Jamia Mosque Nairobi, has launched a commemorative book celebrating its 100-year journey of faith, community service, and leadership.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the mosque, attracted hundreds of Muslim faithful, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, scholars (ulamaa), community leaders, and members of the Jamia Mosque Committee.
The book, titled ‘Mosque Nairobi 100-Year Journey’ and authored by Ghalib Yusuf Tamim, chronicles the mosque’s history from the laying of its foundation stone on September 7, 1925, to its completion in 1933.
It highlights the mosque’s early beginnings, architectural design, expansion, and lasting community impact, tracing its growth into East Africa’s largest national mosque.
The book is available at Jamia Mosque Nairobi, for Sh1,500.
Author Ghalib Yusuf Tamim expressed gratitude to the mosque’s leadership for supporting the project, saying the publication will serve as a lasting heritage for future generations.
For a century, Jamia Mosque Nairobi has been a symbol of Islamic faith and a center of religious, educational, and social advancement in East and Central Africa.
Addressing the gathering, Health CS Aden Duale praised the mosque’s leadership for its consistent role in promoting Islam and representing the interests of the Muslim ummah in Kenya.
“Jamia Mosque is the mother of all mosques in the country. I commend its leadership for their pivotal role in spreading Islam and for being at the forefront in championing the interests and aspirations of the Muslim community,” said Duale.
He also applauded the mosque’s humanitarian programs, noting their impact on improving the lives of the less privileged.
Jamia Mosque Committee Chairman Sheikh Mohammed Osman Warfa recounted the mosque’s construction as a monumental effort.
He explained that building stones were imported from India through the port of Mombasa and transported by rail to Nairobi, where Indian railway workers carried each block on their shoulders to the site.
Laborers then worked under harsh colonial conditions and threats from wild animals.
Sheikh Warfa reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to advancing the mosque’s mission of Da’wah (propagation of Islam) and preserving the legacy of its founders.
Several individuals, including current and former staff, committee members, and members of the Majlis Ulamaa, were honored for their exemplary service to Islam and the Muslim ummah.
As part of its centennial celebrations, Jamia Mosque Nairobi also unveiled the rebranding of Horizon TV to Jamia TV, marking a new phase for the Islamic television channel after eight years of educational programming and growth.
The rebrand, unveiled at the mosque, introduces a new logo, color scheme, and program lineup aligned with Islamic values and Jamia Mosque’s Da’wah initiatives.
Launched on March 24, 2017, Horizon TV was the largest Muslim media project in East Africa, established by the Jamia Mosque Committee to provide a platform for shaping Muslim perspectives and promoting social awareness.
Speaking during the ceremony, CS Duale urged Islamic scholars and community leaders to use media platforms to guide young people.
“I call upon our Islamic scholars and community leaders to use media platforms to sensitize young people on the dangers of immoralities such as drug abuse so they can grow into responsible members of society,” said Duale.
Jamia TV Board Chairman Abdullatif Essajee said the rebrand ushers in a dynamic programming format featuring spiritual, educational, and lifestyle content designed to enrich viewers’ experiences in line with Islamic teachings.
The event was attended by members of the Jamia Mosque Majlis, trustees, Jamia TV board members, and other dignitaries.
