The Jummah
Mosque is located in the city centre of the City of
Port-Louis on the Royal Road. The country's second
mosque in Mauritius, it is described in the Ministry
of Tourism's guide as certainly the most beautiful
religious building in the country.
The Jummah
Masjid also telecasts and broadcasts as a live program.
It includes the Jummah Prayers every Friday and taraweeh
prayers during the month of Ramadan. Eid Prayers are
also broadcasted live.
In 1878 The
extension work on the Mosquée-des-Arabes began.
The plan called for the blending of the original structure
into the larger one to accommodate the growing Muslim
congregation. The work called for particular skills
and dexterity, notably in the moulding and plastering
of the sculptural work with ornamentation -- skills
that could not be handled by local workers. Specialised
workers were brought from India for the job as were
the necessary building materials, namely: stones,
lime and wood. Transportation posed no problem as
several members of the Managing Body of the Mosque,
headed by Haji Joonus Allarakia, were also owners
of ships that plied regularly between India and Mauritius.
Also from India The crew of the Indian artisans,
who did the extension works, was overseered by Ishaq
Mistry. For the whole duration of the works, the
workers stayed on the compounds of the Mosque "sleeping
and eating under the pillared arches of the outer
court." The project took twenty years to be
completed. The long delay was due either to outbreaks
of disease among the workers or to shortage of materials.
However, in 1895, the expansion of the Mosque was
completed. Al-Hajj Jackaria Jan Mahomed, a prominent
member of the Muslim community in Port Louis and
of the Managing Board of the Mosque, supervised
the entire expansion project which saw the small
Mosquee des Arabes expand from a small fringe on
Queen Street to occupy the entire block except for
a small section on Royal Street, which was leased
to businesses for revenue purposes. The beautiful,
small Mosquée-des-Arabes became the Jummah
Mosque of Mauritius. It is a magnificent work of
architecture conspicuous for its bulging domes,
well trimmed arches and white minarets. The skill
and dexterity shown by the workers in blending intricately
the old structure
with the new, speak eloquently of "their out
standing ability and patience and personal devotion"
to what became, to all involved in the project,
a labour of love.
The expansion
works enthralled huge expenses which, despite the
tremendous goodwill and generosity shown by the Muslims
at the time to raise the necessary funds through donations,
failed to meet the targeted amount. The Muslim merchants,
who literally held the monopoly of trade in grains,
came up with an ingenious idea to finance the cost
of the project. They charged a special two per cent
levy on every bag of grain over the market price.
That extra duty, called the church-rate, was paid
ungrudgingly by all. It was for a good cause. The
levy helped raise thousands of rupees, which were
remitted annually to the Mutawalli (President) of
the Mosque, to pay for the expansion works.
The Jummah
Mosque is a beautiful structure. This structure strikes
one with its harmonious blend of Moorish and Munhal
lines with its massive columns and imposing arches.
Its interior solemnity and tranquillity contrasts
starkly with the boisterous hustle and bustle of its
outer surroundings, which is one of the busiest in
all Port Louis. In the middle of the open court stands
an old Badamia (Indian Almond or Terminalia Cattapa)
Tree, which is older than the Mosque itself. In fact,
the Tree already stood on one of the two original
plots of land on Queen Street acquired in 1852. The
designers of the Mosque, in drawing up the plans of
the building, very wisely decided to incorporate the
Badamia Tree into the overall structure of the Mosque.
The Tree not only adds a special charm to the austere
place but also, with the shade its huge branches provide
worshippers in the sweltering heat of Port Louis,
enhances the peace and cool solemnity that pervades
the place. And, in the evening, on clear starry nights,
the feeling is as touching to-day as it was experienced
in 1872 by the American Consul, Nicholas Pike:
As we stand
under it (the Badamia Tree) on a clear night, myriads
of stars glittering overhead, it is not difficult
to fancy yourself transported to some Oriental land,
where Allah alone is worshipped.
The prayer
hall of the Mosque is the same domed hall of the old
Mosquée-des-Arabes. From the towering bulbous
domes, glistening white, hung the brilliant glass
chandeliers that provided lighting for over fifty
years -- that is, till the advent of electricity.
The beautiful chandeliers can still be seen hanging
in the prayer hall as a reminder of the olden days
and their glittering luster adds a special touch to
the solemn decor of the Mosque which, to-day, is brilliantly
lit with fluorescent tubes. The prayer hall is remarkable
for its interior which comprises a subtle blend of
Arabic and Indian motifs. The Jummah Mosque is a glorious
monument to the inspiring dedication and religious
fervour of its founders, designers and builders. It
has gained immensely in stature over the years and
has come to hold a special spot in the hearts of the
hundreds of Muslims who come to its vaulted sanctuary
every day to worship Allah (God), to meditate and
seek inner peace and comfort. As the Grand Mosque
of Mauritius, the Jummah Mosque, understandably, holds
pride of place in the religious and cultural life
of the Muslims.
