Overview:

Habe Mosque is one of the oldest and most important mosques in Kaduna state, located at Maigana town in Kaduna North local government area. The mosque, built by the then Emir of Katsina state in the 1660s, is believed to be the oldest mosque in the State. As a result, the famous Habe Mosque at Maigana is considered a holy site and a symbol of unity among the Habe community. It was built at the site of settlement foundation by the then Emir of Katsina, Muhammadu Mai-ma-Rufi, and enjoys enormous patronage from Muslims both from within and outside the Habe community. During the holy month of Ramadan, the mosque is embellished with beautiful lights and illuminated flags of some of the Habe clans that inhabit Maigana town. In addition, the mosque serves as a centre for a variety of Islamic activities like regular prayers, special lectures and Islamic conventions. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Nigeria
Prominent Features:

1. Minaret: The mosque has a large and beautifully decorated minaret (tower) which adds to the charm of the building. 2. Courtyard: It has a large courtyard which serves as the main gathering area for worship. 3. Prayer Hall: The mosque has a separate prayer hall area with a mihrab (architectural feature indicating the direction of qibla) and a pulpit (platform for preaching). 4. Dome: It has a beautiful dome over the main prayer hall. 5. Palm Tree Garden: The mosque has a garden which is planted with palm trees and other shrubs. 6. Quranic Scripts: The mosque is decorated with intricate Quranic scripts which make it even more beautiful. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Nigeria.

History:

The Habe Mosque at Maigana, Kaduna State in Nigeria is said to have been built some time before the 1600s by a Sultan of Borno as part of the Habe people's campaign against the Jukun people in the area. The mosque is said to have been an important spiritual and religious centre for the Habe people, and it served as a rallying point for their wars against the Jukun. It is one of the oldest and most revered mosques in the Kaduna area, and it has been in continuous use since it was first constructed. Habe people are believed to be the descendants of the original Berber traders who brought Islamic teachings to Sub-Saharan Africa. The mosque is said to have been the first to teach these Islamic principles and serve as spot to worship. Habe Islamic leaders such as Magajinya and Liman Zungeru also served as prominent clerics associated with the mosque. The mosque was also used as a training ground for Islamic clerics, enabling members of the community to receive a proper education in Islamic studies. The mosque was also involved in the propagation of Islam to other parts of Nigeria, especially the Kaduna state. The mosque itself is made from stone and has two domes that cover its main hall. It also has three entrances and a large courtyard that serves as a place of gathering for the worshippers. In 2012, the mosque was designated as a National Monument by the Nigerian government and is now protected from destruction. Today it serves as a place of worship and continues to educate members of the community on Islamic teachings. Visit one of the famous monuments of Nigeria with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Habe Mosque in Maigana, Kaduna State in Nigeria is home to the oldest surviving mosque in the country. The mosque was built around the 16th century by the Habe people, a nomadic tribe from the Sahara that migrated south into what is now Nigeria. 2. The Habe Mosque, sometimes referred to as the Big Mosque, is believed to have been built on a site that was previously a pagan shrine. It is said that much of the building material used for the mosque was taken from the former shrine. 3. The mosque has an unusual plan and a distinctive style that is said to be the last example of pre-Hausa architecture in the region. It stands out among the other mosques with its mud and clay walls that are painted white and blue and topped with a conical roof covered in grass. 4. The mosque is linked to a network of small mosques and mausoleums across the region, and is believed to have served as a focal point for pilgrims traveling along the Trans-Saharan route. 5. The mosque is an important tourist attraction in the region and is located in a small village close to the border with Niger. It is a rare reminder of the Habe people who left their mark on the region before their culture began to diminish with the spread of Islam in the area in the 19th century. One of the historical monuments of Nigeria, it tells the story of a bygone era