The Mosques

by Moiz Anjarwalla

The five mosques for mumineen (Dawoodi Bohra faithful) are spread out over Mombasa. The largest, Burhani mosque is located in the Old Town near the shores of the old harbour. Its magnificent architecture contrasts the centuries-old surrounding buildings built mainly during the Islamic era of the East African coast. Mumineen in Mombasa were blessed to have commemorated Ashara with Aqa Maula (TUS) at this mosque in 1414 AH and 1416 AH. Next to the mosque is Saifee Hall, where niyaz and social functions are held. The town's Dar ul-Emarat, the office of the Amil Saheb, is located above Saifee Hall.

Not far from Burhani mosque, in the densely populated Kibokoni area, is Badri mosque. The mosque is relatively small for the number of mumineen who attend especially during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Mombasa's old kabrastan (cemetery) is located next to Najmi mosque, on Jomo Kenyatta Avenue near the busy Mwembe Tayari market.

Saifee mosque is a brand new re-built mosque as a larger mosque was necessary to accommodate a growing community. It is situated in Saifee Baagh, a compound dominated by mumineen who reside in flats and massonettes. Recent construction resulted in new flats and shops. One can't help gazing at the mosque's imposing architecture as one enters through the arched compound gate.

Husseini mosque, is on mainland Mombasa, to the north of the island. It serves mainly mumineen from the posh Nyali suburb, but those from the island are also known to attend here taking advantage of the quiet atmosphere. Across the road is the large, new kabrastan which also has a small hall for prayers.

Mombasa mohallas (residential districts) are named after the five mosques with the exception of Taheri and Mohammedi which constitute of mumineen from Ganjoni and Kilifi areas respectively.