Mughal Masjid — Attraction in Mumbai

Tucked away in the narrow bylanes of Dongri, lies the Moghul Masjid, arguably the oldest piece of Iranian heritage in Mumbai. As the mosque turns 155 this year, Anju Maskeri takes a tour of the mosque

As we enter a narrow bylane of Dongri, which leads towards the mosque, the din of the chaotic traffic on the main road mellows, giving a hint of the serenity that awaits us. With its two minarets glinting in the evening sun, the Moghul Masjid is a majestic piece of Iranian heritage that has withstood the travails of time.The place almost transports one to Iran with its ornate architecture, the pristine water in the pond, the beautiful fountain and well-manicured lawns. Hossain Najafi (29) a third generation Iranian living in Mumbai, reminisces coming to the mosque with his grandfather. “I’ve been coming to this masjid since I was a kid. The peace and serenity here makes you forget about all your problems and the architecture is one of the best I have ever seen," he says.

The masjid was built in 1860 by a wealthy Iranian merchant, Haji Mohammad Hussain Shirazi. “There was a reason behind building the mosque in Bhendi Bazaar. At that point of time, this area was considered an uptown, a bastion for big traders and exporters who would come with ship-loads of goods,” says Ali Namazi, the honorary secretary of the mosque. These traders contributed heavily to the construction of religious places in Dongri. The area is dotted with community halls and imambadas.

Reza Masoudi Nejad, a research scholar, in his thesis, ‘Practising Fractal Shi’i Identities through Muharram Rituals in Mumbai,’ writes, “Through a short walk around Dongri you can experience the diverse cultural background of the Shi’a communities through the architecture of religious places.”

Brick by brick The masjid was built on the lines of the mosques in Shiraz, Iran. A peculiar feature of Shirazi architecture is that the mosques have only two minarets and no dome. The inner walls of this masjid have been made using a combination of Onyx and granite. One can also see several surahs (verses) from the Holy Quran engraved on the walls. The foundation of the ‘mehrab’ or the inner sanctum is made of mud from the holy city of Karbala, Iraq.

The exterior façade of the mosque is built using translucent mosaic tiles that reflect light, giving it a surreal effect. And the ornate crystal chandeliers and exquisite carpets have been imported all the way from Iran.

The pond or what they call ‘hauz’ was originally meant to be the place where ablutions were taken. However, with the construction of taps, the pond is now more of a decorative piece. “The tiles are wiped and cleaned everyday and the carpets are washed twice a year. During the monsoon, we do the water proofing of the place. We have about 12-odd people to look after the mosque,” says Nemazi. The mosque is managed by the Haji Mohammed Shirazi trust. The structure underwent a major facelift in 1996 under architect Reza Kabul who helped restore the mosque to its original glory.

The mosque opens at 5 in the morning with the recitation of the morning prayer (fajr) followed by the afternoon namaaz (Zohr Asr) and then the evening prayer (Maghrib). “All through the year the masjid holds ‘majlis’, a gathering held in the memory of departed souls. Most notable among these are the ones held during Muharram, Ramadan and Ayam-e-Fateimieh (celebrated as Women’s Day in Iran),” reveals Nemazi.

Sarover Zaidi, a research scholar who has explored the anthropological and historical aspect of the mosque, says, “The Moghul Masjid is important for both Iranians as well as the Shias from Bombay and was built as a statement of solidarity. The mosque is not just a heritage piece but a place that brims with life.” Zaidi adds that the mosque has a space beyond prayer. “It provides a sense of relaxation in a crowded area.You will notice people sitting, relaxing, reading the newspaper. It’s a combined space of religion and leisure,” she reveals.

Interestingly next to the masjid, lies the only surviving Irani Hamam (Turkish...

The Irani Masjid, also known as the Minara Masjid, is a significant landmark in Mumbai, India, with a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. Situated in the bustling area of Mohammed Ali Road in the heart of Mumbai's historic district, it stands as a testament to the city's diverse cultural heritage.

Construction of the masjid began in 1783 by a Persian merchant named Hajji Mohamed Ali, after whom the road is named. The masjid's architecture reflects a blend of Persian and Indian styles, characterized by its towering minarets and intricately designed domes. Over the centuries, it has undergone renovations and expansions, evolving into the iconic structure it is today.

The Irani Masjid holds immense religious and cultural significance for Mumbai's Muslim community. It serves as a place of worship for daily prayers, Friday congregations, and special religious occasions. Beyond its religious function, the masjid also plays a central role in community gatherings, hosting events, and fostering social cohesion among residents of diverse backgrounds.

Throughout its history, the Irani Masjid has witnessed Mumbai's transformation from a colonial port city to a bustling metropolis. It has stood as a silent witness to the city's tumultuous past, including periods of British rule, socio-political upheavals, and waves of migration that have shaped its demographic landscape.

Today, the Irani Masjid continues to be a vibrant hub of activity, attracting visitors and worshippers from across Mumbai and beyond. Its presence serves as a reminder of the city's pluralistic identity and the enduring legacy of its diverse communities. As Mumbai evolves, the Irani Masjid remains a symbol of faith, heritage, and unity in the...

This beautiful masjid-e-Irania also known as Moghal Masjid, was built by a persian Architect with A Major Art Work covered from Persia. It has a fountain in between which is also known as 'Hauz' used for Purifying oneself (Wuzu) before offering Prayers-Namaaz. Amidst the hustle bustle of A city like mumbai this Masjid gives a slice of Persia to one, most likely you cannot enter here without permission due to numerous reasons but one must pay visit to the side buildings to have a view of this beautiful Mersmerizing Architecture. Its mainly looked after the Shia Irani...