A huge fire broke out in the 139-year-old Grey Street Mosque in Durban, South Africa, this week, ruining several flats in the&nbspstructure. However, the main place of worship remains unaffected.

Also known as Juma Masjid, the Grey Street Mosque is the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere where around 7,000 devotees can be accommodated. Many international figures have visited the mosque including boxing icon Muhammad Ali and the face of anti-apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela and British musician Cat Stevens. It is a prominent landmark of Durban and is attended by many people as a house of worship.Its domed minaret encased in gilt are visible from miles away in the bustling commercial area. The area around hosts several eateries serving versions of Indian food, including the famous Durban 'bunnychow'.

Reports indicate that the fire started within one of the accommodation flats inside the mosque building by an electrical fault. 

The chairperson of the Juma Masjid Trust, Ahmed Mahomed said that the mosque will remain closed at present until the extent of damage is assessed.