- Address: Butha Buthe, Lesotho;
- Built: in 1908 year.
In the Kingdom of Lesotho , about 2 million people live. Basically this is the people of soto (basuto). Almost all of them are of the Christian faith (mostly Catholics), and only about 10% of the population follow a different religion. Some remained faithful to traditional African beliefs (animalism, fetishism, ancestor cult, nature forces, etc.), some became adherents of Islam. And if you are a Muslim, you can visit the only mosque in Lesotho - Soofie Masjid.
A bit of history
The Soofie Masjid Butha Buthe Mosque was erected in 1908, when the kingdom of Lesotho was still a protectorate of Busutoland. Even the founder's name - Hazrat Sufi Sahib - has been preserved. To this day, it came in a restored form - in 1970 a fire broke out and partially destroyed it. And in 1994 the mosque was overhauled.
Appearance
Probably have to upset the tourist and say that Lesotho is one of the poorest countries in Africa. Do not expect luxurious buildings and colossal structures. The main value of this country for a tourist - whether it be a Christian, a Muslim, or an adherent of any other religion - is its nature. So do not expect anything beyond the natural. The very appearance of the mosque in this country is a miracle. So, you will see a one-story building with a low minaret, traditionally crowned with symbols of Islam - a crescent and a star. And next door is another unique landmark of Lesotho - the only Muslim cemetery.
Where is?
If you are willing to take the risk and visit the Soofie Masjid Mosque, then you need to go to the village of Buta-Bute . It's better to get there by rented car, but remember that the roads are terrible. The distance from Maseru to Buta-Bute is about 130 km and it is necessary to go along the border with South Africa to the north-east.
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