King directs restoring Al Husseini Mosque after fire

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah has been closely following the fire that erupted on Wednesday in Al Husseini Mosque in downtown Amman, issuing directives to Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi to ensure the mosque’s restoration and maintenance to preserve its Islamic identity and architecture.

King Abdullah ordered the provision of the furniture and equipment required for the mosque’s refurbishment, a Royal Court statement said.

His Majesty also issued directives to set up a plan for public safety and fire alarm systems, as well as regular maintenance for key mosques around the Kingdom.

Civil Defence Department (CDD) personnel extinguished a fire that struck the second floor of Al Husseini Mosque late on Wedensday night, which boasts an area of approximately 50 square metres and a library, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The CDD noted that the incident did not result in any injuries, adding that its cadres are currently working on expelling the smoke that spread throughout the mosque. 

A committee of experts will be designated to investigate the causes of the fire, according to the CDD. 

Al Husseini Mosque is one of the oldest in the Kingdom. 

It was rebuilt during the reign of King Abdullah I in 1921, taking the name of the leader of the Great Arab Revolt Sharif Hussein Bin Ali. 

Upon the King’s directives, Issawi on Thursday visited the mosque and was briefed on the damages it had incurred. 

Issawi noted that the King had instructed him on Wednesday night to visit the mosque, adding that His Majesty will bear the responsibility of restoring the mosque, in a manner befitting its Islamic and historic stature.