1

ISLAM IN MAURITIUS

BY

PAHARY SHEIK MOHAMMAD YASSER

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CONTENTS

CHAPTERS PAGES

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. LITERATURE REVIEW 4

3. FIRST MUSLIMS IN MAURITIUS 6

3.1 EARLY MUSLIMS 6

3.2 TIPU SULTAN 6

3.3 SEPOY CONVICTS 6

3.4 INDIAN IMMIGRANTS 7

3.5 MEHMAN AND SURTEE 7

4. INSTITUTIONS IN MAURITIUS 8

4.1 AL AQSA 8

4.2 JUMMAH MOSQUE 8

4.3 ROSE-HILL SUNNEE MOSQUE 8

4.4 WORLD ISLAMIC MISSION 9

4.5 WAQF 9

4.6 MUSLIM FAMILY COUNCIL 9

4.7 ISLAMIC WELFARE FOUNDATION 10

4.8 THE QUR‟AN HOUSE 10

4.9 MADAD-UL-ISLAM SOCIETY 10

4.10 ISLAMIC CULTURAL CENTRE 11

5. LITERARY BOOKS 12

6. RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS AND OBSERVANCES 14

6.1 IDUL FITR 14

6.2 IDUL ADHA 14

6.3 YAWMUN NABI (S.A.W) 14

6.4 „URS 15

6.5 YAWMUL „ASHURAH 15

6.6 OTHER RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES 15

7. ISLAMIC EDUCATION 16

7.1 DARUL ULOUM 16

7.2 MADRASSAH 16

7.3 ISLAMIC CULTURAL COLLEGE 16

7.4 MADADUL ISLAM 17

7.5 MUSLIM GIRLS 17

7.6 DOHA 17

8. ISLAMIC FIRQAH 20

8.1 AHLUS SUNNAH WAL JAMA‟AH 20

8.2 SALAAFI / WAHHABI / TAWHEEDI / TABLIGHI JAMA‟AH 20

8.3 AHMADIYYAH / QADIANI 21

9. MUSLIM PERSONAL LAW 23

10. CONCLUSION 25

11. REFERENCES 25

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Chapter 1

Introduction

Islam has been spread throughout the whole world through the blessings of the holy

Prophet (s.a.w) – (peace be upon him). No doubt Islam has been introduced in Mauritius by

Hazrat Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (r.a) – (may Allah be pleased with him). However, how it was

introduced and spread in Mauritius is what will be elaborated in this work. That was the main

purpose of this humble exposé.

It was possible through field work and documentary research. This research

methodology starts with a literature review on the topic followed by a review on the arrival of

Muslims in Mauritius. Chapter 4 will deal with the Islamic institutions as main bodies of

Mauritian Islam. The next chapter will enlighten us on the literary books available on the

market followed by an exposure of the different religious feasts in Mauritians‟ lives. Chapter

7 will deal with the institutions helping in the propagation of Islam. Chapter 8 will elaborate

on the different groups in Mauritius followed by the question of Muslim Personal Law.

Chapter 10 will encompass the whole topic of Islam in Mauritius.

We would like to thank all those who helped and collaborated in the framing up of this

humble work, especially our lecturer Professor Hossany for his support. Nevertheless, we

would like to point out the fact that it was very difficult for us to collect all related field data

for compilation, mainly due professional and personal commitments.

Key words:

Islam, Firqah, Idul Fitr, Idul Adha, Yawmun Nabi (s.a.w), „Urs, Yawmul „Ashurah, Mi‟raj,

Nisfush Sha‟baan, Lailatul Qadr, Jummah, Al Aqsa, Firqah.

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Chapter 2

Literature Review

This section will deal with the sayings of writers who attempted a study of Islam in

Mauritius.

“The Muslim Community of Mauritius represents 17 % of the

total population of 1.2 million people. Since their arrival in

Mauritius the Muslims made lots of sacrifices to preserve their

faith and identity. They established mosques, charitable and

educational institutions and in 1941 managed to set up a Board of

Waqf Commissioners regulated by the Waqf Act 1941.This was

made necessary in order to protect the wealth and assets of the

Muslim community worth billion of Mauritian rupees.”

(Muslims in Mauritius, Abstract, Najmul Hussein Rassool)

The Muslim missionaries and reformers found the largest

support primarily among the educated middle class in the towns,

who propagated the purity of Islam. Thus, it is no wonder that

the tendency toward Islamic orthodoxy and Sunnification of

Islam seems to have affected local religious practices too. A good

example for that is the gradual disappearance of the Muharram

(`Ashuraa) festival in Port Louis.

(Islam in Africa, Vol 2 No. 3, July 2007)

"References on the Muslims were then – and still are – scarce

and the sources are restricted. However, I was privileged to

benefit from the vast knowledge and experience of the late

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GMDA, who not only provided me with his own encyclopaedic

knowledge of the history of the Muslims in Mauritius of which

he himself was, as a prominent political leader of the Muslims

for many years, front rank player but also at my disposal his

fabulous personal library to do my research. Atchia, who was at

the time at the dusk of his life, showed tremendous interest in

the book. However, he would not live to see its publication. He

passed away a few months earlier.”

(History of the Muslims in Mauritius, Preface, by Emrith Moomtaz)

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Chapter 3

First Muslims In Mauritius

This section will deal with the different steps where and when Muslims came to settle

in Mauritius.

3.1 Early Muslims

According to historians, Muslims‟ presence in Mauritius dated back since 1722. They

were artisans, seaman and merchants from India. In 1724, a certain Ally Khan petitioned

Governor de Nyon (1722-25) for the freedom of his wife from slavery. During the period

1768-89, there is the mention of only 12 Muslims of Indian origin who were born on the

island. In 1758, a group of Indian merchants established in the colony and were engaged in

thriving business. The oldest family on record is the Gassy Sobedar. Its presence was in 1791.

In the same French colony, families like Dina, Goumany and Sakir were present in Mauritius.

3.2 Tipu Sultan

In India, after the death of Prince Hyder Ali in 1782, his son, Tipu Sultan took over to

drive away the British force. He then sought the help of the French. He sent Prince Cassim

Ally Khan and Mohammed Ibrahim to ile de France to discuss with Governor Malartic. The

outcome we already know. They proved to be treacherous persons. What is important here is

that during their stay, they took part in ceremony known as Ashurah and Ghoon, coinciding

with their visit.

3.3 Sepoy Convicts

In order to develop the island, Farquhar asked and obtained the help of Indian

convicts, who were mostly Sepoys found guilty of military and political offences. In 1815, a

first batch arrived with many of them being Muslims. Many of them were banished to

Mauritius eternally. Those who became old and disabled were exempted from labour. There

was a small building at GRNW – Grand River North West – which was converted to a

mosque and was attended mainly by the old Sepoys. They were quiet and well behaved.

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3.4 Indian Immigrants

When in February 1835 Slavery was abolished in Mauritius, there was a refusal to

work on the part of the emancipated slaves. Indian brought his help by sending In Indian

immigrants. Among them there were respectable Muslims. They came as indentured labourers

to work in the cane fields. In 1851 they were admitted to their rights and privileges. They

were always humble but didn‟t want and like to be crushed.

3.5 Mehman and Surtee

The Mehman were the immigrants from Cutch and they were the first to settle in the

colony. A few years later, another group, the Surtee coming from Surat settled as different

places like Port-Louis, Beau Bassin, Rose Hill, Flac and Poudre d‟Or. They were merchants

settling firms and being dealers in foodstuffs and textiles. They also showed interest in their

religion. They actively promoted religion among their fellows Indians. They helped build

mosque and Madrasah.

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Chapter 4

Institutions In Mauritius

This chapter will enlighten us on how Islamic Institutions can help the Muslim

community.

4.1 Al Aqsa Mosque

It is the first mosque which was built in the year 1805. However, it was violently

destroyed by a hurricane in 1818. It was repaired very quickly and among its many

benefactors was the Sobedar family. In fact, for many years, it was a customary for the Imams

of the Mosque to come from the Sobedar family. Hajee Sobedar, who later traced the mihrab

(prayer niche) of the Jummah Mosque at the time of its construction in 1851, was a prominent

member of the Muslim community of Camp des Lascars. On his death, which occured on

April 29, 1881, he was buried in the compounds of the Camp des Lascars Mosque, which is

today officially known as the Al-Aqsha Mosque. It has undergone considerable changes over

the years to meet the needs of a growing congregation. It is no longer the small lime-washed

structure it was during the days of French rule. It has been expanded and renovated regularly

over the years to satisfy the growing demands of an ever-growing congregation that continues

to plod its way daily to its old beloved roof for worship and meditation. However, the site the

Mosque occupied is the same.

4.2 Jummah Mosque

In 1852, Haji Joonus Allarakia, Casseem Hemeem, Jornmb Satardeenah, Elias Hadjee

Hamode, Hajee Abdoollah Essack, Hajee Ab doorahim Allanah, Ismael Ibrahim and Omar

Yacoob purchased two properties situated in Queen Street, Port Louis. On one of the

properties the foundation of the future Jummah Mosque was thus laid. Ismael Jeewa led the

prayers. The following year, that is, 1853, a beautiful Mosque of a limited size was built and

solemnly consecrated.

4.3 Rose Hill Sunni Mosque

By 1863, due to the increase number of Muslims, there was the need of a mosque.

Ismail Jeewa bought on behalf of the Muslim community a plot of land on Remono Street and

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a mosque was built. Expansions were needed and possible in the years 1893, 1912 and 1915.

At the turn of the twentieth century, Rose Hill was like a centre for religious debates. These

debates were known as Religious Repartees. This attracted big crowds. These debates served

as a healthy exercise as they helped bring people of different faiths and beliefs together

socially and helped foster tolerance and understanding among the communities in Mauritius.

4.4 World Islamic Mission

The World Islamic Mission was formed in 1972 by Sunni Dignitaries from countries

worldwide in Makkah Mukarramah. The World Islamic Mission has grown to serve muslims

across Europe, the United States of America, North America, Africa and Asia. The World

Islamic Mission is a leading Islamic-Socio-Benevolent Organisation. The Head Quarters of

World Islamic Mission is in Bradford, England. The President and Chief Patron is His

Eminence Mawlana Shah Ahmad Noorani Siddiqui al Qadiri al Madani. World Islamic

Mission (Mauritius) was established in February 1975.

4.5 Waqf

A Waqf is a permanent donation of property made by Muslims in the name of Allah,

to the community for charitable and religious purposes in keeping with the teachings of Islam.

The number of properties in Waqf in Mauritius has always been extensive. In 1938, the

government acceded to the request of the Muslims and introduced legislation in council

defining the rules and functions of a Board of Waqf Commissioners. On April 25 1941, the

Waqf act became law. In 1959, when the government decided to grant a subsidy to all

religions that were until then not subsidized in Mauritius, the Board of Waqf Commissioners

was chosen as agency through which the subsidy will be distributed to the mosques.

4.6 Muslim Family Council

In 1990, Sir Aneerood Jugnauth, the then prime Minister, proposed new amendments

to the civil status acts that gave legal status to the Nikah and provided to the creation of the

Muslim Family Council (MFC), which would be empowered “to keep a register of all

marriages celebrated in accordance with Muslim rights” and at the same time “to make rules

governing marriages celebrated in accordance with Muslim rights and the dissolution of such

marriages.” The MFC which is an official government social agency for the Muslims, besides

conducting marriages, is also empowered to provide counselling and guidance services to

Muslim families.

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4.7 Islamic welfare Foundation

The Islamic Welfare Foundation (IWF) was founded in 1969 by a group of

enterprising Muslims intellectuals who became concerned with the sense of disarray that

seemed to grip the Muslim community. Accordingly, the IWF was created with the following

objectives: to give assistance, financial or otherwise, to relieve distress; to give advice and

counselling in social and other welfare matters; to encourage learning; to award scholarships,

make donations, grants, and loans; to promote Islamic education; and to publish and / or

encourage the publication of books, periodicals and magazines etc which will be of benefit to

Muslims.

4.8 The Qur’an House

The Qur‟an House is a socio-cultural complex run by the Islamic circle, a religious

organisation founded by Prof. Mohammed Hussein Malik in 1959. The Islamic circle is the

oldest Islamic movement in Mauritius. Its activities span religion, education and culture –

particularly aimed at improving the Islamic standard of Muslims life in Mauritius and at

preserving their Islamic identity as a community. It also disseminates information on the

teachings of Islam across the island and endeavours to foster better understanding and

cooperation between Muslims and Mauritians of other faiths. It comprises a mosque – the

Sayyidah Khadijah Mosque – which is a first in Mauritius, comprising facilities to Muslim

women to offer daily prayers. It has a public Islamic Library.

4.9 Madad-ul-Islam Society

Commonly known as Madad, it is one of the oldest charitable organisations in

Mauritius. It was founded on January 22, 1902. Its main goals were to provide benevolent

services to its members and to promote cultural, religious and social growth of the Muslims at

large through the establishment of schools and colleges; the offering of scholarships to

deserving Muslim students to pursue higher education; and the creation of an Islamic library

for Muslims and non-Muslims to help them learn about Islam and Islamic culture and

civilisation. In 1960, it was merged with the Nasratoule Islam Society, which was founded in

1898, having the same goals.

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4.10 Islamic Cultural Centre

The Islamic Cultural Centre (ICC) was created in August 1987 to satisfy a long-felt

need of the Muslim community in the country. The Islamic Cultural Centre Trust Fund Act

was proclaimed on 15th December, 1989 and subsequently amended in 1991, 2000 and 2001

to reinforce its membership and activities. The objects of the Fund shall be:- to preserve and

promote Islamic Art and Culture; to promote study of Arabic and Urdu; to collect, publish and

disseminate valuable information pertaining to Islamic Art and Culture through the

establishment of educational and welfare institutions affiliated to the Islamic Cultural Centre;

to organise lectures, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and any other activities which will lead

to a better understanding of Islamic Art and Culture; to create facilities for documentation and

research on Islamic Art and Culture; to provide training in relevant fields of study; to

establish useful links with organizations engaged in similar activities locally and

internationally; to deal with matters relating to the organising, facilitating, monitoring and

supervision of Islamic pilgrimage to the holy places.

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Chapter 5

Literary Books

Coming up with the literary work, the following paragraphs will enlighten us.

Since the introduction of Islam in Mauritius, many dignities from many different

countries with a variety of horizons visited our island and left their contribution for the

betterment of our community. Among them we have those of Arabic language () and Urdu

Language (Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (r.a)) who came for serving Muslims. We have a

variety of books left to the community. For example, “A Shavian and a Theologian”, “The

forgotten path of knowledge”, “Divine Harmony”, “The quest for true happinesss”, “The

Universal religion” are the different books written by Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi (r.a). the

following is a list of Arabic, Urdu, English, French, Creole books on the Market:

Arabic Books

Tafsir Abdullah Ibn Abbas

Tafsir Ibn Kathir

Tafsir Jalalain

Tafsir Qurtubi

Tafsir Rouhoul Ma‟niy

Tafsir Rouhoul Bayan

Swahih Sitta

Riyadus Swalihin

Qisaasul Ambiyaa

All the above books of Tafsir exist in Urdu. But when it comes to English and French

Language, only Tafsir Abdullah Ibn Abbas, Ibn Kathir, Jalalain, Swahih Sitta, Riyadus

Swalihin, Qisaasul Ambiyaa exist. There are many more books in Arabic but they are not on

the market for the public.

We also have many local writers, authors like Luckhoo, Imam Joholee, Sabir

Chowtee, Parwez Kureeman, Karamtally, Mawlana Shameem Azhari, Mawlana Fayaz Naimi,

Hafiz Qaari Mansoor Lalasaib, Mawlana Haaroun among others. All of them are contributing

in a way or another for the religion of Islam. Among them, a very known person in the name

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of Hafiz Qari Mansoor Lalasaib was ranked fifth among those doing Da‟wah in the African

continent. Among his contribution, the following can be noted:

Mi‟rajul Mustapha (s.a.w) – 1995

Injustice au nom de l‟Islam – 1999

Noorul Islam – 1998

Yawmun Nabi (s.a.w) – 2001

Darsul Hadith – 2000

Tafsir Al Qur‟anul Kareem – 2005

La question de bid‟ah – 1995

Hayatul Ambiyaa – 2008

Uloumul Qur‟an – 1992

Baharish Shari‟ah – 2008

The following are different books by different authors:

Guide to Muslim Personal Law – Dr Hashim Mahdi

Hijra – Dr Hashim Mahdi

Gardons notre conscience en etat d‟eveil – Dr Hashim Mahdi

Muhammad (s.a.w), the beloved Prophet of God – Dr Mawlana Syed Aleem Ashraf

Jilani

Miladun Nabi (s.a.w) – Dr Mawlana Syed Aleem Ashraf Jilani

Tasawwuf – Dr Mawlana Syed Aleem Ashraf Jilani

Tahaarat – Mawlana Fawaz Ahmad Naimi

Namaz – Mawlana Fawaz Ahmad Naimi

In addition to the great variety of books that we have in Mauritius, there are

translations of many other books originally in Arabic and Urdu.

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Chapter 6

Religious Festivals and Observances

What will follow is an analysis of the different religious festivals and observances in

Mauritius. It is worth to note that this work is not meant to elaborate on the meaning and

significance of these festivals and religious observances, but to show when they were

introduced in Mauritius.

6.1 Idul Fitr

In Mauritius, since 1961, it was a public holiday. However, since 1985 its celebration

has gained national dimension. The government has allocated a plot of land located in the

scenic slopes of Valee Pitot, in Port Louis, to the Sunni Razvi Society International for the

creation of an Idga‟ah to enable Muslims to perform the Id Namaz in the open air as

recommended by the holy Prophet (s.a.w). The society launched its souvenir magazine on that

especial day. It was Mawlana Mohammad Ibrahim Khustar was presided the ceremony.

6.2 Idul Adha

In the 1920‟s and 1930‟s, it was customary with the wealthy merchants and traders of

Port Louis to host on Id day a dinner on the grounds of the Arabian Docks and at the Taher

Bagh. They would invite Muslims from across the island and treat them to a meal. Unlike Idul

Fitr, which is a public holiday, Idul Adha is not. However, it is a religious event where

Muslims are allowed to take the day off if they choose.

6.3 Yawmun Nabi (s.a.w)

The first time it was celebrated in Mauritius by the Sunni Surtee Madrassa, in

Corderie street Port Louis, was on July 28, 1931. However, the first time it was celebrated on

a large scale and in the open was on the 3rd

May of 1939 by Hazrat Mawlana Abdul Aleem

Siddiqi Al Madani Al Qadiri (r.a). In 1932, it was recognised as a public holiday. However, in

1961, it was proclaimed as a national holiday along with Idul Fitr and Idul Adha. But in 1982,

Idul Adha and Yawmun Nabi (s.a.w) were dropped from the list of public holidays in

Mauritius.

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6.4 ‘Urs

There had been many scholars and Mawlana who had visited the island. The oldest

one may be Hazrat Syed Peer Jamal Shah bin Murtaza Shaq (r.a) (in 1848). He died on the

12th

August, 1858 at the age of 45. He was buried behind the Jummah Mosque, the specific

place where he used to retreat himself for additional prayers and remembrance of Allah. After

his death, people from all walks of life and faiths visit his shrine. There is no question of

praying to them but to benefit for the blessings of the place. His „Urs was then conducted.

6.5 Yawmul ‘Ashurah

The 10th

day of the month of Muharram is known as Yawmul „Ashurah. This is

according to Islamic concepts. But when it comes to a celebration known as Ghoon, Tazi‟a or

Yamseh, this is not in accordance with the religion of Islam. It does not exist and acceptable.

It was first present and celebrated in the year 1765 and it was the first public religious

celebration by Muslims. At first it met with strong opposition from the Christians. In 1798, it

was celebrated with great uncommon pomp and glitter when the two envoys from Tipu Sultan

reached the island. Now, it is disappearing due to acquisition of knowledge.

6.6 Other Religious Observances

There are other religious observances like Mi‟raj (the night journey of the holy

Prophet (s.a.w)) in the month of Rajab, the Nisfush Sha‟baan (the night of salvation) in the

month of Sha‟baan and the Lailatul Qadr (the night of power) in the month of Ramadhan. All

of them were observed as from the first year of existence of Muslims on the island. All these

are important to the Muslims for their salvation and spiritual progress in this world, in the

grave and in the Hereafter.

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Chapter 7

Islamic Education

In this chapter, we will elaborate on the different Islamic institutions in Mauritius

involved in the spreading of Islam.

7.1 Darul Ulum

Literally, darul uloum means the house of knowledge. In Mauritius we don‟t have

many of these spiritual schools and institutions. Few of them are Darul Uloum Aleemiah,

Darul Uloum Majlis Raza and Ahmad Raza Khan Academy.

The Darul Uloum Aleemiah was founded by Hazrat Mawlana Abdul Aleem Siddiqi al

Madani al Qadiri (r.a). It was later on that the college Aleemiah was built. It has two wings,

one for the boys and one for the girls. There is no intermingling in between them. The darul

uloum was the initial project. The Darul Uloum Majlis Raza was founded by Mawlana

Jeawoody and Qari Mansoor whereas the Darul Uloum Ahmad Raza Khan Academy was

founded by Hafiz Qari Mansoor. It was and still meant for the training of young Muslims to

become teachers of Islam as Hafiz, Mawlana, Imam and Mufti.

7.2 Madrassah

Also known as Maqtab, it is the place where Muslim children learn the basic

principles of Islam. This includes the reading of the holy Qur‟an, the five pillars of Islam, the

rights of human beings, in summary the religion of Islam. In Mauritius, it is a common thing

to see that the Madrassah is attached to the Mosque and it started right there. Classes are

either conducted early in the morning or in the afternoon. It is a free service and done out of

the benevolence of people. However, there is an urgent need to educate and upgrade these

teachers of Madrassah as often it is noticed that they don‟t possess any relevant certificate and

training practice and experience.

7.3 Islamic Cultural College

At the outset, this institution was a boarding school for boys. It was the first of its kind

in Mauritius. It was converted to a college situated at Curepipe on May 9, 1949. At first there

were only 35 students. Now it‟s approximately 2500 taking into account of its two other

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departments at Belle Rose and Cite la Cure. In 1954, it was transferred to Port Louis. The idea

of propounding the study of Urdu, Islamic Studies and Arabic was taken up by proposing a

common curriculum as other colleges.

7.4 Madadul Islam

This college was founded in the year 1965 through the initial idea of the Madadul

Islam Society. After a modest beginning, it weathered successfully thanks to its members and

the public in general. The idea behind its creation is to offer to Muslim girls an opportunity to

learn Islam in an Islamic environment. It thus emerged as a viable and creditable institution

for girls in Mauritius.

7.5 Muslim Girls College

Previously, it was a primary school and when it was handed over to the government in

1962, the college was built. It opened its doors in 1964. It is a two-storied building in Port

Louis. It was a donation from a certain M.I. Kathrada. Here also, the basic aim of its creation

was to procure an Islamic environment for Muslim girls. It was open to all those interested. It

contributes significantly not only to Muslims but to all Mauritian girls.

7.6 Doha

This is a new institution founded in 2003 at Eau Coulee, Curepipe. It was and still is

financed by the government of Qatar. It has its own pre-primary, primary, secondary and

tertiary departments. It emphasises a lot on the Islamic and Arabic language knowledge. It

also gives formation to those interested in the Da‟wah field – to spread Islam. The population

of all the above mentioned departments reaches the 1200 students, comprising both boys and

girls.

The following pages will present three tables which will give you an example of the

level and progress of the languages of Arabic and Urdu, and Islamic Studies in colleges. It

will be seen that there is an increase in the number of students opting for the three subjects. It

is important here to note that data for the year 2007 was unavailable.

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School Certificate and Higher School Certificate for Arabic (1999 – 2008)

S.C H.S.C

Year No. Of Pupils % Pass Year No. Of Pupils % Pass

1999 89 70.8 1999 7 57.2

2000 83 83.1 2000 7 71.4

2001 108 75 2001 8 37.5

2002 107 84.1 2002 10 50

2003 124 89.5 2003 18 61.1

2004 138 84.1 2004 16 62.5

2005 119 83.8 2005 12 85.7

2006 149 90.3 2006 18 81.8

2007 - - 2007 - -

2008 207 91.3 2008 36 91.7

School Certificate and Higher School Certificate for Islamic Studies (1999 – 2008)

S.C H.S.C

Year No. Of Pupils % Pass Year No. Of Pupils % Pass

1999 466 87.1 1999 76 90.8

2000 469 87.6 2000 69 91.3

2001 487 85.6 2001 73 93.2

2002 506 83.5 2002 92 93.5

2003 526 82.7 2003 89 87.6

2004 632 83.1 2004 109 88.1

2005 593 80 2005 104 88.9

2006 653 85.2 2006 139 86.9

2007 - - 2007 - -

2008 703 85.2 2008 206 78.2

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School Certificate and Higher School Certificate for Urdu (1999 – 2008)

S.C H.S.C

Year No. Of Pupils % Pass Year No. Of Pupils % Pass

1999 248 88.7 1999 40 97.5

2000 282 94.3 2000 35 100

2001 284 97.6 2001 45 100

2002 298 96.2 2002 54 100

2003 308 96.1 2003 72 100

2004 305 97.4 2004 76 98.7

2005 332 98.2 2005 81 98.8

2006 364 96.3 2006 105 97.2

2007 - - 2007 - -

2008 417 95.2 2008 114 96.5

From the three above tables, it can be deduced that the population of students opting

for Arabic and Urdu Languages and Islamic Studies are increasing day by day. This can be

explained due to certain reasons as follow:

1. It is a request from their parents for their sons / daughters to opt for these subjects.

2. There is a sudden interest of people for the religion of Islam.

3. These three subjects are thought to be easy and scoring subjects.

4. These subjects come, in many cases, to fill in the combination of proposed subjects for

S.C and H.S.C.

However, it is the duty and responsibility of the parents to encourage and motivate their

children to opt for these three subjects. But this is not the case. Most Muslim parents are not

aware of their importance and they often consider these subjects as third grade subjects.

Personally, these parents are deprived of Islamic knowledge.

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Chapter 8

Islamic Firqah

This chapter will deal with the different religious and Islamic groups prevailing in

Mauritius.

8.1 Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama’ah

This Islamic party was founded right from the start and coming of Muslims on the

Island. This is so due to the fact that all parties known in Mauritius were not yet created

before the year 1722 where there was the first sign of Muslims. The Sunni creed emphasises

mainly on the two books that the holy Prophet (s.a.w) left, that is the holy Qur‟an and the

Hadith. Explanation and elaboration of these two books are obtained in the various Tafsir of

Ashab and Ulama. Moreover, there are other religious concepts like Wasilah or Tawassul,

Tasawwuf, Isaaluth Thawab and the celebration of Yawmun Nabi (s.a.w), „Urs and Mawlood.

Its principles are revived by Hazrat Mawlana Ahmad Raza Khan (r.a) who is considered as

the reformer and reviver of Deen during his time.

8.2 Salafi / Wahhabi / Tawheedi / Tablighi Jama’ah

These four above listed groups appeared on the land of Mauritius in between the year

1965 and 1970. They were brought here thanks to Ulama of Saudi Arabia and South Africa.

Their main doctrine is the worship of Allah alone (which is an undisputable fact). They

practically reject all concepts from any other countries except from Saudi Arabia (not to say

they reject all Indian and Pakistani concepts and accept only Arab concept).

The Salafi, taken the name after the Salaf – those during the golden age – profess to

follow the holy Qur‟an and the Sunnah and the pious ones. But what is interesting to note is

that they are not open to discussion and dialogue.

The Wahhabi, originated from their leader Muhammad Abdul Wahhab Najdi,

propound the deep study of the Qur‟an. Much emphasis is laid on its principles. However, its

leader was of the view that all Muslims must accept his views and anyone rejecting and

opposing him and his ideologies must be killed. He put his words into practice when he was

still alive. Thanks God, the Wahhabi here in Mauritius are not of that same ideologies.

21

The Tawheedi, following one of their main leaders, have as leader Ahmad Ibn

Taymiyyah. This group was revived by Muhammad Abdul Wahhab Najdi, having practically

the same doctrines as the Wahhabi.

The Tablighi having Mawlana Muhammad Ilyas as its founder is well present in

Mauritius. Their main point of concentration is the holy Qur‟an. Their activities can be

divided into the following: 3 days a month in a mosque, 2 times visiting the Muslims of the

locality, 40 days a year in a mosque and 4 months in a lifetime in a mosque. It was revived by

Zakariyya Kandahlawi.

8.3 Ahmadiyyah / Qadiani

Personally and based on Ulama‟s Fatwa, the Ahmadiyyah and the Qadiani are not

considered as Muslims. For more information, see below:

Fatwa of Muslim Scholars and Organizations Regarding the Qadiani (Ahmadiyya)

Cult. The 1974 Declaration of Muslim World League: Qadianism or Ahmadiyyat:

It is a subversive movement against Islam and the Muslim world, which falsely

and deceitfully claims to be an Islamic sect; who under the guise of Islam and for

the sake of mundane interests contrives and plans to damage the very foundations

of Islam. Its eminent deviations from the basic Islamic principles are as follows: 1.

Its founder claimed that he was a Prophet. 2. They deliberately distort the

meanings of the verses of the Holy Quran. 3. They declared that Jihad has been

abolished.

Fatwa of permanent board of Inquiry and Fatwa (Saudi Arabia): In the gathering of

the Muslim Scholars (Rabita A‟ailm-e-Islami) in the year 1394 A.H. (1974), a

written statement was drafted to explain the true principles of this group, how and

when they started, and so on. Very briefly, this group has declare that Mirza

Ghulam Ahmad, an Indian, is a prophet who has received revelations from Allah

and that no one will be correct in his Islam, unless he believes in him (Mirza). He

(Mirza) was born in the 13th century, but Allah (SWT) has told us in his Book

(Qur‟an) that prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is the last of Prophets; all Muslim

scholars have given an unanimous ruling that whoever makes the claim that after

him (s.a.w) there can appear a new prophet is a Kafir (non-Muslim), because he

will be lying about Allah‟s Book and about the Hadith of the holy Prophet (s.a.w)

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which states that he(s.a.w) is the very last of the Prophets. In addition, this would

be contrary to the consensus of the Muslim Ummah.

Member Member Vice Chairman Chairman

Abdullah bin Ghaud Abdullah bin Ghedian Abdulrezagh Afifi Abdulaziz bin Abdullah

bin Baz

Fatwa of Islamic Fiqh Academy, Egypt: ... Based on the above-mentioned facts, we

can say that Qadyaniyyah is a deviant group that has nothing to do with Islam.

Muslims are to be aware of them especially after they have been branded as Kafir by

all scholars.

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Chapter 9

Muslim Personal Law

What will follow here is a brief analysis of the situation of the Muslim Personal Law

(MPL) in Mauritius.

Since long, the Muslims of Mauritius wanted to incorporate the Shari‟ah in the

Mauritian Law, at least applied to them. But the government was too slow to move on their

request. In 1932, a delegation of the Mauritius Council of Government left for England to

discuss with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, the Rt. Hon. Cunliffe-Lister. Hon.

Goolam Muhammad Dawoojee Atchia accompanied the delegation. But nothing happened. In

1965, at the all-Party Constitution Conference held in London, Hon. Abdool Razack

Muhammad raised the issue and it was decided that something should be done to introduce

the Muslim Personal Law in Mauritius. In 1976, the then government decided to move on the

question of MPL. It was on June 16, 1981 that the religious marriage known as Nikah was

acknowledged as a legal and recognised marriage. In 1990, Sir Aneerood Jugnauth, the then

prime Minister, proposed new amendments to the civil status acts that gave legal status to the

Nikah and provided to the creation of the Muslim Family Council (MFC). But till this day,

there is nothing concrete on the MPL.

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Chapter 10

Conclusion

Islam has been spread throughout the whole world thanks to the holy Prophet (s.a.w)

and his Ashab. Their endeavour was primordial in this task. Islam landed to Mauritius with

the coming of Indian people. And Islam landed in India through Hazrat Khwaja Gharib

Nawaz (r.a). However, all those who came to Mauritius wanted to bring their contribution to

the Deen of Islam. What is the most important fact is that we, Muslims are still able to profess

our religious creeds and beliefs and put them into practice at any time of the day and night.

Islam in Mauritius is a gift from God; one through the variety of books on the market

and secondly through the visits of many religious personalities from around the whole world.

Both the theoretical and the practical parts of Islam are beautifully adhered in Mauritius.

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Chapter 11

References

1. Emrith M, 1994. History of the Muslims in Mauritius. Editions Le Printemps, Vacoas

2. http://www.islamfortoday.com/mauritius.htm

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam_in_Mauritius

4. http://www.barbodhan.org/main_stuf/muslimsfrommauritius/muslims_in_mauritius.ht

m

5. http://www.e-prism.org