Al-Muharraq and Qosqam

The name "Al-Muharraq"

The original in the naming of Al-Muharraq monastery, is that it was near to an area, where harmful plants and weeds are burned, and so the whole region was known as "burnt" and with time, it was settled for the Holy Virgin Mary Monastery - at Al-Muharraq (the burnt) area.

The name "Qosqam”

An ancient name (dates back to the Pharaohs era), of the whole desert region, where the monastery is located. It consists of two sections:                                                                      1. Qos: "Tomb"
2. Qam: The public meaning is: esparto grass (alpha grass), used in making burial shrouds. Where’as the religious meaning is: infinity - forever.