Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh Mosque: Hidden Spiritual Gem in Alexandria

Discover the hidden beauty of Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh Mosque in Alexandria. Explore its rich Sufi heritage, stunning architecture, and spiritual atmosphere. A must-visit gem in Mosque Square.

If you’re looking to explore the spiritual heart of Alexandria, a visit to Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh Mosque is a must. It offers not just a glimpse into the city’s Sufi heritage, but also a moment of serenity and beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, this hidden gem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Yaqut Al Arsh mosque is more than just a historical site; it’s an active spiritual hub. Pilgrims and local residents come here seeking blessings, peace, and reflection. Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh is believed to be a source of spiritual light, and many visit his mausoleum within the mosque to offer prayers. His legacy continues to inspire devotion and respect, drawing people from across Egypt and beyond.

A Brief History of Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh 

Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh was a respected Sufi figure who lived during the Mamluk period. Known for his piety and spiritual wisdom, he was a disciple of Abu Abbas al-Mursi and part of the broader Shadhili Sufi order. The mosque dedicated to him was built to honor his legacy and continues to be a focal point for spiritual seekers and Sufi followers in Alexandria. Its location in the famed Mosque Square places it among other important Islamic landmarks, including the grand Abu al-Abbas al-Mursi Mosque.

Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh Mosque: 

A Hidden Spiritual Gem in Alexandria Tucked away in the heart of Alexandria’s Mosque Square, the Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh Mosque is one of those places that locals cherish and travelers often overlook. This beautiful and serene mosque, named after the revered Sufi master Yaqut Al Arsh, isn’t just a place of prayer—it’s a peaceful retreat where history, spirituality, and architecture meet. With its ornate copper inscriptions, intricately designed minbar, and tranquil atmosphere, the mosque offers a glimpse into Alexandria’s deep-rooted Islamic heritage and Sufi traditions.

The Shrine of Yaqut Al-Arsh At the heart of the mosque lies a beautifully preserved shrine, believed to house the resting place of Sidi Yaqut Al Arsh. Enclosed in an elegant wooden structure with delicate carvings and sacred inscriptions, the shrine radiates peace and reverence. Many visitors pause here for reflection or to recite prayers, drawn by the spiritual presence that seems to linger in the air. 

The shrine is often adorned with green cloths, symbolic of peace and paradise in Islamic tradition, and small offerings left by those seeking blessings or spiritual intercession. For many locals, this spot is a spiritual anchor—a quiet reminder of divine connection in the midst of a bustling city.

What Was Said about Sidi Yaqut 

Imam Sha’arani, the great scholar (‘alim) and shaykh in the Shadhuliyya himself, narrates, “He was called al-ʿArshī because his heart was constantly beneath God’s throne (al-ʿarsh), whereas his body only was on Earth. It is also said that (he was given that nickname) because he was listening to the call for prayer (adhan) of the Angels Bearing the Throne of God (hamalat al-ʿarsh).” Al-Munawi further narrates in his own description of Sidi Yaqut as the “loftiest disciple (ajall talamidh)” of al-Mursī. 

He attributes the nickname al-ʿArshi to al-Mursī’s choice himself. He also notes that Abu al-Abbas referred to Sidi Yaqut as “my son” to the other disciples instead of referring to him as “your brother,” signifying his closeness to him. The closeness was felt both ways very much according to Munawi’s descriptions, including the following story: “Once one of the “greats” (al-akābir) entered Yaqut’s place while he was talking to his wife, and he did not want to interrupt her. Then he said (to his visitor): “(She is) my shaykhs’ daughter (bint shaykhi), excuse me!” On a very human level, Sidi Yaqut teaches us many lessons, two of which are about our obsession with race and stature. On race, Sidi Yaqut was born as an enslaved Black person – none of that mattered to Sidi Abu al-Hasan, who married Sidi Yaqut to his daughter, treated him like his own son, and made him his successor (khalifa).

Makeenudeen Al-Asmar 

Muhammad Abdullah bin Mansour the Alexandrian who is commonly known as Makeenudeen al-Asmar or as the Shaykh of the Quranic reciters of Alexandria. He was well versed in the various Qur’anic recitations being taught by Shaykh Abu al-Qasim al-Safrawy.

Shaykh Makeenudeen al-Asmar was one of the companions of Shaykh Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili whom he fought side by side with against the French crusaders in the battle of Mansoura (648 AH).

He once said (may God be pleased with him) “I remained forty years figuring out Sufism until God destined for my meeting with al-Shadhili at which all that puzzled and confused me before this blessed encounter vanished.” On the extraordinary character and spirit of Makeenudeen, Abu al-Hasan al-Shadhili once said that he was a man ‘who is black in color, white in heart and is from the among the seven Abdal.”

Makeenudeen narrated many of the spiritual states of his teacher, al-Shadhili, to Ibn A’tta-illah al-Iskandary whom, inspired by these wondrous states, incorporated them in his famous book “Lataif al-Minan fee Manaqib al-Shaykayn al-Mursi wa Abu al-Hasan” (Subtleties of the Blessings in the Mountain Passes between the two Shaykh’s al-Mursi and Abu al-Hasan)