Nabi Daniel Mosque
Historic Alexandria mosque believed to house tombs of Prophet Daniel & Luqman al-Hakeem, offering spiritual solace and historical intrigue.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Mosque opens for prayer
Nabi Daniel Mosque
Best Time
Mosque opens for prayer
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Alexandria mosque believed to house tombs of Prophet Daniel & Luqman al-Hakeem, offering spiritual solace and historical intrigue.
"A place of peace and reverence, believed to be the resting place of Prophet Daniel and Luqman al-Hakeem."
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Women may need headscarf. :womaninveil:
Basement Access
Stairs lead to the tombs. Be mindful if mobility is an issue. :stairs:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tomb of Prophet Daniel
Basement
Descend to the crypt believed to house the tomb of Prophet Daniel, a significant figure in Islamic tradition.
Luqman al-Hakeem's Tomb
Basement
Explore the adjacent tomb attributed to Luqman al-Hakeem, the wise man revered in the Quran.
Architectural Charm
Mosque interior and courtyard
Appreciate the mosque's simple yet tranquil interior design, featuring calm colors and Islamic patterns.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visits
Navigating the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Women may need headscarf. :womaninveil:
Basement Access
Stairs lead to the tombs. Be mindful if mobility is an issue. :stairs:
Pedestrian Street
Enjoy the walk on the charming, shop-lined street. :walking:
Photography Etiquette
Be respectful when taking photos, especially during prayer. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Modest Dress Code
Cover shoulders & knees. Women may need headscarf. :womaninveil:
Basement Access
Stairs lead to the tombs. Be mindful if mobility is an issue. :stairs:
Pedestrian Street
Enjoy the walk on the charming, shop-lined street. :walking:
Photography Etiquette
Be respectful when taking photos, especially during prayer. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nabi Daniel Mosque is a significant historical and spiritual site in Alexandria, revered for the tombs of Prophet Daniel and Luqman al-Hakeem. Visitors appreciate its tranquil atmosphere, simple Islamic architecture, and the pedestrian-friendly street leading to it. Some debate exists regarding the authenticity of the tombs, but the site remains a place of deep cultural and religious importance.
"The Nabi Daniel Mosque in Alexandria is a historic mosque . It is tomb of Prophet Daniel and Luqman al-Hakeem, a wise man mentioned in the Quran.
- Architecture: The mosque has a rectangular area surrounded by an open courtyard, with ablution facilities and separate restrooms for males and females.
- Tomb Chamber: A staircase leads down to the basement, where two tombs are present, one attributed to Muhammad Daniyal al-Mawsili and the other to Luqman al-Hakeem.
- History: The mosque has undergone several transformations, with some speculating it might be the site of Alexander the Great's tomb due to its underground vaults and passages.¹
- Visitors can perform solat (prayer) in the mosque and explore the tomb chamber.
- The mosque's location in the heart of Alexandria makes it easily accessible.
- Local Legend: The mosque is believed by some to be the final resting place of Prophet Daniel.
- Pedestrian-Friendly Street: The street leading to the mosque is closed to vehicles, making it a pleasant walk for visitors.
- Beautifully Paved: The street is well-maintained and paved, adding to the area's charm.
- Lined with Shops: Local shops line the street, offering visitors a glimpse into the local culture and economy.
- Local Feeling: Visitors can immerse themselves in the local atmosphere by taking a leisurely stroll through the street."
Taher Eranpurwala
"The Nabi Daniel Mosque is a historic mosque in Alexandria named after Muhammad Daniyal al-Mawsili, a Kurdish Muslim scholar of the Shafi'i school of thought who was buried in the mosque.
The mosque is one of the places speculated to once have been the Tomb of Alexander the Great, while the actual tomb in the crypt of the mosque is erroneously attributed to the biblical prophet Daniel.
The building was built over the grave of the scholar Muhammad Daniyal al-Mawsili in 1790. In 1822, Muhammad Ali Pasha renovated and expanded the mosque.
Local traditions relate that the tomb of the Prophet Daniel was found at the site of the mosque. During the Rashidun conquest of Egypt, a coffin was found, and when the coffin was opened, a body covered in shrouds studded in gold was found. The deceased had a long nose and long arms. The Caliph Umar affirmed the body to be that of Daniel, and ordered that it be reburied with full security.
However, archaeologists disputed and debunked this story, saying that the entombed was the scholar Muhammad Daniyal al-Mawsili and not the Prophet.
One of the pictures is for an opening in the underground room of the tomb, which i think is the place where some tried to dig deeper and explore whether Alexander the great is actually buried there. I truly wish if they continue exploring it to confirm whether this is the location or not."
Abdulrahman Qazzaz
"Its interior design is characterized by charming simplicity, with its calm colors and Islamic patterns that create an atmosphere of tranquility."
Yahya Abdo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The mosque is located in the heart of Alexandria and is easily accessible. The street leading to it is pedestrian-friendly and lined with shops, making for a pleasant walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in the city to take you close to the area.
Yes, the pedestrian-friendly street leading to the mosque is well-maintained and considered safe for walking, offering a glimpse into local life.
From downtown Alexandria, you can take a taxi or a local bus service. The mosque is a well-known landmark, so most drivers will know the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to visit the mosque itself, as it is a place of worship. However, donations are often appreciated to help with maintenance.
The mosque is generally open during prayer times and closes shortly after. It's best to visit outside of the main prayer hours for a more relaxed experience.
Yes, women are welcome to visit Nabi Daniel Mosque. They are expected to dress modestly, covering their shoulders and knees, and may need to wear a headscarf.
No, advance booking is not required for Nabi Daniel Mosque as it's a public place of worship. You can visit spontaneously.
The tomb chamber is usually accessible when the mosque is open, particularly outside of prayer times. It's located in the basement.
🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can see the mosque's tranquil interior, perform prayers, and descend to the basement to visit the tombs attributed to Prophet Daniel and Luqman al-Hakeem.
Yes, local traditions and historical accounts suggest the tomb of Prophet Daniel is located in the basement of the mosque.
Yes, the mosque provides separate restrooms for males and females, as well as facilities for ablution before prayer.
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful, especially during prayer times. Avoid flash photography if it might disturb worshippers.
The mosque is significant as it is believed to be the burial site of Prophet Daniel and Luqman al-Hakeem, both revered figures in Islam. It also has historical links to theories about Alexander the Great's tomb.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the street leading to the mosque is lined with shops and cafes, offering various local food and drink options.
You can find typical Egyptian street food, snacks, and beverages from the local shops and cafes surrounding the mosque.
📸 📸 Photography
The mosque's exterior architecture, the pedestrian street leading up to it, and the interior courtyard offer good photographic opportunities. The basement tomb area can also be photographed respectfully.
Photography inside the tomb chamber is usually permitted, but always be mindful of other visitors and maintain a respectful demeanor.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light for photography. The vibrant street life around the mosque is also great to capture during the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the descent to the basement tomb chamber might require supervision for very young children, the overall atmosphere is generally calm. Ensure children are dressed modestly and understand the importance of quiet behavior within a place of worship. The availability of restrooms and ablution facilities is also a plus for families.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Many visitors describe a sense of peace and reverence upon visiting the tomb chamber. The historical narratives and local traditions surrounding the site add to its spiritual allure, making it a significant destination for pilgrimage and contemplation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Historical Significance and Legends
However, archaeologists have largely debunked this claim, asserting that the entombed individual is indeed the scholar Muhammad Daniyal al-Mawsili. Adding another layer of intrigue, the mosque's underground vaults and passages have led to speculation that it might be the site of Alexander the Great's tomb. Some visitors express a wish for further exploration to confirm these theories.
The mosque itself has a history of transformations, with renovations and expansions by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1822. Its interior design is noted for its charming simplicity, calm colors, and Islamic patterns, creating an atmosphere of tranquility for visitors.
Visiting the Tomb Chamber
Visitors can perform prayers (solat) in the mosque and then proceed to explore the tomb chamber. The mosque provides essential facilities like restrooms and ablution areas, ensuring a comfortable visit. The area around the mosque is also a pleasant pedestrian zone, lined with shops, offering a local atmosphere.
While the historical accuracy of the tombs is debated by archaeologists, the spiritual and cultural significance for visitors remains high. The experience of visiting these revered sites is often described as peaceful and meaningful.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit