Ahmadiyya Mosque | Lokossa

Information

Landmark: Ahmadiyya Mosque
City: Lokossa
Country: Benin
Continent: Africa

Ahmadiyya Mosque, Lokossa, Benin, Africa

The Ahmadiyya Mosque is a religious structure located in the city of Lokossa, Benin.

This mosque serves as a place of worship for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in the region.

Visual Characteristics

The mosque is constructed primarily from concrete blocks with a rendered exterior. The main building features a simple rectangular plan with a central dome and a minaret. The exterior walls are painted a light cream color, and the dome is finished in a contrasting white. The minaret is slender and rises to a moderate height, topped with a finial.

Location & Access Logistics

The Ahmadiyya Mosque is situated within the urban area of Lokossa. It is accessible via paved local roads branching off the main Route Nationale 1 (RN1). The city center of Lokossa is approximately 2 kilometers to the west. Limited on-street parking is available directly adjacent to the mosque. Public transport within Lokossa consists of shared taxis and motorcycle taxis, which can drop visitors at the mosque's entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The construction of the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Lokossa was completed in 2010. It was built under the auspices of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to provide a dedicated place of prayer and community gathering. The site itself is situated on relatively flat terrain typical of the coastal plain region of Benin.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity at the Ahmadiyya Mosque is prayer. Visitors are permitted to enter the prayer hall outside of scheduled prayer times, provided they adhere to dress codes (modest attire, head covering for women). The minaret offers a vantage point for observing the immediate urban surroundings. Community gatherings and religious education sessions are also held at the facility.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available for congregants and visitors. Some shaded areas are provided by the building's overhangs. Cell phone signal (primarily 2G/3G) is generally available in this part of Lokossa. There are no on-site food vendors; however, small local eateries and markets are located within a 500-meter radius of the mosque.

Best Time to Visit

For observing daily life and prayer schedules, visiting during the five daily prayer times is recommended. For photography of the exterior, late afternoon provides softer lighting. The climate in Lokossa is tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season, from November to April, generally offers more comfortable weather for visiting.

Facts & Legends

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a minority sect within Islam. The establishment of this mosque in Lokossa represents the community's expansion and commitment to serving its followers in West Africa. A local anecdote suggests that the construction was expedited due to the community's strong desire for a permanent place of worship.