Mosque retains Christian cross after acquiring church building

- A church in South Africa is being converted into a mosque, and the Christian cross that still adorns its front minaret makes for an interesting observation

- The building was first built in 1903 and later sold in the 1990s to a private businessman

- Moroccan artisans have been called in to give the former church a distinctive Islamic look

Muslims in Durban, South Africa, have acquired a former church and are converting into a mosque. However, the church-mosque still bears the Christian cross atop its front minaret, making for an interesting observation.

The former church is being turned into a mosque but still bears the Christian cross atop its front minaret

The former church, known as Aliwal Congregational Church, was first built in 1903 and was later sold to a private businessman in the 1990s. Although it is now being turned into a mosque, it will also have a visitor's area for followers of other religions who wish to observe Muslim prayers.

It will also be more than just a prayer facility, as constructors are making space for exhibitions, galleries and lectures to be held in the same building.

Durban Muslims have brought in Moroccan artisans to give the mosque a distinctly Islamic look and feel

Durban Muslims and architects have brought in Moroccan artisans and sculptors to give the mosque a distinctly Islamic look and feel. The artisans have now taken two months to meticulously draw the Islamic engravings that now adorn the interiors of the mosque.

 

The mosque retains the Christian cross because the building and the site are listed and protected by law, which means its exterior heritage is preserved. In the end, it becomes the ultimate house of worship encompassing two major religions.

To see more examples of churches converted to mosques, see the video below.

https://youtu.be/l82jXj5tHos