Most Egypt trip packages include a visit to the Abu Haggag Mosque, which is situated in the first courtyard of the ancient Luxor temple complex on the east bank of Luxor. Although there are not many Luxor Temple ruins, there are enough for him to rank among Luxor’s most popular tourist destinations. In essence, everybody who enters the Luxor Temple also enters the Mosque. The good news is that non-Muslim guests are welcome and can freely wander about within.
A trip to the Luxor Temple is made exceptional by the Abu Haggag Mosque, which was built in the 13th century and is still a place of prayer today.
This stunning medieval mosque’s surrounding temple remains are a treat to behold. If you enjoy visiting this sight during the day, come back at night to see it fully lit up as part of the breathtaking narrated sound and light show that is presented there every evening.
The Abu Haggag Mosque’s past
The Luxor Temple, which was also a center of worship, was demolished, but it wasn’t until later that the Abu Haggag Mosque was constructed there. Several churches were erected in the area surrounding the temple before the mosque was added, including one that is still there today.
The fact that worshippers from all religions have gathered here for more than 35 centuries is among this site’s most amazing features.
Some claim that a chief named Youssef, who promoted Islam in the region, was actually the one who erected the mosque. He is also supposed to have spent a lot of time taking care of pilgrims. He later acquired the name Abu Haggag as a result (Father of Pilgrims). The Arabic term for pilgrim is hag. It is quite doubtful that Youssef Abu Haggag actually constructed the temple, despite local folklore to the contrary.
The Abu Haggag Legend
Yusef is thought to have been born in Damascus in the year 1150, relocated to Mecca in his forties, and then ended up in Luxor, Egypt, where he remained until his passing in 1245.
Local lore claims that Abhagag constructed his mosque in the first courtyard of the ancient Luxor temple, but Youssef resisted the officials’ attempts to demolish it.
Officials insisted that the mosque must be demolished despite his best efforts. The cop awoke one morning just before the mosque was destroyed to discover that his body was immobilized. Officials now assume that Abu Haggag’s order to destroy the mosque and their disagreement must have been what caused his abrupt paralysis.
Suddenly, the administrators changed their views and allowed people to leave the mosque where it was originally located. Since that time, Luxor residents have retained a very special place in their hearts for Abu Haggag and the Abu Haggag Mosque.
In Egypt, Abu Haggag and Moorid
Moorid are essentially celebrated as saints’ birthdays. in honour of Muslim and Christian saints. Even if they are not quite usual, these holidays are nevertheless highly well-liked customs. Some of these holidays, like Moulid El Nabi, which honours the Prophet’s birth, are observed all across the nation.
Others, however, are only observed locally, like the Moorid of Abu Haggag, which takes place in Luxor each year in the first few days of November.
The vibrant Abu Haggag’s Moulid lasts for several days. a vibrant and boisterous event. An occasion that fundamentally combines religion and entertainment in a joyful way. Every year, many people look forward to this occasion. Many locals put money aside all year long just to take part in the festivities and the procession through the streets.
It goes without saying that now is the ideal time of year to visit the Abu Haggag Mosque. In Egypt, there aren’t many chances to experience real traditions and customs in such a unique way. These wonderful events do, after all, welcome guests, but they are not intended for tourists.
