Call for unity as Muslim leaders open historic, symbolic mosque in Mombasa

Mvita MP Mohamed Machele at the newly opened Masjid Uthman Ibn Affan at Serani ground on Friday / BRIAN OTIENO

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Nassir at the newly opened Masjid Uthman Ibn Affan at Serani ground on Friday / BRIAN OTIENO

Acting Chief Kadhi Sukyan Omar at the newly opened Masjid Uthman Ibn Affan at Serani ground on Friday / BRIAN OTIENO

Mombasa businessman Abubakar Joho, Senator Mohamed Faki and former nominated MP Sheikh Mohammed Dor at the newly opened Masjid Uthman Ibn Affan at Serani ground on Friday / BRIAN OTIENO

Muslims pray outside the newly opened Masjid Uthman Ibn Affan at Serani ground on Friday / BRIAN OTIENO

Muslims pray inside the newly opened Masjid Uthman Ibn Affan at Serani ground on Friday / BRIAN OTIENO

Muslim leaders in Mombasa have called for unity among the populace saying Islam is all about unity, peace and love.

The leaders, led by acting Chief Kadhi Sukyan Omar, said unity is the foundation for peace and love, critical aspects that form the basis for solid development.

“For us to move forward as a people and as a region, we need to have unity, peace and love. Islam teaches us to be united no matter where one is in terms of faction, race, religion, political standing, or creed.

“God is one. We have to be one thing for us to move forward. We need to be united even in faith,” he said.

The leaders spoke during the opening of Masjid Uthman Ibn Affan at the famous Serani Ground in Mombasa.

The construction of the mosque was overseen by the trustees of Serani Club led by Alamin Abdalla.

The vision of the new mosque is to unite all the Muslim people.

Construction of the Masjid Uthman Ibn Affan, which cost around Sh65 million, funds donated by individuals who do not want their names mentioned, began about a year ago.

The land on which it was built is part of the Serani Ground that had been grabbed later reclaimed after a resilient fight put up by the ground’s trustees led by Abdalla, who also doubles as the chair of Congo Boys FC and the Football Kenya Federation Mombasa branch chair.

“The Ithna Ashari have their mosque, the Bohra have theirs and now we have our own. This is a symbol of our unity. It is the centre for all our community members,” Abdalla.

The land is historical as it was given by Sultan Sir Ali Bin Salim for the Arab community for sports purposes.

The land was grabbed by powerful individuals but after decades of fight, President Uhuru Kenyatta finally issued a title to the locals.

According to Abdalla, there are plans to build a dispensary on the same ground to help the community.

“This mosque has united us. You saw how they turned up in numbers. It is significant,” Abdalla said.

Mvita MP Mohamed Machele said the Masjid Utham Ibn Affan is a symbol of unity, where the old and young, rich and poor, sick and healthy all gather to worship as one.

He said unity of the populace is key to the success of any region.

He called on the Muslim populace to remain united.

“We pray for peace, tranquility and unity in Mvita, Mombasa and the Coast region as a whole,” he said.

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir lauded the management and trustees if Serani Club for the work they did in ensuring the grand mosque is successfully built.

 He said this comes at a crucial time when the holy month of Ramadhan is around the corner.

Muslims are expected to start fasting mid-February as the holy month of Ramadhan kicks in.

Nassir said it is time to pray for those who try to bring division among Muslims, Coastal political leaders and the people of the Coast in general.

“We have nothing for them but to offer prayers. Words from humans cannot suffice to curtail them. We will only have to pray for them,” Nassir said.

Senator Mohamed Faki said religion is the foundation of the country and times when people gather together for prayers or any other social functions have to be taken with great respect.

“The construction of this mosque is a reminder of the wealth that comes with constructing a mosque. Today we have received guests from all over the country because of this mosque,” Faki said.

He said the peace and tranquility that is being witnessed in Kenya should be cherished.

“Without peace, unity and tranquility, we cannot even worship together like we have done,” the Senator said.

Transport PS Mohamed Daghar, Jomvu MP Badi Twalib, Mombasa countyspeaker Aharub Khatri and prominent businessman Abubakar Joho were among the guests who attended the grand opening of the mosque.