Historic Mosques in Lamu

Shela Friday Mosque: The Juma Masjid

It is interesting, though regrettable, to note that Lamu, once the headquarters of the Arab civilisation along Kenya’s coast, is almost devoid of that peculiar beauty and dignity which one associates with Mohammedan buildings in other countries. In its place, the mosques are low, flat-roofed, unremarkable structures, with no ornaments but a few roughly carved inscriptions, and bearing signs of no pious care. Which is why, Shela Mosque more proper Juma Masjid or Old Mosque is not to be missed on any trip to Shela. It is easily recognized by its unique 18 ms tall conical minaret approached by a spiral staircase of fifty eight steps. Covering 291 m2, this is also one of the oldest Mosques at Shela and Lamu whose pillar draws architectural influence from obscure Omani Arab style prevalent in the 1800s.

Redolent of Lamu’s nobility days, it was built during the same period as Lamu Fort. Unique to Friday Mosque is, of course, its minaret. These are rare. In Lamu Island, only this one exists. The absence of minarets has been attributed to possible influence from Ibadhis, a purist Muslim sect who fled from Iraq during the 10th Century and settled, among other places, in the M’zab area south of the Sahara in Algeria where they founded a chain of townships. Up until the arrival of Shafii sharifs on the East Africa Coast, the salient Muslim sect was Ibadhi. This Mosque follows the high involvement ratio scale of streets and open spaces at intimate levels. This has also had the effect of reducing “personal space” of the Swahili to a minimum. The prayer hall of Friday mosque hosts the entire male population of Shela during Friday noon prayers. Friday Mosque is located nearby Peponi Hotel.

Islam first arrived in the coastal regions of Kenya through Arab and Persian traders, by the 8th century. At the prominent city-states such as Mombasa, Malindi, and Lamu that emerged along the Kenyan coast are many historic mosque from different eras. Islam in Kenya today represents a diverse and dynamic part of the country’s fabric, represented in beautiful mosque.

Index of Historic Mosques Around Kenya

Isiolo County - Isiolo Jamia Mosque , Kilifi County - The Great Mosque at Gede, Qubba Mosque , Kisumu County - The Arab, Nubian and Swahili Mosques, Kwale County - Kongo Mosque, Diani Mosque, Kirinyaga County - Mosque of Jesus Christ Son of Mary, Lamu County - Khoja Ithnasheri Mosque , Riyadha Mosque , Friday Mosque at Shela , Mombasa County - Badala Mosque , The Mandhry Mosque , Burhani Mosque , Musa Mosque, Muranga County - Mjini Mosque, Nairobi County - Khoja Mosque, Jamia Mosque, Ahmadiyya Mosque, Wajir County - The Noor Mosque, Eldas Jamia Mosque

Lamu County is one of Kenya’s most unique and enchanting regions, known for its rich Swahili culture, pristine beaches, and UNESCO-listed heritage. Located on the northern coast of Kenya, it consists of a group of islands (Lamu, Manda, Pate, and Kiwayu) and a stretch of mainland coastline. Lamu Island in particular is more than just a destination—it’s a living piece of Swahili history and coastal paradise.

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A Guide to Lamu County

A Summa Digest of Lamu

About Lamu Way Back When

70 Destinations in Lamu County , arranged as one would visit these - west, south, north then west - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:

Delta Dunes Lodge , Lake Moa , Old Town Witu , Witu Forest Reserve , Pangani Swamp, Lake Kiboko , Amu Ranch , Lake Amu, Kipini Conservancy , Lake Kenyatta , Amu Baharini Beach, Kizuke Beach , Lamu (Manda) Port , Red Pepper House , Lamu Island , Matondoni Dau Workshop , Matondoni Ruins , Tusitiri Dhow , Kipungani Ruins , Kizingoni Beach , Old Town Lamu, Lamu World Heritage Sector , Lamu Museum , The Swahili House Museum , German Post Office Museum , Lamu Fort , Lamu Market , Masjid Khoja Ithnasheri , Masjid Riyadha , House of Habib Swaleh , The Mosque College Lamu , Lamu Catholic Church , Tamarind Tree Cafe , Donkey Sanctuary , The Floating Bar , Boat Rides , MaraRaha , Kijani Hotel , Shela Village , Friday Masjid , Forodhani House , Peponi Hotel , Shela Beach , Bahari Restaurant , Fort at Shela , Ras Kitau , Diamond Village , The Maljis , Takwa Ruins , Manda Island , Manda Lodge , Manda Toto , Manda Coral Quarry , Nabahani Ruins , Pate Island , Shanga Ruins , Siyu Fort , Shindamweh, Atu Ruins , Chundwa Ruins , Faza Village , Lamu Monuments , Mangrove Forests , Dodori National Reserve , Kiunga Marine N. Reserve , Kiwayu Island , Ashuwei , Boni Forest National Reserve , Ishakani Ruins , Lamu Festivals

Know More About Lamu County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments

What’s The Air Like In Lamu?

Lamu County lies along the Equatorial Climate System, enjoying two rainy seasons and temperatures between 24°C and 30°C year round – Hottest in December & April

What’s The Lay Of The Land In C.05?

Lamu is composed of a coastal zone of 65 islands, vast creeks, bays, sand bars and mangrove. Among these, Lamu Island, hosting Lamu Town, is the bussiest. The mainland is flat to undulating.

Know More About Lamu County…