Jummah Mosque
Port Louis
The Jummah Mosque, located in Port Louis, Mauritius, is a significant religious and cultural monument dating back to the 1850s. Originally known as the Mosque of the Arabs, it was established by members of the local Muslim mercantile community who purchased land specifically to serve the Muslim congregation. The mosque's architecture is a unique blend of Indian, Creole, Moorish, and Mughal influences, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of Mauritius. The original building was a small prayer house consecrated in 1853, which later expanded significantly between 1878 and 1895 to occupy an entire city block. This expansion was funded by Muslim merchants and a tax on the grain trade. The mosque features a marble tomb of Jamal Shah, a revered pir from Kutch, India, and includes a courtyard with a historic Indian almond tree. It remains an active place of worship and Islamic education, with a madrasa offering Qur'an memorization lessons. The mosque serves as a spiritual and community hub for Muslims in Mauritius, led by clergy from Kenya and Pakistan.
Planifiez votre voyage en Maurice avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visitors should consider attending during Ramadan, especially on the 27th night for the Laylat al-Qadr graduation ceremony of the madrasa. It is advisable to check the mosque's visiting hours and respect prayer times. Purchasing tickets is not required as the mosque is a place of worship, but donations to support its upkeep are appreciated. Early visits in the morning or late afternoons are recommended to avoid the heat and crowds.
Faits intéressants
- •The mosque houses the marble tomb of Jamal Shah, a pir from Kutch, India.
- •An Indian almond (badamia) tree in the courtyard predates the mosque's construction and remains a notable feature.
- •The mosque's expansion was funded partly by a two percent tax on the grain trade in Mauritius.
- •The mosque was originally known as the Mosque of the Arabs, a name derived from a public misconception about its founders.
- •Artisans and building materials for the mosque's expansion were imported from India, reflecting its cultural ties.
Histoire
The Jummah Mosque's origins date to 1852 when Muslim merchants in Port Louis purchased land for a place of worship.
A small mosque was consecrated in 1853, initially called the Mosque of the Arabs.
Due to a growing Muslim population, the mosque expanded between 1878 and 1895, funded by community donations and a grain trade tax.
The expansion incorporated the original mosque as the main prayer hall and introduced architectural elements from Moorish and Mughal styles.
Over the years, the mosque has remained a central religious site in Mauritius, reflecting the evolution of the Muslim community on the island.
Guide du lieu
Main Prayer Hall1853
The original Mosque of the Arabs was incorporated into the enlarged Jummah Mosque as the main prayer hall, featuring glass chandeliers and traditional Islamic architectural elements.
Marble Tomb of Jamal Shah
A marble tomb adjacent to the mosque houses the remains of Jamal Shah, a respected pir from Kutch, India, symbolizing the spiritual heritage of the community.
Courtyard with Indian Almond Tree
The mosque’s courtyard features a historic Indian almond (badamia) tree, which was present on the land before the mosque was built, offering shade and a unique natural element to the sacred space.
Contact
Téléphone: 242 1129