Al-Afiri Mosque

Al-Afiri Mosque is one of the historic mud-built mosques in Diriyah Governorate, Riyadh Province, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The semi-inhabited mosque covers an area of one hundred m and is named after the farm where it is located. It is situated in the middle of a farming area on the western bank of Wadi Hanifah. The mosque is accessible via the bridge connecting the valley's two banks near ar-Ruqiyah Neighborhood.

Al-Afiri Mosque is still used by workers in the surrounding farms for performing prayers. Farms surround the mosque on its western and southern sides, while its northern side overlooks an open courtyard where the entrance is located. To the east of the mosque lies an unused well that was formerly utilized for ablution.

Al-Afiri Mosque consists of two rows of columns, in addition to an open courtyard, known as the "Sarhah," which serves as the mosque's central courtyard or open space. This transitional area is uncovered and is not surrounded by arcades, except on the qiblah side, where the shaded prayer area is located. Worshippers use the Sarhah for prayers during the day and night when the weather is moderate.

Beneath the Sarhah in al-Afiri Mosque lies a Khulwah (underground prayer space) that can be accessed via stairs located on the southern side of the mosque. The Khulwah is a roofed area situated at the rear of the mosque or beneath the Sarhah. Typically, the Khulwah, or part of it is dug into the ground to utilize the soil's warmth for heating worshippers during cold days, particularly for Fajr, Maghrib, and Isha prayers. Its sunlit roof is used for daytime prayers.