Shk Qusai Malindiwala

As the custodian of Fatimi culture and thought, al-Dai al-Ajal Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin RA provided the philosophical basis for the architectural restoration of al-Jami al-Anwar, and made key decisions pertaining to its structure during his numerous visits. The restoration reflected not only principles of Fatimi architecture in its physical form, but also its spiritual—the science that elevates and shapes the soul. Throughout the entire project, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin’s RA detailed instructions and deep insight helped overcome the many hurdles that were faced. His leadership was inspiring, his vision enlightening. The ultimate purpose in restoring al-Jami al-Anwar was to revive it as a place of worship. During his many site visits, Syedna Burhanuddin RA would often lead salaat or conduct a session of remembrance and zikr, known as a majlis, where the Holy Quran and other prayers are recited. Ultimately, these acts were just as responsible for the restoration of the masjid as were the physical acts of rebuilding. The renowned Egyptian architect, Dr Hasan Fathy, a strong advocate for the conservation of the historic buildings of al-Qahira, was brought on as chief architect of the project. Beginning with a series of discussions, regarding the nature of the restoration, guided by Syedna Burhanuddin RA, Dr Fathy supervised the preparation of detailed architectural drawings and plans by other architects and engineers. (Extracted with minor edits from page 85-87 of ‘al-Jami al-Anwar-The Luminous Masjid’)

Perched on the Muqattam Mountain that overlooks the city of Cairo, the Jamiʿ masjid, al-Juyushi represents the perpetuity of Fatimi faith and culture. Prior to its restoration by His Holiness Dr Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin in 1995, it was in dire condition. At the inner apex of al-Juyushi’s main dome lies a verse of the Noble Quran that sheds light on the remarkable preservation of this masjid: ‘It is Allah Who sustains the heavens and the earth, lest they cease; and if they should fail, there is none – not one – who can sustain them thereafter’ (Q 35:41). Syedna Burhanuddin’s restoration of al-Juyushi, and especially of al-Jami al-Anwar before it, inform us that these historic Fatimi masjids are not meant to be shackled in the past, but embraced as dynamic venues for the declaration and reinvigoration of worship, faith and culture. AL-Jami al-Juyushi is an apt example of how the decorative character of Fatimi architecture uniquely blends humility with spirituality. Its designs, though ornate, exude a quality of simplicity and subdued elegance. Thus, even within Islamic traditions of architecture, the Fatimi style strikes one as particularly modern. The inner apex of the dome also bears an elegant medallion beautifully intertwining the names of the Prophet Mohammed SAW and Maulana Ali SA. Fatimi faith and Fatimi architecture are also intertwined: faith enhances and defines architecture and architecture provides context and expression for faith.  As such, Fatimi architecture is steeped in Fatimi faith and philosophy.