Mysticism is one of the Islamic creeds but mostly different in terms of its
rituals and visits to the holy shrines. In Yemen there are many sophism
mosques. Mysticism spread in the Islamic world in the reign of Ummayad and
prospered in all the Islamic states during the Abbassid reign.
The Mysticism doctrines, flourished in schools like Al-Refaiya,
Al-Naqshabandia, Al-Gailania and others in Yemen which was the biggest state in
both the Ummayad and Abbassid Caliphates. It established special places for
itself which later grew into buildings. Without any fear of exaggerate we can
say that Yemen is full of mystic bright-white graves extending from Aden to
Lahj and Taiz on the hills and in valleys. Sheik Abdul-Malek Mosque (Abu Qubba)
in Al-Rahida is a live example of the special features mysticism 500 years ago.
A religious man grieved in an uninhabited place there. The Sheik Abdul-Malek
Ibn Marwan built his place of prayer in a place that was full of trees and pure
water known as Al-Rahida. With the lapse of time news about him spread and many
people came to him for advice and instructions about their religion and life.
He also taught people the Holy Koran.
Like most of the mosques of a Mysticism, the Sheik’s mosque is square
structure13 meters long with four domes that replaced the ceiling and built on
the outer pillars of the mosque. The mosque has two doors, one is to the east
and the main door is to the west. In the center of the mosque there is a big
rectangular pillar upon which extend four wide arches. In the mosque there is a
simple prayer niche with a simple cavity. Over the walls of the niche there are
small windows for light and ventilation. In the wall of the niche there are
five old rectangular windows. To the west of the mosque there is Sheik
Abdul-Malek’s grave which is a small tomb. Outside the mosque to the east there
is a pool for ablution. The pool is surrounded by middle-sized stones. Above
the outer walls of the mosque there are some extremely beautiful chiseling and
designs that add more originality and beauty to the mosque. It is a vivid
picture of the superb architecture of mysticism... More from
"Yemen Times"
Sheik
Abdul-Malek's Mosque (Abu Qubba)
Ridhwan Al-Saqqaf