Whispers of devotion seem to echo from the very stones of this place. Right here we have the Mosque in Arusha. It is a testament to the rich history and growing Muslim community in this vibrant city.
Arusha’s story is relatively recent. It blossomed in the late 1800s as a German camp. But today Islam is a significant part of Arusha. Finding mosques is not difficult at all.
The Arusha Jamaat is an important part of this mosque’s story. The community started in 1902. By 1908 a sizable community had been established by pioneer families. These included Nanji Damani Mohamed Damani Shermohamed Sajan and others. Early majalis religious gatherings were held in the homes of Hasham Ebrahim and Shermohamed Sajan.
By 1930 the community had grown to 75 members. The need for a dedicated space became clear. In 1931 a piece of land was obtained on a 33-year lease. An Imambarghah a Shia religious hall was constructed. To support the Imambarghah a shop was built on the opposite land. The rent was used to cover expenses. In 1944 Remtulla Pirbhai’s family added two rooms above the shop. They served as Musafarkhana a guesthouse.
As Arusha’s Muslim community expanded the Imambarghah and Musafarkhana became too small. There was also a need for space for Quran classes. So the Jamaat decided to build a new complex. It would include a mosque an Imambarghah a Musafarkhana and a Madrasah a religious school. The families of Jamal Ramji and Remtulla Pirbhai donated the mosque. Other community members contributed to the remaining facilities.
February 1956 was a landmark moment. The new mosque and Imambarghah opened. The foundation laying in 1956 marked a new chapter. The community flourished. From a small mosque on Sokoine Road the community built the mosque that now stands tall. Its minarets are a visible part of the Arusha skyline. The pioneers of this Jamaat displayed remarkable foresight.
Today the Mosque stands as a symbol of unity. It is a testament to the vision of those early community members. The mosque can house over a thousand people. The modern Madrasah has 11 classrooms. There is also a media hall a guest house a religious library and housing for a Resident Aalim a religious scholar. The Arusha Jamaat has also established a clinic a nursery school and an educational academy. These serve both the community and the wider society.
The history of Arusha Jamaat is recorded in golden pages. It is a testament to its infrastructure and its leaders. The Jamaat has hosted conferences and Supreme Council meetings of the Africa Federation. Several members have played key roles in the Africa Federation. The members of Arusha Jamaat remember the pioneers for their dedication and foresight. As we stand here let’s appreciate the legacy of this Mosque. It embodies the spirit of community service and devotion. The Mosque in Arusha continues to thrive. It builds upon the foundation laid by its founding members.