Jamia Mosque is a mosque located on Banda Street, Nairobi, Kenya in the Central Business District. The mosque is one of Kenya’s most prominent religious structures, and the most important mosque in the country. It was founded and first built by Syed Maulana Abdullah Shah between 1902 and 1906. The Mosque has been extended since its original construction. The current chairman Of Jamia Mosque Committee and the MajlisAlUlama Of Kenya is Sheikh Syed Fathahuddin Thangal.
Jamia Mosque is located in between Banda Street and Kigali Street and is an important center of Islamic practice in the East and Central African region. As a landmark and heritage site at the heart of Nairobi’s CBD, Jamia Mosque-Nairobi displays an iconic image and an architectural masterpiece. Founded by Syed Maulana Abdullah Shah in the year 1902 and constructed between 1925 and 1933, Jamia Mosque became the center of Muslim religious organization throughout the pre-independent and independent years.
The mosque plays a central role to Nairobi’s large Muslim population as a location of choice for Muslims for the Friday prayers. Throughout the 90s and the 21st century Jamia has become the place where Muslim religious, political and opinion leaders meet to discuss the affairs of the ummah. In many ways Jamia Mosque’s story echoes the story of Islam in Kenya; a story of determination for identity within a mosaic of multiplicity. Jamia Mosque was extended into a modern wing in 1998 and currently houses a large modern library facility, a Multi-Purpose Hall and a television station- Horizon TV. Our Vocational College –Jamia Training institute (JTI) previously situated at Jamia mosque complex was moved to Jamia Towers to provide additional office space for Jamia mosque and Horizon TV marketing.
MASJID MANAGEMENT
The Majlis remains the main policy organ while the Majlis Ulamaa and Da’wah Committee remains the fulcrum of spiritual guidance to JMC. The Executive Committee is the arena for policy reflection and execution through the office of the Secretary General (SG). The day to day management of Jamia Mosque is thus undertaken by the SG who is assisted by the Administrator, the Finance officer, secretarial and other administrative staff. All other matters are handled through committees.
In recognition of the role of staff in achieving the objectives of the institution, JMC is consistently working to enhance the welfare of its staff. Presently Jamia mosque has a total of 105 staff distributed within the following departments.
• Masjid keeping & maintenance, • Security,
• Administration,
• Jamia Training Institute JTI,
• Friday Bulletin
• Da’wah staff
• Horizon TV
Three new staff were added in 2019 -2020 period. These include Sheikh Jamaludeen Osman –the Deputy Imam, Bro Farid Javer our Deputy Administrator and Bro Feisal Kassim a manager for JTI. Brother Hesham Hassan was brought in to replace Bro Hussein Kamau (who proceeded to the USA for further studies) as the IT manager.
The 2019 staff medical scheme budget now stands at Kshs 3.6 million up from Kshs 3.2 million in 2018 with increased benefits for our junior staffs who now enjoy Kshs 40, 000 Kshs outpatient cover up from Kshs 20, 000 in 2018. The cover also includes Kshs 50 000 maternity cover for our lady staff.
The Jamia Mosque retains a classic Arabic Islamic architectural style with extensive use of marble and inscriptions from the Quran, and the traditional row of shops (including a clinic and pharmacy) down one side to provide rental income for its upkeep. It is recognisable by its three silver domes, and twin minarets. It contains a library and a training institute where one can learn Arabic, introductory computing and cloth making.
| Jamia Mosque | |
|---|---|
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Sunni Islam (Salafi movement) |
| Location | |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Geographic coordinates | 1°17′01″S 36°49′ 15″N |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | WILLIAM LANDELS |
| Type | Mosque |
| Style | Classic Arabic Muslim |
| Website https://jamiamosque.co.ke/ | |
| Capacity | 5000 [ |
| Dome(s) | 3 |
| Minaret(s) | 2 |
The Basics
Founded with support from Nairobi’s African, Asian, and Arab communities, Jamia Mosque is a significant place for Kenya’s large Muslim population. Non-Muslims may check out the elegant exterior from the street, and some walking tours of downtown Nairobi include a stroll past Jamia Mosque. Friday prayers at the mosque often attract thousands of worshippers, and the mosque complex also houses a significant Arabic library and a school.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Prayer times at Jamia Mosque are posted on the mosque’s website.
- A cluster of halal restaurants near Jamia Mosque are popular gathering places for worshippers and people working in the neighborhood.
- The road to Jamia Mosque is closed on Fridays during Ramadan, and traffic can be an issue even during regular weekly prayers.
How to Get There
With a central location between Banda Street and Kigali Street in downtown Nairobi, Jamia Mosque can be reached by taxi or public transport. A cluster of bus stops are located on nearby Kenyatta Avenue, and the lines 24C, 46K, and 46Y stop just a block or two away from the main entrance. If you’re visiting downtown as part of a guided tour, the operator may offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
If you’re visiting the mosque during Friday prayer times—whether you’re joining in or just passing by—you’ll share the narrow street to the entrance with a large number of worshippers. Through the month of Ramadan the crowds are especially big, and the road is sometimes closed. If you’re visiting during this time, plan to use taxis or public transport or to come on foot.
Sightseeing Near Jamia Mosque
Some of downtown Nairobi’s most important sites are easy walking distance from Jamia Mosque. Check out the Kenyatta Mausoleum, which honors Jomo Kenyatta, Kenya’s first president, as well as the Kenya Parliament Buildings, August 7th Memorial Park, and the Kenya National Archives.
Jamia Mosque Contacts and Location
JAMIA MOSQUE COMMITTEE
P.O.BOX 100786-00100
NAIROBI – KENYA
TEL: +254 202 2443 504/5
CELL: +254 725 302 444 / +254 786 786 060
E-MAIL: info@jamiamosque.co.ke
Banda Street, Nairobi , Kenya , 00100
