Minbar of the Molla Çelebi Mosque in Istanbul.

Picture showing the minbar of the Great Mosque of Kairouan (Mosque of Uqba); this pulpit, the oldest in existence, is still in its place of origin (in the prayer hall of the mosque) and it is protected by a glass panel in order to preserve this precious preaching chair, in Kairouan, Tunisia.

Muslim scholar Ammar Nakshawani delivering a lecture from a mimbar in Dar es Salaam's Hussainia as part of the Ramadan ceremonies.

A minbar (Arabic: منبر‎, also romanized as mimbar or mimber) is a pulpit in the mosque where the imam (prayer leader) stands to deliver sermons (خطبة, khutbah) or in the Hussainia where the speaker sits and lectures the congregation. The word is a derivative of the Arabic root n-b-r ("to raise, elevate"); the Arabic plural is manābir (Arabic: منابر‎).

While minbars are usually more akin to pulpits in elevation and structures they have a function and position more similar to that of a lectern, emphasizing contact with the audience.^{[original research?]} The minbar is usually shaped like a small tower with a pointed roof and stairs leading up to it. Some believe decorating it is part of the sunnah, oppositely the prophet Muhammed only had a platform with 3 steps. The minbar is located to the right of the mihrab, the niche that indicates the direction of prayer (i.e. towards Mecca). The minbar is also a symbol of authority.^[1]

In some mosques there is a platform (müezzin mahfili in Turkish) opposite the minbar. That is the place where the assistant of the Imam, the muezzin, stands during prayer. The muezzin recites the answer to the prayer of the Imam. This feature is the Islamic equivalent of the pulpit found in Christian churches.^{[original research?]}mosques differ from churches pulpits in many ways.

Nowadays the oldest Islamic pulpit in the world to be preserved intact is the minbar of the Great Mosque of Kairouan (in the city of Kairouan in Tunisia).^[2] Dating from the 9th century (at about 862 AD), it is an eleven-step staircase made of carved and sculptured teak wood. Composed of an assembly of over three hundred finely sculpted parts, the minbar of the Great Mosque of Kairouan is considered as a jewel of Islamic wooden art.^[3]

References[link]

1. ^ Andrew Petersen, Dictionary of Islamic architecture, Routledge, 1996, page 191
2. ^ Muḥammad ʻAdnān Bakhīt, History of humanity, UNESCO, 2000, page 345
3. ^ Minbar of the Great Mosque of Kairouan (Qantara Mediterranean Heritage)

Bibliography[link]

• Lynette Singer (ed.): The Minbar of Saladin. Reconstructing a Jewel of Islamic Art (London: Thames & Hudson 2008).

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Abraham Afewerki (1966–2006), an Eritrean singer, song writer,and music producer drowned in the Red Sea at the age of 40. In addition to his humble personality, Abraham was one of the most gifted contemporary Eritrean musical artists. A genius of Tigrinya music writing, and a unique Tigrinya lyricist, Abraham was one of the most recognized figures among Eritrean musicians and celebrities.

Biography[link]

Abraham Afewerki is described as an Eritrean musical tour-de-force. Held in high regard by his fellow Eritrean artists his work garners appreciation and admiration from his peers. His musical influence also crosses borders to Eritrea’s neighboring countries where his music is reproduced by other musicians singing in a different language other than his native Tigrinya.

Abraham was born in Asmara, Eritrea. From an early age Abraham was fascinated with musical instruments and by age nine had learned to play a musical instrument independently. Due to the Eritrean War of Independence Abraham, with his family, fled to Sudan and soon after to Italy where he further pursued his dream to be a professional musician. While studying in Rome, Abraham continued to expand his musical skills by working with internationally known musical celebrities in live performances as well as recordings.^{[citation needed]}

Abraham’s first CD, Kozli Gaba was released in 1991, which was produced and distributed by Virgin Records in Europe. The album was the first by an Eritrean artist that was produced by an International recording company and made available to the global audience. Abraham’s music, in due course, was covered by a number of International media outlets.

During the following 15 years Abraham released two more albums which further propelled his popularity among Eritreans. His songs were popular because his lyrics expressed strong and poetic images of Eritrea’s culture. His socially conscious words were evocative and his fans often described his music as inspiring. Abraham is also credited with being one of Eritrea’s master live entertainers.

In his newest CD titled Semai ("Sky" in Tigrinya), Abraham collaborates with several Eritrean musicians, the result of which was an exquisite sound. Abraham continued to blend his music with jazz, R&B, and Reggae rhythms at the same time maintaining his music’s originality and authenticity.

He died in 2006, when he drowned while swimming in Massawa whilst filming his next music video.

Albums[link]

He released the following albums in Eritrea:

• "Wegahta"(Sunrise) - 1991
• "Tesfa'iya snqey"(Hope is my supply or kit) - 1994
• "MsTir fQri"(Secret of Love) - 1998
• "Hadera" (Promise) - 2000
• "semai" (Sky - aka The Sky is My Limit ) - 2006

Zeru

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This Eritrean biographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

For the Tamil film actor, see Abbas (actor).

Syed Abbas Ali (born February 20, 1976), in Indore is a former Indian first class cricketer. He is a left-handed batsman. Ali debuted in 1996/97 and scored his career best score of 251 in the following season. This was a Madhya Pradeshh record at that time, which was better after two years by Jai Yadav made 265 runs in an innings. Ali currently plays for Delhi Giants in the Indian Cricket League. He has also played for ICL India XI.

He is the grandson of the former Indian cricketer Mushtaq Ali.

External links[link]

• Player profile: Abbas Ali from ESPNcricinfo

References[link]