Breast Cancer Awareness - Day Twenty-Seven

The Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Legacy in Lamu - A Glimpse into the Past

The Island of Lamu holds a quiet yet profound chapter in the history of the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri community in East Africa. Long before Mombasa became Kenya’s main port, Lamu was a vibrant trading hub connecting the East African coast to Arabia and India. Amidst the sailboats and spice-laden dhows, a small community of believers settled here - blending commerce, culture and faith into the life of the island. 

It was around 1870 that Murrabbi Dewji Jamal, a prominent merchant based in Bombay and Zanzibar extended his business network to Lamu by establishing a branch of Dewji Jamal & Co. This move marked one of the earliest formal presences of the Ithna’Asheri community in Lamu. In the years that followed, other families including those connected to Dewji Jamal’s relatives and associates joined him. Among them were individuals such as Haji Nazerali Dewji and Haji Jaffer Dewji who played active roles in trade and community development.

By the 1890s, more families gradually made their way to Lamu, many from Gujarat and Zanzibar. The community grew steadily as they set up small businesses in the bustling coastal town, trading in goods such as rice, sugar and spices, and exporting mangrove poles and palm-mat bags. Their commercial ventures helped Lamu’s economy flourish, while their faith and values quietly shaped the island’s way of life.

Recognising the need for a central space for worship and holding majalis gatherings, in 1896, Hajji Dewji Jamal purchased land for the construction of a mosque and Imambara. Under the supervision of Hajji Nasser Dewji, the structure soon rose to serve as both a spiritual and social centre for the community.

Religious life revolved around the mosque-imambara complex. Majlises, matam and Qur’an classes were held regularly, with local mullas such as Mulla Vallimohamed Merali Dewji and Mulla Nanji Bhanji guiding the community. The upper floor of the imambara served as a place of reflection and gatherings while the attached madrasah educated young children in the recitation and understanding of the Qur’an. The design of the building, with separate staircases and entrances for men and women ensured practical and organized access for the community members. 

Life in Lamu at that time was simple and disciplined. Traders opened their shops early in the morning, paused for prayers, lunch and afternoon rest and resumed business until sunset. After evening prayers, bookkeeping and quiet conversation would continue by the light of kerosene lamps. 

The Chungani, or cemetery, was an integral part of communal life - the final resting place of early settlers such as Molu Ramji, Daya Kanji and others who laid the foundations of the community.

As the 20th century unfolded, however, change was inevitable. With the rise of Mombasa as the region’s primary commercial centre and the growing need for advanced education, many Ithna’Asheri families gradually moved away from Lamu.

By the mid-century, the once-bustling community had diminished, leaving behind its sacred structures - the mosque, the Imambara, the Madrassah and the Kabrastan as enduring reminders of a proud and faithful legacy.

Today, these landmarks stand as silent witnesses to over a century of devotion, perseverance, and service. Though time has left its mark on their walls, their story continues to inspire. The Africa Federation is actively working towards their restoration, an endeavour that seeks not only to preserve these historic spaces but also to honour the generations who built them, ensuring that their legacy of Shia Ithna-Asheri faith and unity continues to illuminate Lamu’s history for years to come.

A separate article will soon follow to share further details of the restoration plans and the vision behind this initiative.

With humility, we remember the pioneers, past leaders and community members of the Lamu Jamaat who selflessly served and contributed to the progress of the community. May The Almighty envelope them in His infinite mercy and grace. Let us remember the Marhumeen of the Lamu community, as well as all Marhumeen with a Surah al-Fatiha.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES SECTION OF THE AFRICA FEDERATION

Date: 27^th October 2025 (4^th Jamadi ul Awwal 1447 A.H.) 

Breast Cancer Awareness - Day Twenty-six