A brief reflections on History of Islam and Muslims in Botswana By Sheikh H Hassan
The humble beginning When you speak about Islam in Botswana, you cannot do so without tracing the origin of Islam in South Africa, especially in Kwazulu Natal. It was in this part Southern Africa that the colonial masters from United Kingdom introduced three commercial programmes namely: sugar cane, railway and core industry. Zulus the indigenous people of Kwazulu Natal were asked by their British masters to work in these two industries. The Zulus refused to implement the wishes of the British masters. This rebellion of Zulu forced the British masters to bring labourers from India to come and work for them in the abovementioned programmes. Two groups of Indians arrived in South Africa during the period of British occupation of Kwazulu Natal Province. The first group consisted people contracted by the British to come and work in sugar cane, railway and core industry in Kwazulu Natal. They were given a contract of five years after which they could decide to return back to their country of origin or remain behind and live in South Africa. There was a small group of Muslims in this group that came to work for the British masters in the sugar cane, railway and core industry. The second group arrived in South Africa from India, who paid their own fare. Their aim was to adventure in trade, especially with their countrymen who came to work in the abovementioned industries and later expand their trade to include other people if possible. There was a big number of Muslims in this group. Their trade activities were concentrated in the Natal Province. From Natal to Kimberly It was from this small number of Muslims who arrived in South Africa in early 1800s in different conditions of life managed to move from Natal and penetrate other places and villages to trade with the local people of the area. The colonial laws were not friendly at the time with Muslims who were regarded as a potential challenge in the trading industry. The discovery of gold and diamond in Transvaal and Kimberly opened doors of opportunities for Muslims to move as far as to the land of diamond in Kimberly and finally to the surrounding areas. 1
Ramotswa welcoms Islam According to the oral reports, the first Muslims could have arrived in Botswana in 1886. It is mentioned that Ramotswa served as the first centre of Muslims in Botswana, despite that there was no a physical building such as mosque or madrassa visible in the Bamalethe village. The tribal chief of Bamalethe was very friendly to Muslim traders, and the first Muslim grave yard in Botswana is found in Bamalethe Village and it is still functioning. In the subsequent years, other Muslim traders of Indian origin could be found in areas of Moshupa, Manyana, Lobatse, Molepolole and in areas of the Kgalagadi such as Hukuntsi, Tshane, and Lokhwabe etc.. It wasn't easy The early Muslims in the new land of Botswana which was under the colony of British faced significant problems and challenges including resistance from the colonial government at that time. They were not allowed to practice trade in towns and along the main railway route; they were also not allowed to bring their own families to Botswana and own land. Despite these problems, the first Muslims in Botswana managed to build up and maintain a good relationship with the indigenous people of Botswana. During this colonial era of Botswana Muslim immigrants had no intention to introduce Islam among the people of Botswana, even though there was good relation between them. The general population in various villages was encouraging, Muslims did not use it and become opportunists. They preferred to preserve and maintain their faith among themselves. Independence and Muslims It was after the independence of Botswana in 1966 that, Muslims enjoyed significant rights like any other Batswana. They had rights to become the citizens of Botswana it they wish to do so. Town of Lobatse at time of independence was functioning as an administrative and business hub of Botswana. After the independence, Muslims managed to establish some businesses in Lobatse, which eventually necessitated the building of the first masjid in Botswana. 2
First masjid in Botswana The masijid was established immediately after the independence. It was built on the efforts of the local Muslims, male and females in Botswana. There was no outside contribution or collection to the project of the mosque. Except that Muslims in Botswana were in very small number compering to number of Muslims in neighboring countries. Muslims in this country learnt from the beginning that, the progress of Islam is Botswana is their responsibility and they are accountable to that. Therefore, they should try by all means to solicit funds and become self-sufficient economically and financially. The first mosque in Botswana 1967. As the economy of Botswana and the country was growing very rapidly, the town of Lobatse became very small to handle this rapid development, taking into consideration its geographical and physical location. there was a need to move administrative activities to Gaborone, which by the facto became the capital city of Botswana. Muslims did not lose this opportunity. Tthey moved and established their b u s i n e s s i n t h e n e w c i t y o f G a b o r o n e.. Islam and migration Now the doors of Botswana were opened to the rest of the world, Muslim community also continued to grow and develop very fast. Other Muslims from neighbouring countries and other countries migrated to Botswana for economical, cultural, intellectual and social reasons. 3
The masjid in Lobatse continued to serve as a unifying force for Muslims from all corners of the country. Muslims could come from their villages and towns to perform their Juma salah and Eid salah at Lobatse masjid. It was the opportunity for them to meet and chart the way forward on various issues of their concern. The need of masjid in Gaborone As the Muslim community was growing in Gaborone, the need of establishing the second masjid in Botswana was inevitable. In the early 80s, the project became a reality, and Muslims have now an Islamic Centre that could serve as a place of performing five daily salah, Juma, Eid salah and madrassah. Second masjid in Botswana 1985. Role of Botswana Muslim Association The Botswana Muslim Association which was established in early 70s serves as the mother association for all Muslim affairs in Botswana. There are management committee in each town, city, or village that managethe Muslim s affairs on behalf of B.M.A with full autonomy. The Management Committees consist of different sub committees, e.g. Masjid Committee, Burial Committee, Madrassah Committee, Halaal Committee, Zakaat and Lillah Committee, Hilaal Committee, Da wah Committee, etc. There are more than 20 Islamic Centres around the country fully functioning under the auspice of Botswana Muslim Association. There is Botswana Muslim Youth Movement and Al-Muslimah, both groups are affiliated to B.M.A. 4
Some other masajid in Botswana Masjid in Gaborone West 2005. Masjid in Rasesa 1990. Masjid in Selebe Phikwe 2010. 5
The state of Islam in Botswana is improving now among Batswana. There is a significant number of Batswana who accepted Islam as there spiritual way of life. The number is growing especially among the young generation age between 15-30. Intermarriages between Batswana and different Muslims from various countries in Africa, Asia etc. is contributing to the growth of Islam among the local population. Muslim and social responsibility Muslims contribution to the social welfare and development of Botswana which include the set up of medical facilities like that of A.S Dada foundation which already handed four completed clinics with equipments to the government of Botswana. Hajee Goolam Mustapha Children s Home, and the Muslim s response to the call of His Excellency Lt. General Seretse Khama Ian Kham to contribute to his programme of poverty alleviation by putting up homes for the destitute people in the country. these and other unmentioned social activities to the people of Botswana is a cllear indication that Islam and Muslims are working to achieve not only the spiritual life but also their social and development welfare. By Sheikh Hategekimana Hassan 6