Lost in the labyrinthine lanes near Crawford Market? Here stands the QURESHI MASJID. The QURESHI MASJID is a serene beacon of faith. Let’s delve into the story of this iconic mosque.
The QURESHI MASJID is also known as the Jama Masjid. It is one of Mumbai’s most popular mosques. The QURESHI MASJID’s story begins in the 18th century. A Konkani Muslim merchant owned a large water reservoir here. He traded in Goa and Calicut. Around 1775, he agreed to let a mosque be built. But there was a condition. The water tank had to be preserved.
Construction began in 1775. However, neighbors raised objections. This delayed progress until 1778. More disputes arose. They involved illegal construction to the west and south. Finally, Bombay Governor Sir Meadows Taylor ruled for the mosque. The QURESHI MASJID was completed around 1802 or 1803 CE. The name Jahaz-i-Akhirat was given to it. It means “The ship of the world to come”. This name refers to the fact that it was built on the tank.
Initially, a one-story building was built over the tank. This formed the original Jama Masjid. A top floor was added in 1814. Mohammad Ali Roghay, a Konkani merchant, supported this addition. Before the QURESHI MASJID was finished, Sat Tad Masjid served as the Friday mosque. This was from 1770 to 1802.
The QURESHI MASJID’s architecture showcases the Indo-Islamic style. It is a quadrangular structure made of brick and stone. The mosque is surrounded by terraced, roofed buildings. These buildings have two stories. Shops occupy the ground floors. The main eastern gate leads to an open courtyard. Here lies the ancient tank. Masonry steps and embankments now furnish it. The tank was built in 1893. It holds about 3 meters of water. Springs at the bottom feed the tank. Gold and silver fish and turtles live in the tank. People use the tank for wudu. Modern sanitation facilities are also available.
Sixteen black stone arches rise from the tank’s depth. They were constructed in 1874. These arches support the mosque’s structure. The upper story is supported by wooden pillars. Each pillar has a space for sacred books. Large windows were added to the north, east, and south sides in 1898. A madrasa was added in 1902.
The QURESHI MASJID is run by the Juma Masjid of Bombay Trust. It spans over 0.40 hectares. The mosque houses a digitized library. It contains rare manuscripts from the 1890s. The QURESHI MASJID is a key mosque for Sunnis. Konkani Muslims manage it. It follows the Shafie madhab. Most Konkani Muslims adhere to this school of thought.
A board of eleven directors manages the mosque’s properties and affairs. The Konkani Muslim Jamat elects them triennially. A Nazir handles the executive functions. The board appoints the Nazir. The mosque staff includes an Imam or prayer leader. There is also an assistant imam. Bangis or muezzins summon devotees to prayer.
The QURESHI MASJID is on Janjikar Street in Kalbadevi. It’s near Dhobi Talao. Zaveri Bazar is to the west. Abdul Rehman Street is to the east. The nearest train stations are Marine Lines and Masjid Bunder. Buses also provide access. They stop at Mahatma Phule Market.
The QURESHI MASJID stands as a testament. It reflects Mumbai’s rich cultural and religious tapestry. Its history is etched in every brick and arch. Its story continues with every prayer.