Khaberni - The occupied city of Jerusalem and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque have lost today, one of the pillars of its historical minarets, Sheikh Naji Qazzaz, who has passed into the mercy of God after a life full of dedication and faith. Sheikh Naji is considered one of the most prominent muezzins whose voices have been linked to the feelings of Jerusalemites and visitors of Al-Aqsa Mosque since the 1970s.
Who is Sheikh Naji Qazzaz? (A fragrant biography in the precincts of Al-Aqsa)
Sheikh Naji Fayez Qazzaz belongs to a distinguished Jerusalemite family that has inherited the honor of calling the adhan in the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque for more than 500 years.
Beginning of the journey: Sheikh Naji officially started calling the adhan in Al-Aqsa Mosque since 1978, continuing the path of his father and ancestors.
Sound signature: Sheikh was known for his beautiful and serene voice, and he called the adhan for the Dhuhr and Asr prayers for decades, which made his voice a part of the sound identity of the Old City of Jerusalem.
His blessed successor: Sheikh Naji is the father of the well-known muezzin "Firas Qazzaz," who continues today to carry this trust after his father, ensuring that the minarets of Al-Aqsa continue to resound with the voice of this steadfast family.
Al-Aqsa Mosque farewells its muezzin: Departure in a time of aggression
The departure of Sheikh Naji Qazzaz comes at a difficult time for the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the escalating vicious onslaught by the occupying forces and settlers. The absence of such religious figures and Jerusalemite symbols leaves a significant void, yet it serves as a reminder of the pivotal role these "defenders with sound" have played in maintaining the Arab and Islamic identity of the mosque.
