NAJRAN — The historic Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque has been renovated as part of Prince Muhammad Bin Salman Project for Historical Mosques Renovation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under which 30 mosques in 10 regions are be restored and rehabilitated. It is considered one of the oldest buildings in the old village and is located around 3 km west of Thar, and nearly 120 km northeast of Najran. The historical value of the mosque is due to its being the oldest mosque in the old Thar region, and for being the only mosque in the area where the villagers and residents from the surrounding villages used to assemble to perform the Friday prayers. Besides being a place for worship, the mosque is considered a cultural and scientific beacon for the residents of the region where many preaches and lectures are held. In addition, the mosque had a prominent social role in which people held meetings to discuss their daily life affairs and address problems and disputes. Also, many used to learn writing and reading in the mosque. Built on a total area of around 130 square meters with a capacity to accommodate about 57 worshipers, the mosque, before the renovation process, consisted of a house of prayer, an outside courtyard, a retreat, a restroom, and was built of bricks, with a roof made of wooden squares topped by wooden panels covered by a concrete layer. After rehabilitation, the historical Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque includes a prayer house, a retreat, Al-Sarha, a prayer room for women, restrooms, and places of ablution for men and women, and can accommodate up to 118 worshipers. — SPA