ABBAS BUILDING

17/04/2025

(How the Idea of Building Abbas Mahmoud Mosque Came About).

The time was full of blessings... people’s circumstances were respected...

Atbara, Al-Hisaya neighborhood, early 1960s.

It was truly a blessed time, adorned with noble people who were brought up on love, solidarity, cooperation, and compassion. Hardworking, righteous individuals seeking only the grace and pleasure of Allah.

The blessed memory bird lands at the "Sandah" station, gazing upon the noble gathering of worshippers coming together in a communal place to perform their prayers. Specifically, it was the house of our late uncle, Sheikh Al-Wali Al-Ameen Abdul-Haq—a man who devoted his space for prayers in his courtyard and house.
There, truthful men gathered to fulfill their religious obligations.

Gradually, they began to move out into the yard of the late Sid Abd-Alaziz’s shop, praying the early morning, sunset, and night prayers after cleaning the area from accumulated dirt.

This arrangement persisted, until the elders—May Allah have mercy on them: Sheikh Al-Wali Al-Ameen, Uncle Saeed Elias, Uncle Mohammed Ali Biryab, Uncle Mohammed Khair Al-Safri, and Uncle Sheikh Al-Fadil—approached the municipal council, requesting assistance in preparing the yard for prayer. The council informed them that there was an approved plot of land allocated for a mosque in a more spacious area east of Al-Hisaya market. Overjoyed, they immediately contacted businessmen and benefactors, namely the late Abbas Mahmoud and the late Mohammed Ali Al-Zubair.

At the time, there was fierce but honorable commercial competition between the two. In response, Mohammed Ali Al-Zubair famously said, “I will donate twice what Abbas Mahmoud donates,” referencing a prior competitive bid between them for a building later known as Abbas Mahmoud’s building.

Ultimately, Abbas Mahmoud pledged to fund the entire construction of the mosque.

The noble delegation praised Allah for His favor and ease. Using their wit, they approached Mohammed Ali Al-Zubair, informing him that Abbas Mahmoud would be constructing the mosque. They requested that he instead build a school for their children, to which he graciously agreed, leading to the establishment of the Mohammed Ali Primary School for Boys.

Abbas Mahmoud immediately began sending bricks, cement, sand, and all necessary materials for construction. The journey had begun. He then entrusted the task to the muezzin, Haj Ali Fadl—may Allah have mercy on him—asking him to supervise the construction and leave his job at Atbara Old School, which was reportedly under military barracks at the time.

The mosque’s first imam after its completion was the late Sheikh Mohammed Ali Ismail—may Allah have mercy on him—followed by Sheikh Abu Zaid. By the mid-1970s, the role was taken by Sheikh Osman Bashir, known for his melodious recitation that drew worshippers from all corners of Al-Darajah neighborhood, Souq Al-Nas, and the outskirts of the eastern areas.

At the time, the mosque was neutral, not affiliated with any particular religious group, and was one of the largest in Atbara in terms of the number of worshippers. It was filled with devoted individuals who frequented mosques in the darkness, with radiant faces, establishing Quranic study circles after dawn and sunset prayers.

Among them were the late Yusuf Shakir, the late Babiker Jabara, and, naturally, the late Sheikh Osman Bashir—may Allah grant them mercy and paradise. Their sincere intentions and noble company led them to fulfill their wish of building a mosque in the neighborhood in 1965—a mosque that still stands tall with its minaret overlooking the city’s skies.

May Allah accept their deeds, place it in their scale of good deeds, and shower their graves with His boundless mercy.



Special thanks to our dear brother Mahmoud Abadi for providing valuable information.

Kamal Al-Din Jabirallah Mohammed

17/04/2025

The Story of Abbas Building and Who Abbas Mahmoud Was.

("I am the father of all tribes")
Abbas Mahmoud Saad (1906–1990)

Abbas Mahmoud was born in 1906 in the village of Al-Mahmiyya in the Northern region.
From a young age, he worked as a construction laborer, assisting master builders in constructing homes and religious schools in the Al-Mahmiyya area.
He dreamed of becoming a successful builder and was naturally gifted with keen planning and intelligence in designing residential houses, despite not having the opportunity for formal education at the time.

In 1931, he moved to Atbara, the capital of iron and fire in the Northern region, and chose to work as a contractor for the railway buffet, where he served workers with dedication and honesty.
His sincerity and professionalism earned him the appreciation of officials and workers.
As a result of his strong reputation, he was selected to oversee the shipment of food supplies from the capital, Khartoum, to various parts of Sudan via railway wagons, a service known as "River Canteen."
He excelled in this field but felt drawn back to his original passion—construction and residential planning.

During his construction work, he was fortunate when British authorities announced an auction in 1949 for a plot of land in Atbara that measured 4,200 square meters. Many feared purchasing it, believing it would result in a great financial loss due to its remote location, but Abbas Mahmoud was determined.
He won the bid and acquired the land for ten pounds in installments. He then began construction, hiring Egyptian and Sudanese workers to assist him.

The construction process took over four years and resulted in a building covering 4,200 square meters, including 52 shops and 13 residential and commercial apartments—the first of its kind in Atbara. His efforts encouraged local residents to purchase land near the building, which later developed into a complete residential neighborhood named "Al-Faki Madani.

The structure became a historic landmark in the city. Many officials and residents visited it, admiring the determination behind its creation. Initially, some had predicted its failure, believing its walls would collapse.

In 1953, Salah Salem, a member of the Egyptian Revolutionary Command Council, visited Atbara, admired the planning and construction of the building, and awarded Abbas Mahmoud (a copper plaque)bearing his name, which remains displayed on the building to this day as a proud family emblem.

Beyond construction, Abbas Mahmoud was deeply religious, funding the construction of (12 mosques) across the state, including the renowned Abbas Mosque in Al-Husayya, Atbara, and the Ja'aliyyin prayer hall.
As a contractor and founder of (Abbas Trading & Contracting Company), he built schools in Damer, Atbara, Berber, Dar Mali, and Merowe, receiving numerous awards in education. Additionally, he contributed to the establishment of (Al-Makabarab) neighborhood, where Manasir families settled, and funded a (bridge in Al-Zaidab) to connect the hospital and marketplace, later named (Abbas Bridge).

Politically, under British colonial rule, he supported railway workers with financial and logistical aid in their demands for Sudan’s independence from the British, advocating the slogan:
"Sudan for Sudanese."

His activism led to confrontations with British authorities, who warned him against supporting the workers, yet he firmly responded:
"I have helped, and I will continue to help."

Abbas Mahmoud was a self-made pioneer of national movements.
He devoted himself to community service with vision and patriotic spirit.
His legacy, full of noble contributions to Atbara’s economic development, remains strong.
His famous statement:
"I am the father of all tribes"
reflects his leadership and unifying presence.

He passed away in 1990, after a life of struggle and dedication to his country and people.

17/04/2025

"My esteemed brother Salah Abbas,
Happy New Year and many years of life.
Hoping to meet you in Jordan and then Sudan.
Greetings to the brothers.

Your brother,
Hussein bin Talal
January 1963."

17/04/2025

"Whoever fears climbing mountains will live forever in the pits."

Dr. Salah Al-Din Abbas Mahmoud.

Economic Consultant and Hospital Management Expert
1940–2020

Dr. Salah Al-Din Abbas Mahmoud was the second eldest son of Abbas Mahmoud. He was born in Omdurman on September 1, 1940, and grew up in Atbara during his primary, middle, and secondary school years.

He joined Victoria College in Alexandria, where he studied alongside King Hussein of Jordan, and earned his Oxford Advanced Level Certificate in Economics in 1960. He later enrolled at the American University of Beirut, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Science and Economics in 1963.

In 1964, he completed a Master's degree in Business Administration, specializing in pharmaceutical marketing, at Kennedy Western University in London. He later earned his professional doctorate in 1985 from the same university, in collaboration with the British American To***co Institute for Training and Research.

Dr. Salah was a highly ambitious man who pursued higher education to fulfill his father's dream of academic excellence. His global aspirations led him to an illustrious career in marketing and business management.

He began his career as a visiting professor of commercial sciences at Comboni School in 1964 before moving to the Blue Nile Packaging Company and later Italian Airlines. However, his major breakthrough came when he joined Sterling International Pharmaceuticals as a marketing director, eventually becoming Deputy General Manager in 1977.

In 1989, he was appointed Regional Manager for the Gulf at the British American To***co Group in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where he achieved unprecedented success in expanding the company's regional market presence.
Despite facing racial discrimination from some of his superiors as the only African in leadership, he remained determined and confident, proving his capabilities by achieving outstanding sales and industry recognition.

Dr. Salah represented the Arab and foreign business communities in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, promoting economic and trade integration among business leaders, senators, and Arab royalty. He also represented Sudan in various international economic forums.

Despite his global success, he never lost sight of his homeland.
In 1985, he initiated the construction of Abbas Tower 2 in Khartoum North, a four-story building aimed at boosting Sudan’s economic development.
His father was proud, remarking that while he had built a two-story building in Atbara, his son had constructed a four-story one in Khartoum.

In 1989, Dr. Salah was nominated to become the Regional Director for Europe (based in London) or Africa (based in Djibouti). However, he chose to return to Sudan in October of that year, determined to contribute to his country's economic development.
He established Abbas Investment Company, launching his first major project in the healthcare sector: Al-Zahraa Specialized Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology** in Khartoum North in 1992.

As the chairman of the hospital’s board, he aimed to modernize Sudan’s healthcare system. However, due to his non-political affiliations, he faced severe opposition from the ruling government, leading to the hospital’s closure in 1996, despite its immense popularity and success.

Undeterred, Dr. Salah continued to contribute to Sudan’s development through his consultancy office at Abbas Tower 2.
He played a pivotal role in advancing education and business in the country, introducing (modern hospital management systems) and high-level diploma programs in healthcare administration at public and private universities. He became a trusted consultant for healthcare organizations, chaired the Private Medical Institutions Union), and earned widespread recognition from Sudanese doctors and surgeons.

Economically, he provided consultancy services for numerous commercial enterprises, helping establish (modern marketing and sales strategies) and economic feasibility studies, including the Royal Care Hospital (formerly Al-Salam Hospital).

Between 1989 and 1999, Dr. Salah was nominated for ministerial roles, including Minister of Finance, Sudanese Ambassador to Bahrain, and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative in Sudan, but he declined these positions, preferring to serve his country through direct executive involvement.

From his office at Abbas Tower 2, he remained a valuable economic consultant to many regional and global companies, offering strategic advice for Sudan’s economic growth.
His keen analytical perspective on economic trends benefited major businesses in Sudan, and his commitment to neutrality kept him respected by all political factions.

Dr. Salah received multiple awards and honors from international economic and educational institutions.

He passed away in December 2020, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, ambition, and contributions to Sudan's economic and healthcare sectors.
He remained steadfast in his father’s footsteps, serving his country and community with unwavering dedication.

23/03/2025

*كيف قامت فكرة بناء مسجد عباس محمود*

*كان الزمان لسع رضى .. والناس ظروفها مقدرة ..*

.. عطبرة حي الحصايا مطلع الستينيات .

حقا كان زمانا رضيا إزدان بخيار من الناس جبلوا على المحبة والتعاضد والتعاون والتراحم والمحبة .. عمال كادحون أنقياء أتقياء يبتغون فضلا من الله ورضوانا ..
يحط طائر الذكريات المباركة في محطة السندة يتأمل ذلك الجمع الكريم من المصليين يتوافدون الى ديوان يجمعهم لأداء الفريضة وتحديدا بيت عمنا المرحوم الشيخ الولى الأمين عبدالحق رجل آثر على نفسه أن يقيم الصلوات في ديوانه و داخل فناء داره يجتمع رجال صدقوا ما عاهدوا الله عليه ليؤدوا فروض الصلاة .. تدرج بهم الحال الى خروجهم الى ميدان دكان المرحوم سيد عبدالعزيز .. يصلون فيه الصلوات التي تكون فيها الشمس غائبة ( الصبح والمغرب والعشاء ) بعد أن أزالوا من الميدان الأوساخ التي تملؤه .
أستمر الحال بهم على هذا النحو .. وسارت المركب الى شواطئ أرحب وذهب الأعمام عليهم رحمة الله: الشيخ الولى الأمين وعمنا سعيد الياس وعمنا محمد على برياب وعمنا محمد خير السفري وعمنا الشيخ الفاضل الى المجلس البلدي وطلبوا منهم أن يساعدوهم في تهيئة الميدان للصلاة . فكان رد المجلس أن هناك قطعة أرض مصدقة لبناء مسجد في مكان أرحب يقع شرق سوق الحصايا فسرهم ذلك وباشروا في الحال اتصالاتهم برجال الأعمال ورجال البر والاحسان المرحوم عباس محمود والمرحوم محمد علي الزبير .. وكان التنافس التجاري الشريف محتدما بينهما في ذلك الزمان وقال لهم محمد على الزبير قولته الشهيرة (أنا متبرع بضعف ما يتبرع به عباس محمود .. (على خلفية تنافس كان بينهما في شراء عمارة عرفت لاحقا بعمارة عباس محمود )
فتبرع عباس محمود ببناء الجامع كاملا ..
حمد الوفد الكريم الله على فضله وتيسيره للأمر . وذهبوا لمحمد على الزبير بكل فطنة وذكاء وأخبروه أن الجامع سيبنيه عباس محمود وطلبوا منه بناء مدرسة لأبناءهم فاستجاب مشكورا فكانت مدرسة محمد على الابتدائية للبنين ..
سارع المرحوم عباس محمود في إرسال الطوب والأسمنت والرمل وكل ما يلزم لبناء المسجد . وابتدأ المشوار .. وطلب من المؤذن الحاج على فضل رحمه الله ان يتولى الاشراف على بناء المسجد وأن يترك عمله بمدرسة عطبرة القديمة التي كانت تتبع لثكنات الجيش حسب الرواية .
وكان أول إمام للمسجد بعد إكتماله بعون الله وفضله الحاج المرحوم الشيخ محمد على إسماعيل رحمه الله .. ثم أعقبه الشيخ أبوزيد . وقمنا في منتصف السبعينيات لنجد إمامه الشيخ عثمان بشير صاحب الصوت الندي والتلاوة المحببة لعمار المسجد الذين يتقاطرون من كل حدب وصوب من أطراف حي الدرجة ومن سوق النص ومن أطراف الشرقي . وكان حينها مسجدا محايدا لا ينتمي لاي جماعة دينية ويعد من أكبر مساجد عطبرة في أعداد المصلين معمري المساجد المشائيين الى المساجد في الظلمات .. أصحاب الوجوه النيرة يقيمون فيه حلقات التلاوة بعد صلاة الفجر وبعد صلاة المغرب . نذكر منهم المرحوم يوسف شاكر والمرحوم بابكر جبارة وقائد الدفة بطبيعة الحال المرحوم الشيخ عثمان بشير . عليهم رحمة الله ورضوانه ..ولما كانت النية أفضل من العمل فقد كانت زاملة لهؤلاء الرجال الأتقياء أوصلتهم لبلوغ مناهم و وتحقيق رغبتهم في بناء مسجدا بالحي في العام 1965 .. ما يزال يقف شامخا بمئذنته على سماء المدينة .. وفقهم الله ويسر أمرهم لأن النية صادقة والعمل خالصا لوجه الله نسأله أن يجعله في ميزان حسناتهم وينزل علي قبورهم شآبيب رحمته ..


الشكر للاخ الحبيب محمود عبادي لمدي بكثير من المعلومات

كمال الدين جبرالله محمد

افتتاح مسجد عباس محمود - الحصايا - عطبرة عام ١٩٦٥م ولها قصة سأرويها لاحقا ان شاء الله

13/03/2025

افتتاح مسجد عباس محمود - الحصايا - عطبرة عام ١٩٦٥م ولها قصة سأرويها لاحقا ان شاء الله

13/03/2025

عمارة عباس محمود اول عمارة بنيت فى صرة عطبرة جوار البلدية عام ١٩٥٠م

22/03/2023

‏الْلَّھُم أَهِلَهُ عَليْنَا بِالْأمْنِ وَالإِيْمَانِ وَالْسَّلامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ وَالْعَوْنٓ عَلَى الْصَّلاةِ وَالصِّيَامِ وَتِلَاوَةِ الْقُرْآَنِ الْلَّھُمّ سَلِّمْنَا لِرَمَضَانَ وَسَلِّمْهُ لنا وَتَسَلَّمْهُ مِنّا مُتَقَبَّلاً يٓارٓبٓ العٓالِٓمينْ .
🌙مُبارٓكٌ علٓيْكم شّٓهرُ رٓمٓضٓان🌙
🌙 كل عام وأنتم بخير🌙