History of Islam in Mauritius

How did Islam arrive on the tropical island of Mauritius, and how did a minority community build a vibrant, enduring tradition rooted in faith, trade, and perseverance? Whether you are a local Mauritian seeking to reconnect with your heritage or a reader curious about Islam in the Indian Ocean, understanding this history reveals a story of resilience, unity, and devotion. From early mariners to 19th-century merchants and indentured workers, the Muslim community in Mauritius established deep roots that continue to flourish today.

Early Maritime Roots and Camp des Lascars

While early Arab navigators knew of the uninhabited island they called Dina Arobi on medieval maps, permanent Muslim settlement began during French colonial rule in the 18th century (1720s–1810). Colonial authorities brought skilled Muslim mariners, artisans, and tradesmen from India and the Middle East to help construct Port Louis and support maritime logistics. These men were known collectively as "Lascars," derived from the Persian and Arabic term al-askar, meaning soldier or sailor.

These early Muslim pioneers were granted land northeast of the capital in an area designated as "Camp des Lascars," known today as Plaine Verte. Despite living far from their ancestral homelands, they preserved their daily prayers and communal identity. In 1805, led by community elders, they successfully petitioned the French Governor Charles Decaen for permission to construct a dedicated house of worship. This site became the Camp des Lascars Mosque, later renamed Al-Aqsa Mosque, establishing the first official Islamic landmark on Mauritian soil.

The 19th-Century Waves: Labourers and Merchant Pioneers

The transition to British colonial rule in 1810 and the subsequent abolition of slavery in the 1830s transformed the island's demographics. To maintain the sugar industry, the British colonial administration recruited hundreds of thousands of indentured labourers from the Indian subcontinent. Among these immigrants were thousands of Muslim families from Bihar, Bengal, and the United Provinces (modern Uttar Pradesh). Settling on sugar estates across the island, these workers brought a deep love for the Qur'an and daily Salah, establishing humble prayer houses in villages and towns like Triolet, Goodlands, Rose Hill, Quatre Bornes, Vacoas, and Curepipe.

Concurrently, a separate stream of free Muslim merchants migrated from Gujarat in western India. These traders belonged primarily to the Kutchi Memon, Sunni Surti Vohra, and Halaye Memon communities. Setting up commercial enterprises along Royal Street and surrounding districts in Port Louis, these business pioneers brought valuable commercial networks and financial capital.

The synergy between rural agricultural workers and urban merchant families was crucial. While estate workers maintained local spiritual life in rural districts, urban merchants financed community infrastructure, madrasas, and charitable endowments (waqf). This dual foundation built a strong and resilient Muslim civil society across the island.

Landmarks of Faith: The Jummah Mosque and Scholarly Foundations

As the Muslim population in Port Louis expanded during the mid-19th century, the existing prayer facilities in the capital could no longer accommodate the growing congregation. In 1852, Kutchi Memon merchants acquired properties on Royal Street to construct a magnificent grand mosque. Completed through successive expansion projects, the Jummah Mosque (Jummah Masjid) became an architectural marvel, blending Indian, Mughal, and Moorish elements around an iconic central courtyard containing an ancient Indian almond tree (badamier).

The Jummah Mosque quickly became the spiritual nexus of Mauritius, hosting central Friday prayers, scholarly gatherings, and religious guidance. To this day, it stands as a symbol of Islamic heritage in the Indian Ocean.

Alongside physical landmarks, religious learning flourished through the establishment of madrasas and mosques across every major town. Mainstream Sunni orthodoxy (Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah) became the bedrock of communal practice. The majority of Mauritian Muslims follow the Hanafi school of jurisprudence (fiqh), which provided a structured and practical framework for family life, trade, and worship. While the Hanafi position guides primary local practice, Mauritian scholars have historically maintained deep respect for the other three Sunni schools (Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali), fostering an atmosphere of unity and mutual respect.

The Qur'an emphasizes the sacred status of maintaining places of worship and community devotion:

"The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day and establish prayer and give zakah and do not fear except Allah, for it is expected that those will be of the guided." (Qur'an, At-Tawbah 9:18)

Plaine Verte and Modern Civic Contribution

Over the 20th century, Plaine Verte evolved from its historical origin as Camp des Lascars into the cultural and social heartland of the Mauritian Muslim community. Its lively streets, lined with halal eateries, traditional bakeries, bookshops, and Islamic social societies, reflect a community that remains proud of its identity while fully integrated into the broader multicultural fabric of Mauritius.

Today, Muslims account for approximately 17% to 18% of the population of Mauritius. Mauritian Muslims serve as teachers, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and political leaders, contributing to the nation's democratic stability and economic development. Community organizations operate orphanages, social welfare trusts, and relief agencies that assist all Mauritians regardless of religious background.

This spirit of civic care aligns with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who emphasized brotherhood and mutual support:

"A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim: he does not oppress him, nor does he fail him, nor does he lie to him, nor does he hold him in contempt." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2564)

Through centuries of historical change, the Muslim community in Mauritius has successfully balanced the preservation of authentic Islamic values with active, peaceful participation in a diverse society.

Summary of Historical Legacy

The story of Islam in Mauritius is a testament to how faith, unity, and hard work can establish deep, enduring roots across generations. From the early mariners of Camp des Lascars to the Gujarati traders who built the Jummah Mosque, and the indentured workers who carried Islam to every corner of the island, each generation added a vital chapter to this history. Grounded in mainstream Sunni values and the Hanafi tradition, Mauritian Muslims continue to honor their history by building a peaceful, prosperous future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the oldest mosque built in Mauritius?

The oldest mosque in Mauritius is the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Port Louis, originally known as the Camp des Lascars Mosque, established in 1805 under French colonial rule.

Which Islamic school of thought do most Muslims in Mauritius follow?

The majority of Sunni Muslims in Mauritius follow the Hanafi school of jurisprudence (fiqh), brought historically by scholars and migrants from South Asia, while maintaining high esteem and tolerance for all recognized Sunni schools of thought.

How did Gujarati merchants influence the development of Islam in Port Louis?

Gujarati Muslim merchants, particularly Kutchi Memons and Surti Muslims, established major trading houses in Port Louis during the 19th century. They funded the construction of the landmark Jummah Mosque, established charitable trusts (waqf), and supported educational and civic institutions that benefited the entire island community.