Muslims gather for the Maghrib prayers at the newly launched mosque at the Somali Embassy in Nairobi on March 9, 2025. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)
Nairobi (AX) – On an ordinary Sunday, filled with an extraordinary sense of unity and hope, the Somali Embassy in Nairobi was the scene of a poignant event. Amidst an atmosphere of reverence and camaraderie, the embassy celebrated the inauguration of a brand-new mosque, a project brought to life through the munificent donations of Sultan Hussein Ali. As a respected member of the Eastleigh Business District Association (EBDA), Sultan Hussein is widely admired not just for his business acumen, but for his unwavering generosity.
If you had visited the embassy on that day, you would have felt the hum of excitement in the air. The ceremony was graced with the presence of prominent figures; among them stood Somalia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, stalwarts from the EBDA, and Somali elders, their wisdom reflected in their eyes. Adding to this impressive assembly were esteemed religious leaders and the vibrant Kamukunji Member of Parliament, Yusuf Hassan. It was a meeting of great minds and kindred spirits, all dedicated to a noble cause.
During the event, Ahmed Abdullahi Yare, chairman of the EBDA, shared the backstory of this significant endeavor. The initiative to build the mosque wasn’t just a leap of faith—though it was that, too—but a carefully thought-out response to the community’s needs. The idea, as Yare recounted, was sparked by Ambassador Jabril’s appeal to the association. In his words, “Sultan Hussein is a great giver. Anytime we face a challenge that requires funding, he is always among the first to contribute. He cares about the youth and businesses in Eastleigh.”
The mosque stands not only as a place of worship but as a beacon of cultural and communal resilience. Its construction at the embassy is a symbolic gesture, a nod to Somalia’s enduring spirit and its people’s unyielding sense of identity, even miles away from home.
MP Yusuf Hassan, known for his eloquence and deep connection with his constituents, took a moment to commend Sultan Hussein’s substantial contribution. His words resonated with the audience and captured the essence of the day’s sentiment. He emphasized, “The funding for this mosque embodies not just the generosity of an individual, but the collective will of a community striving for unity and peace.” He further lauded Ambassador Jabril’s efforts in galvanizing this vision, which began as a mere conversation and blossomed into a vivid reality.
Anecdotes often bring color to our stories, drawing connections between past and present. Take the time when Sultan Hussein reportedly told a friend, “In giving, we receive.” It’s a notion that must have lingered with him because his contributions reflect the depth of his belief in nurturing the community. It’s a gentle reminder that, sometimes, generosity is not about the depth of one’s pockets, but the breadth of one’s heart.
Picture this: each Friday, as the community gathers in prayer, they will remember how the mosque’s walls came to stand tall, like sentinels guarding their shared hopes. Each stone laid in its foundation tells a story of collaborative effort, one strengthened by mutual respect and common dreams.
So, what does this mean for the future? While the mosque itself is a finished project, its greater purpose is just beginning to unfurl. It represents a commitment to future generations, a promise of sanctity and solidarity, and an invitation to preserve the cultural treasures of the Somali community in Nairobi.
The story of this mosque is as much about brick and mortar as it is about heart and soul. It is a testament to what can be achieved when communities converge around shared values and visions. As they say, “It takes a village,” and in this case, it took many hands and hearts joining forces to build something lasting.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
