Kobe Muslim Mosque

History of Kobe Muslim Mosque

Kobe Muslim Mosque (神戸ムスリムモスク), also worldwide famous as “The Miracle Mosque“, was founded on 2nd August, 1935. Kobe Muslim Mosque is the first and oldest masjid in Japan. Kobe Muslim Mosque project started in early 1900 when Muslims living in Kobe City realized the need of a place for worship with the growing numbers of believers in this area. First of all, we must mention the name of Mr. M. A. K. Bochia, who originally proposed the idea of building a Masjid in Kobe City. Secondly, Mr. Ferozzuddin, the Chief Donor of the Mosque, who alone donated more than half of the total construction cost of this unique and supplanted piece of architecture. Total cost of construction amounts to around ¥120,000 for which not doubt it was a huge amount of money at that time. Thanks to the generous contribution of Mr. Ferozzuddin, without which it would have been impossible to build this beautiful and majestic Masjid.

Muslims in Japan are proud to express the achievements of both men in the expansion of Islam into Japan, using every means possible.

The foundation stone of the mosque was laid down on Friday, November 30, 1934 by Mr. M.A.K. Bochia. The opening ceremony was held on August 2, 1935, by Mr. Ferozzuddin, welcoming a large number of men and women who had come from all over the world, including Russia, Germany, Manchuria, China, Turkestan, Java, Egypt, and Afghanistan. He opened the door with a specially prepared silver key, and proclaimed the opening of the first Muslim Mosque in the beautiful land of the rising sun, followed by everyone chanting “Allahu Akbar” (Allah(God) is greatest). Thus, the first Friday prayer Adhan of this Masjid was called by Mr. Ferozzuddin at the top of the minaret, followed by the Friday Congregation. This was a truly auspicious day for believers, as they built the first worship place of Muslim faith in Japan.

Since this memorable day, prayers have been held regularly and Masjid is functioning as an integral part of the Muslim community in this region.

The mosque features a distinct minaret and dome, characteristic of Islamic architectural styles. It was designed by Czech architect Jan Josef Švagr, who incorporated both Islamic and Japanese elements in the mosque's design.

During World War II, the Kobe City suffered heavy damage due to bombings. However, the Masjid survived the war and continued to serve as a place of worship for the Muslim community. Later in 1995, when more than 6400 are killed by The Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake and 7.3 magnitude earthquake severely destroyed the infrastructure of Kobe City, Kobe Masjid stood firm by the Grace of Allah almighty and protected by Allah SWT. Later, due to this miraculous history of Kobe Muslim Mosque, the mosque became famous as THE MIRACLE MOSQUE.

Today, the Kobe Muslim Mosque stands as a symbol of Japan's multiculturalism and the peaceful coexistence of various religious and cultural backgrounds in the country.