Can you imagine a mosque that seems to float on water? That’s exactly what you’ll find here at the Kazi Masjid. It is a unique landmark in Mumbai.
The Kazi Masjid is not just a place of worship. It’s a testament to the city’s rich history. It showcases an exceptional blend of architecture. This mosque is one of the oldest in the country.
Back in 1775, the Konkani Muslim community decided to build a new Jama Masjid. Kazi Hussain Pallavkar offered his land for this purpose. He was a merchant with trade connections to Goa and Calicut. There was one condition. The large water reservoir on his land had to be preserved forever.
Many architects submitted designs for the mosque. Even some British architects presented their ideas. Ultimately, Mehr Ali was chosen. He was tasked with building the structure on the lake.
Construction was complex. A legal battle caused further delays. It took 27 years to complete the initial one-story mosque. Because it seemed to float, it earned the nickname Jahaz-i-Akhirat. This means “The Ship of Hereafter.”
In 1802, the Kazi Masjid opened its doors for its first Juma Namaaz. This is the Friday Prayer. It was a historic moment. The Kazi Masjid was the first Juma Masjid in Bombay funded by the people.
The mosque quickly became a central place for worship and celebration. For 220 years, Friday prayers and major festivals like Eid were held here without interruption. The only exceptions were 2020 and 2021. The mosque can accommodate about 6000 people for each Namaaz.
The pond was bought for Rs 12000. Wealthy businessmen contributed generously to the construction. People like Hamzabhai and the brothers Nathu Patel and Bhikhan Patel gave large sums. Ordinary folks contributed too. They even gave One Paise coins. These small coins had significant value back then.
In 1837, there was a need to expand the Kazi Masjid. Mohammad Ali Mohammad Hussain Roghay offered to fund the renovation. After the expansion, the Kazi Masjid became one of the first two-story mosques in India.
King Saud of Saudi Arabia visited the Kazi Masjid in 1954. This was during an official tour to India. The Pakistani Cricket Team stayed at the Mohammediya High School in the mosque’s premises during their first tour of India in 1960-61. Even Indira Gandhi kept close ties with the mosque’s trustees.
The Kazi Masjid also houses a library. It holds over 16000 rare books in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu. Some 1500 texts are rare manuscripts dating back to the 7th century. These precious texts are digitized and carefully preserved.
The mosque’s main eastern gate leads to a courtyard. This courtyard overlooks the ancient tank. The tank is now surrounded by steps. Here the faithful perform “wazu”. This is the ritual ablution before prayers.
Sixteen black stone arches rise from the water. They support the mosque’s foundations. Above, five rows of wooden pillars hold up the upper story. These pillars were built in 1874 for Rs 75000. Later, in 1898, large windows were added to the east, north, and south walls.
The Kazi Masjid stands as a symbol of beauty and knowledge. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Mumbai. Its unique architecture and rich history make it a must-see destination.