited by many tourists, especially from Asia, who are keen to visit the shrine located beneath the mosque, which is believed to be the tomb of Prophet Daniel.

One account states that when Alexandria was conquered by Amr Ibn Al-As during the caliphate of Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them), the soldiers discovered a location sealed with iron locks surrounding a basin made of green marble.

Upon opening it, they found the body of a man who did not resemble the people of their time—he had a long nose and long hands and was wrapped in shrouds adorned with gold. When they reported this to Caliph Umar, he asked Ali Ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with them), who replied: "This is the Prophet of God, Daniel." Umar then ordered the tomb to be fortified so that it would not be desecrated by thieves.

However, many archaeologists dispute this account and assert that the shrine located about five meters beneath the mosque actually belongs to the revered Sheikh Mohammed Daniel Al-Mosuli—a pious man who came to Alexandria in the late 8th century AH. He taught fundamentals of religion and the science of inheritance according to the Shafi'i school of thought. He remained in Alexandria until his death in 810 AH and was buried in the mosque, which dates back to the 12th century AH.