Juma Masjid

Jama Masjid Mumbai is the largest mosque in Mumbai. It is located on the famous Sheikh Memon Street, close to Crawford Market. It is also popular as Friday Mosque. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Mumbai for religious purposes.

The mosque has stunning artwork, beautiful and detailed carvings, and interesting marble stonework. It also has a fascinating past. You will feel completely calm and rested if you visit this mosque as part of your Mumbai tour packages. The peace will fill your whole being.

Historical Significance and Construction

Old Urdu records say the initial Jama Masjid was located near Dongri. Later, they built it at Esplanade. In 1770, Governor William Hornby ordered the demolition of this hallowed mosque and relocated it to Crawford Market.

Later, in 1775, a Konkani trader who possessed a big water tank surrounded by gardens and open ground consented to build a mosque there. He set one condition: they must preserve the water reservoir. When construction began, they raised the mosque foundations in this tank. 

Unfortunately, no one knew the suffering was not yet over. Objections to its building delayed the proposal until 1778. Later, unauthorized buildings caused further issues.

After people eagerly awaited, the Jama Masjid was finally completed in 1802. In 1814, Konkani trader Mohammad Ali Roghay donated a top floor.

Jama Masjid Mumbai Architectural Marvels

The builders used brick and stone to construct the quadrangular Jama Masjid main building. Terraces and double-storey structures surround the mosque.

The Jama Masjid's main gate leads to the former tank's courtyard, now outfitted with stone stairs and embankments. Sixteen black stone arches support the mosque from the tank, and five rows of wooden pillars with sacred book holders support the mosque's upper floor.

In 1898, some big windows were added to the north, south, and east sides of the Jama Masjid. In the same building is also a Madrasa Muhammadiah. Muslim teens and young adults can get free religious and nonreligious schooling at the Madrasa, which also has a hostel connected to it.

Since the 1980s, the Masjid has had a large library with rare texts connected to it. In April 2015, they completely fixed up the library and moved it to the first floor. They have now digitized all of their books.

Cultural and Religious Importance

The Jama Masjid in Mumbai is an important religious and cultural site and a major mosque for Muslims. People gather there every day for prayers, every Friday for worship, and on holidays like Eid. The mosque also represents Mumbai's rich Islamic past, which attracts both religious people and people interested in history.