“Need to catch the 9.45 p.m. train.” These were Sharique Ahmed’s thoughts. He had only one option offer Traveeh in Hamidiya Masjid. Then he could reach home early. The Hamidiya Masjid stands as a testament to Mumbai’s rich history and communal harmony.
Hamidiya Masjid is located in Pydhonie. This commercial hub in South Mumbai is a busy area. But the mosque offers peace and solace. The Hamidiya Masjid is more than 100 years old. It is best suited for busy Mumbaikars.
Haji Mohammed Kasam and his family built the Hamidiya Masjid in 1880. Abdul Hamid the then governor of Mumbai facilitated the land for the mosque. Therefore, it was named after him. Before the Hamidiya Masjid existed it was a pond. People used it to wash their feet before entering the temples. That is how the area got its name Pydhonie.
The Hamidiya Masjid offers two Traveeh prayers during Ramadan. The first one starts at 8.50 pm and ends at 9.30 pm. The second begins at 11.00 pm.
Hafiz and Qari Yusuf led the Traveeh prayer here since 1960. He was a teacher in Anjuman-e-Islam Urdu School. It is situated opposite Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway station from 1960 to 1976. He also recited Quran for Akashvani Radio on Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha. He received awards for his excellent voice.
Qari Yusuf leads Namaz in four different mosques of South Mumbai. He leads Isha and Traveeh Prayer in Hamidiya Masjid during Ramzan. He also leads the Namz of Eid and Eidul Azha in YMCA playground in Mumbai Central.
The Pydhoni Police station is situated opposite the Hamidiya Masjid. The staff takes care of the mosque’s security. CCTV cameras are installed. The Senior Police Inspector monitors them. During prayer times, Namazis offer Traveeh on the road. This is only possible with the help of the police.
The Hamidiya Masjid is situated at a distinct place. On one side, there is a Muslim locality. Hindus live on the other side of the mosque. It is surrounded by five temples. This is a great example of communal harmony. During the 1992 riots, this place was very safe. No untoward incidents took place. After 1992-93, the temple trustees provided electricity to the mosque. This allowed Muslims to offer Namaz peacefully. The mosque and temple trustees agreed that the temple would not ring bells during Namaz.
The Hamidiya Masjid stands not just as a place of worship. It is a symbol of unity. It is a reminder that people of different faiths can coexist peacefully. Its history and the stories of those who prayed here echo through the walls. The Hamidiya Masjid stands as a beacon of hope and harmony in Mumbai.