Ever wondered how a simple mission house transformed into a vibrant mosque? That is the story of Aqsa Mosque in Nadi Fiji. This building stands as a testament to the evolving Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Fiji.
Originally, the Aqsa Mosque wasn’t intended to be a mosque at all. It began its life as a modest Ahmadiyya mission house. This humble beginning belies the significant role it would later play. Over time, the mission house underwent a transformation. It adapted to meet the needs of the growing community. It eventually became the Aqsa Mosque we see today.
The Aqsa Mosque can accommodate up to 200 worshippers. This capacity reflects the growth of the Ahmadiyya community in Nadi. The mosque serves as a central place for prayer. It is also a gathering place for the local Ahmadiyya Muslims.
The history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Fiji dates back to the early 20th century. The earliest mention of Ahmadiyya in Fiji comes from 1931. In that year, Muhammad Abdullah was featured in “The Light”. “The Light” was a well-known Lahori-Ahmadi newspaper. Abdullah was a strong voice for Islamic youth education. He worked hard to protect the Muslim community in Fiji from Hindu missionaries.
In 1933, another missionary named Maulana Mirza Muzaffar Baig Sateh arrived in Fiji. He was sent by the Lahori-Ahmadi community. Sateh was skilled in Hindi, Sanskrit, Urdu, Arabic and English. He helped the Muslims register the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam in Fiji. It was registered as a religious body in 1934.
The Qadiani-Ahmadi community established itself in Fiji around 1960. This was made possible through their employee Sheikh Abdul Wahid.
By 1979, the Ahmadiyya Movement had two mission houses and ten mosques in Fiji. In 2024, it is estimated that there are 5,000 Ahmadi Muslims in Fiji. They consist of both Lahori and Qadiani groups. There are six Qadiani-Ahmadiyya temples and one Lahori-Ahmadi temple in Fiji.
Today, the Aqsa Mosque stands as one of these six Qadiani-Ahmadiyya temples. It is a cherished symbol of the community’s journey. It started as a simple mission house. It evolved into a significant place of worship and community. The Aqsa Mosque continues to serve the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Nadi. It provides a space for prayer, reflection and togetherness. Its story reflects the dynamic history of Islam in Fiji. The Aqsa Mosque reminds us that even the most modest beginnings can lead to great things.