Description

Sakina Bibi Goulamy (R.A), born in India in 1697, passed away in “Ile De France” (Mauritius) on 14th October 1809 at the age of 112 years old. She was buried at the left flank of Al Aqsa Masjid (Historically known as The First Congregation of Mohamedans of The Eastern Suburbs of Port Louis) and the first Mosque of Mauritius on 15th October 1809 (16th Rabbi Ul Awwal). She is today respected and loved as The Mother of all Mauritian Muslims. Besides, she is the first recognized Lady in Mauritian Muslim History, and her tomb still exists in the yard of Al Aqsa with an epitaph in ancient Urdu.

Sakina Bibi Goulamy (R.A) came to “Ile de France” in the company of her father, Shaykh Goulamy during the French establishment (1721-1767). D Napal and Auguste Toussaint did mention two Muslim women who were on the island in 1724 and 1738 respectively, thus proving that rare Muslim women were on the island even in that ancient era.

It is a fact that Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais imported 150 Muslim sailors from India. However, most of these sailors would return to India on learning that the French were offering them unlawful (haraam) “saindoux” instead of ghee, as stipulated in their contract. The Muslim sailors did not agree to consume something illicit in Islam. But the old Shaykh Goulamy, who was the spiritual chief of the small Muslim community, stayed on the island. His daughter, who was also fully involved in the sacred Islamic mission also settled on the island.

Formerly, the French Government (1721-1805) forbade the practice of all other religions except Christian Catholicism as stipulated by Article 2 of Code Noir. Helped by other Muslims, Sheik Goulamy and Sakina Bibi Goulamy (R.A), of the small Muslim community were, as pioneers, going to implant Islam on the Island. To avoid all confrontation with the authorities, they chose a remote secret place from the administrative center of the town to build a rudimentary Mosque. Later the place would be known as the “LASCAR CAMP” a name which has survived up to today. According to Dr. Muslim Jumeer: “these Muslims sacrificed social advantages just to preserve their religious identity”. In other words, they sacrificed their motherland, family, economic, and material advantages to preserve their Islamic faith.

According to oral traditions, Lady Sakina, who was a very pious Lady, dedicated her body and soul to having the rudimentary Mosque built around 1756. When she passed away in 1809, she was buried on the left side of the “Eastern Suburb Masjid” which was renamed “Al Aqsa Masjid” in 1965 by the late Mawlana Khushtar. She was buried in the presence of her valiant grandsons Gassy and Imambacosse Sobdar. Since The Salines cemetery already existed, The General Captain, Governor Decaen must have given permission for Lady Sakina to be buried in the yard of The Masjid. It can be inferred that she enjoyed a high status in society.

What a sublime destiny it is to rest in a place where the melodious voice of the Caller (Muezzin) is heard five times daily, where prayers with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an and religious songs keep Lady Sakina company in her eternal rest for more than two centuries. Her urs is held on the 16th of Rabi Al Awwal.

LOCATION