The Haunted Masjid

Historic Aali Masjid Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Ali masjid which is the second largest mosque in the state after Jamia Masjid was constructed during 600 AD, reason why it is entitled as haunted mosque because people believe that it was surrounded by Jins ( haunted ghosts), initially this mosque had hardly any locality around during the late 90s and the mosque had a water canal starting from Khanyaar, but simultaneously when locals started settling in the suburb areas of the mosque the water flowing through the canal started diminishing .

Later under the governorship of Mufti Saeed, the doors of the mosque were again opened for prayers.

Ali Masjid was constructed in 1471 during the reign of Shahmiri king of Kashmir, according to historians the masjid got partially burnt and then under the governorship of Mirwaiz Mohammad Yousuf Shah (RA), all the damaged parts were replaced by resources which were traded from Lahore.

“The call for the Azaan is the only time which people round the clock are eager about, and later under the administration of Mufti Saeed the masjid was under full maintenance and redevelopment, ’’ said a localite.

It was in the year 2003 when finally the doors of the masjid were opened and the long dream which was yet to be cherished turned into a reality.

It was under the supervision of Sir John Marshal of the imperial British the mosque was gradually abandoned in the post-independence period.

Although the director of the tourism industry has taken further steps to save the heritage of the valley, during the initial years the mosque was surrounded with orchards and chinar trees but gradually started to diminish. The Ali mosque was named after Shah Hamdan (RA) who actually came to the valley to preach and spread Islam, this mosque was expanded during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

It is very unfortunate to know that the people of the valley were prohibited from offering prayers in the mosque because of the CRPF troops, due to which the Nowshera area witnessed a lot of protests taking place between the army officials and the protesters.

The area around the masjid includes a cricket ground and EID GAH were people come to offer namaz on the day of Eid is around 1000 canal, a park which covers an area of 96 canals is under construction where people come to relax during their free time enjoying under lush green leaves of the Chinar tree.

“Although it’s very difficult to work under scorching heat still the workers are fully determined and dedicated towards the completion of the park,’’ said Mohammad Ayub, who looks after the maintenance of the park.

Despite having barren land beside the mosque, a lot of areas is still underdeveloped and requires the attention of the government.

While the army people prohibited locals from offering namaz, protests between the locals and army people, paved way for religious clashes and also triggered violence, especially during occasional visits by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for Ijtima.

‘‘It is the responsibility of the state government to look after the heritage of the state,’’ said the KAS officer.

Author is a student of journalism and can be reached at
[email protected]

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