Jamia Mosque Nairobi celebrates 100 years with commemorative book, Jamia TV rebrand
The book, titled “Jamia Mosque Nairobi 100-Year Journey” and authored by Ghalib Yusuf Tamim, offers a detailed account of the mosque’s history from the laying of its foundation stone on September 7, 1925, to the completion of construction in 1933.
In celebration of a century of religious and community service, Jamia Mosque Nairobi has unveiled a detailed commemorative book documenting its 100-year legacy and announced the rebranding of its Islamic media station to Jamia TV.
The launch event, held at the mosque, drew various leaders and hundreds of Muslim faithful, including Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, scholars (ulamaa), community leaders and members of the Jamia Mosque Committee.
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The book, titled “Jamia Mosque Nairobi 100-Year Journey” and authored by Ghalib Yusuf Tamim, offers a detailed account of the mosque’s history from the laying of its foundation stone on September 7, 1925, to the completion of construction in 1933.
It explores the mosque’s early beginnings, architectural design, expansion and enduring community impact, tracing its growth into East Africa’s largest national mosque. The book is available at Jamia Mosque, Nairobi, at a cost of Sh1,500.
Author Ghalib Yusuf Tamim expressed gratitude to the mosque’s leadership for supporting the project, noting that the publication would serve as a lasting heritage for future generations.
“This publication will serve as a lasting heritage for future generations,” Ghalib said.
A dummy of the Jamia Mosque, Nairobi 100-Year Journey commemorative book by author Ghalib Tamim. (Photo: Jamia Mosque)
Duale commended the mosque’s leadership for its pivotal role in promoting Islam and advocating for the interests of the Muslim ummah across 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,” he said.
He also praised the mosque’s humanitarian initiatives, noting that its programs have significantly improved the lives of the less privileged in society.
Jamia Mosque Committee Chairman Sheikh Mohammed Osman Warfa reflected on the mosque’s historic construction, describing it as a monumental undertaking.
He explained that the building stones were imported from India through the port of Mombasa, transported by rail to Nairobi, and then carried on the shoulders of Indian railway workers to the construction site. Labourers worked under harsh colonial conditions and faced the constant threat of wild animals nearby.
“The labourers worked under harsh colonial conditions and the constant threat of wild animals that roamed nearby,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to continue the mosque’s core mission of Da’wah (propagation of Islam) and preserve the legacy of its founders.
Several individuals, including current and former staff members, committee members, and members of the Majlis Ulamaa, were honoured for their exemplary service to Islam and the Muslim ummah.
As part of the centennial celebrations, Jamia Mosque Nairobi also unveiled the rebranding of Horizon TV to Jamia TV, marking a new chapter for the premier Islamic television channel after eight years of edutainment and growth. The transition introduced a refreshed identity with a new logo, colour scheme and programme lineup designed to reflect Islamic values and strengthen Jamia Mosque’s Da’wah initiatives.
Launched on March 24, 2017, Horizon TV was East Africa’s largest Muslim media project, established by the Jamia Mosque Committee to provide a platform for shaping Muslim perspectives and fostering social awareness.
During the rebranding ceremony, CS Duale urged Islamic scholars and community leaders to use media platforms to mentor young people.
“I call upon our Islamic scholars and community leaders to use media platforms to sensitise young people on the dangers of immoralities such as drug abuse so they can grow into responsible members of society,” Duale said.
Jamia TV Board Chairman Abdullatif Essajee said the rebrand introduces a dynamic programming format featuring spiritual, educational and lifestyle content tailored to enrich viewers’ experiences in line with Islamic principles.
“The rebrand introduces a dynamic programming format designed to enrich viewers’ experiences in line with Islamic values,” Essajee said.
The event was attended by members of the Jamia Mosque Majlis, trustees, Jamia TV board members, and other dignitaries, marking a milestone in the mosque’s century-long legacy of faith, service and media innovation.
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