PAKTHINI MASJID
Pakthini
Masjid
Big
mosque of Melvisharam is the oldest mosque in our town. It was constructed
during early 18th century or later 17th century by the
residents of UPPUPETTAI (Old name of Melvisharam), an area comprised of Big
street, Dargah Street and Big Mosque street.
As
the population increased, the settlement extended towards the eastern part and
there arose a need for a mosque in this region (for the residents of Mara
Street, Big Street, Dandukar Street, Old Post Office Street, Tengakar Street,
S. H. A. Street, P.H.B. Street, S. Haji Meera Sahib Street and Ameenba Street).
Pakthini Hadi Batcha Sahib came forward to fulfil this noble cause.
Pakthini Hadi Batcha Sahib Alias Pacha Sahib was the son of Pakthini Abdul Khadar Sahib. He was born in 1847 in Big Street,
Melvisharam. Pacha Sahib was a grain trader in Bangalore. Later he became a
famous tanner and leather merchant of Madras Presidency. He was an orthodox
Muslim who took keen interest in building numerous mosques across South India. For
more than fifty years, he had served as the muthavalli of the town and also
laid the strong foundation of Jamath. He was considered as the Iron man of
Visharam.
He built a masjid named Pakthini Mosque in
1884 (1301 hijri) next to his house at the end of the big street. Hazrath
Moulana Hafiz Malak Mohammed Gulzar Sahib says, “The mosque was opened with the
dua of Hazrath Moulana Abdul Wahab Sahib (Rah), founder of Madarsa E Baqiyathus
Salihath and the saints of Hazrath Makan Vellore.”
This is the second oldest mosque of Melvisharam. The old structure of the mosque had two minarets, a mihrab (niche) and a Mimbar (pulpit). The old building had seven rows. Inner portion of the mosque was small, the mid portion was more extended and the outer one was widened further. The back portion had few trees and plants. A water tank was constructed beside the road side entrance to quench the thirst of animals. It can be seen even today.
Till the beginning of 20th
century whole town offered Jumma Prayers at Big Mosque as it was the Jamia
Masjid. Considering the increasing in population, Pacha Sahib approached
Ulamas of Madarsa-E-Lathifia, Hazrath makan Vellore seeking permission to
establish Jumma Prayer in this newly constructed mosque. A fatwa issued by the
Ulamas of Hazrath Makan gave permission for conducting Jumma Prayers. Since
then, Jumma prayers were offered in this mosque. In those days, the mosque was
also known as Pudu Masudi (New Mosque) and Nadu Masudi (Central Mosque)
in Tamil.
This mosque had a big tree and
Pacha Sahib liked it very much. During his absence, his brother in law Janab
Sakvai Haji Abdullah Sahib cut it down for want of space. On knowing this,
Pacha Sahib expressed his displeasure. So he asked Haji Abdullah Sahib to
compensate this loss by expanding the mosque. Hence during the first quarter of
the 20th century, the mosque was lengthened, roofed with Mangalore
tiles.
During his lifetime itself, Pacha Sahib (40 years before death) fixed a place for his grave in the North Western corner of the mosque. He was the first muthavalli of this mosque (1882-1939) from Pakthini family. He died on 2nd June 1939, next day a huge gathering offered his janaza prayer at old eidgah. His body was laid to rest in the allotted space as per his wish and an epitaph is also fixed. Muthavallis
Janab Pakthini Abdul Khadar Sahib, the eldest son, was elected by the Jamath as the Muthavalli and served with dedication from 02. 06. 1939 to 05. 03. 1956. Upon his demise, his eldest son, Janab Pakthini Abdul Shukoor Sahib, was elected as Muthavalli, serving from 05. 03. 1956 to 1973. He was followed by Janab Pakthini Mohammed Ismail Sahib, who held the position from 1973 to 23. 07. 1995. Thereafter, Janab Pakthini Mohammed Zainul Abideen Sahib took charge and served from 23.07. 1995 to January 2010.
Since January 2010, his son Janab Pakthini Irfan Ahmed Sahib has been serving as the Muthavalli and Patel. He has been diligently and efficiently carrying out his responsibilities. Masha Allah. Description of the Old Mosque
The old building had two
entrances. The first one near the Mihrab on the south western side facing big
street. The second one on the road side. An old ablution pool and a well was
located next to the sahan.
It is to be noted that the office of the Ahle Sunnath Lababeen Jamath functioned in this mosque. To facilitate the official works of Jamath and to maintain the records, Janab Arcot Mohammed Ismail Sahib (ico) constructed an office room above the azan room in 1980s. He also constructed two shops to generate revnue to the Jamath.
In 1987, the mosque was roofed
with RCC building towards eastern side. A sahan, new ablution pool, compound
walls were raised. The small garden was used for the construction of new
toilets. A new entrance was constructed opposite to the present day Jamath
office. The road side entrance was renovated with four arch pillars and a dome.
Janab Malak Abdul Haleem Sahib (s/o Malak Khizar Hussain Sahib) generously
contributed for the construction of this block.
During 1998-1999, the old toilet was demolished and a new one was constructed in the same place. In february 2025, the same toilets were renovated.
To facilitate the stay of tablighi Jamath, a wide dining hall, a sophisticated kitchen, a store room and two toilets were also constructed on the first floor (Easternside facing S.H.A street) by Malak Mohammed Hashim Sahib during 1998-1999. Three shops of the mosque facing towards road side were also renovated.
Construction
of New Building
By 1999, the mosque had completed 117 years, and some of its parts were damaged by termite. So, the Jamath decided to reconstruct the mosque. Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Yaqoob Sahib (rah) informed the Jamath's decision to the public in his Friday bayan.
Alhamdulillah, the new building project was completed with the gracious support and donations from Janab Malack Akbar Hussain Sahib and Malack Aqther Hussain Sahib (sons of late Malack Abdul Haleem Sahib), along with Janab Malack Mohammed Hashim Sahib and his sons. Their philanthropy was instrumental in construction of the new building.
Er. Mohammed Haris Sahib from Madras and Mana Muna Khalid Ahmed Sahib, a reputed engineer of Melvisharam, who also had the privilege of constructing various mosques in the town, was given charge of this noble task. In the year 2000, the mosque was demolished. During the course of demolition, the stone tablet detailing the year (1301 hijri) of construction of the mosque was lost.
Alhamdulillah, myself being a participant of the foundation laying ceremony, sharply remember the events. The construction
work initiated with a Dua by Hazrath Moulana Yaqoob Sahib (Ameer e Shariat,
Tamilnadu and also a resident of this Mohalla) after the Jumma Prayers. Er.
Khalid Ahmed Sahib elaborated the blue print of the proposed new mosque to
Moulana Mohammed Yacoob Sahib (Rah). Before this work started, Hazrath himself
fixed the Qibla direction, a day earlier after the Asar prayer. The construction
work lasted for 18 months. During this course of time, prayers were offered at
the back portion of the mosque. Old
ablution pool was closed to accommodate musallis.
Opening
of the New Mosque
The public eagerly waited for the completion of work. Prior to the
opening day, youngsters and children of the Mohalla voluntarily cleaned and
washed the mosque for the whole night.
The new building was opened for prayers on 5th October 2001
with Friday (Jumma) prayers. On this occasion Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Yaqoob
Sahib (rah) delivered a bayan and also led the jumma prayers. After the
opening, it took another six months to complete the works of first floor.
The new mosque gives a magnificent outlook with a tall minaret on its north western side. Wide space for offering prayers in ground floor and first floor with windows on its three sides. A big vaulted mihrab (niche) furnished with marbles, flowery decorated wooden crafts on top and on its sides, beside it, a marble mimbar (pulpit) designed with flowers fixed inside a wooden mihrab and wooden cupboards engraved with flower designs on its arched top. These features adorn the front wall of the mosque. About a decade ago, Janab Arcot Mohammed Saalim Sahib installed centralized Air Conditioners. During summers and Ramadan, it has been a great source of comfort to musallees.
At the entrance, a netted marble designed with stars, covers the moulded arch openings. A new ablution pool was also made in 2001. Today, the Pakthini masjid is also known as Beech Ki Masjid and Central Mosque.
Imams
of the Mosque
Hazrath Moulana Abdus Sathar Sahib Bilinchpuri served as the imam of this mosque for a period of 27 years. His sons, Hazrath Moulana Abu Savood Sahib and Hazrath Moulana Ibrahim Sahib were also the few oldest imams of this mosque. The locals share that in 1940s Hazrath Abu Sawood Sahib would instruct his students to gather at the mosque before the Fajr prayer. He would then assign each student a specific street to patrol, calling out to people and encouraging them to join the Fajr prayer. With lanterns in their hands, these students would walk down their designated streets, urging the community to wake up for the prayer.
Their services are still remembered by elders of the town. Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Akbar Basha Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Zubair Ahmed Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Zaheer Ahmed Sahib Baqwi, Hazrath Hafiz T.K. Zaheer Ahmed Sahib, Hazrath Hafiz Zakir Hussain Sahib, Hazrath Hafiz Khateeb Thufail Ahmed Sahib and Hazrath Hafiz Ashraf Ali Sahib served as imams in the recent decades. Since 2007, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Ariur Mohammed Arshad Sahib has been serving as an imam till date. Muazzins
For the past 41 years, Janab Mohammed Iqbal Sahib has been serving with dedication as the Muazzin of the mosque. Though 41 years have rolled on, his tone of Azaan has not changed. Masha Allah. Earlier, Janab Hasbi Fazlur Rahman Sahib served as the Muazzin for 30 years. Elders say that he too maintained the mosque efficiently and discharged his duties sincerely. Imams of Taraveeh Prayers
Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Abdus
Sathar Sahib, the esteemed Imam of the mosque, led the Tarawih prayers with
devotion and precision for 27 consecutive years. According to Hazrath Moulana
Hafiz Puttu Salman Sahib, who narrates this account from his forefathers, Abdus
Sathar Sahib was blessed with an extraordinary memory so much so that he never
missed a single ayah during the recitation of the Holy Qur'an in Tarawih.
In his 27th year of Imamat, on
the blessed 27th night of Ramadan, as he was about to complete the Qur'an,
he deliberately paused during the recitation of Surah Al-Ikhlas and got the
command of the Sama ‘yee (An Hafiz, who carefully listens and follows the Qirath
of the Taraveeh Imam. In case of mistake, he will repeat the missed verse).
He did this not out of need, but out of humility
to avoid any trace of pride in his flawless recitation.That year marked the end
of his service, and shortly thereafter, he passed away. Previously, Abdus Sattar Sahib had also served as imam of Lababeen Masjid, Commercial street, Bangalore when Pakthini Pacha Sahib was Muthavalli of that mosque. Apart from doing imamat at Pakthini Masjid, he had also served as the teacher at Madarsa E Madinatul Ilm, Melvisharam.
Hazrath Hafiz Polur Mukhtar Ahmed Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Hyder Abdul Azeez Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Kottur Abdul Khadeer Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Malak Mohammed Gulzar Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Gramani Mohammed Aamir (Muthavalli) Sahib and Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Puttu Mohammed Salman Sahib and Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Mohammed Mujeebur Rahman Sahib were some of the Huffaz who led taraveeh prayers in this mosque. Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Mohammed Saalim Sahib (s/o Hazrath Qari Mohammed Thyub Sahib) also led the taraveeh prayers for two consecutive years. In the recent past, Janab Moulana Hafiz Malack Hussain Ahmed Sahib led the taraveeh prayers for 15 years. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2019. He was a pious youngman of great calibre and extraordinary memory. He led the prayers even during poor health conditions. We missed him a lot. Later Hafiz Pakthini Mohammed Suhaib Sahib and Hafiz Vaverthar Umar Athaullah Sahib led the taraveeh prayers. For the past two years, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Alanjikuppam Naveed Ahmed Sahib has been fulfilling this task. Friday Sermons
Earlier, Hazrath Moulana Allama Abu Savood Sahib who was the imam of the mosque delivered Juma Bayan until his stay in Melvisharam (upto 1962). During his absence, Hazrath Moulana Nayyar Rabbani Sahib would address the jumma gatherings. His brother Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Ibrahim Sahib Bilinchpuri had also delivered Juma sermons for a long time.
Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Yaqoob Sahib had delivered Jumma Bayan from 1970s to 2015 on every first Friday of the month attended by a huge gathering. Apart from the native Mussallees, people from other Mohallas would also assemble earlier to hear the bayan of this great scholar. Few years ago, the collection of these sermons were compiled and published in the form of a book titled 'Khutbat E Visharam' Vol. I & Vol. II. On 18th October 2025, Vol. III was also released by Hazrath Moulana Abdul Khaliq Sahib Madrasi in a gathering at Masjid E Khizar. Mufti Mohammed Sabeel Sahib of Vaniyambadi and Mufti Mohammed Siddiq Sahib took great efforts in compiling this book.
He also conducted Tafsirul Quran majlis on weekly basis. During early 1990s, when dish connection was launched for the first time in Melvisharam, Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Yaqoob Sahib delivered a bayan after Maghrib prayers at this mosque. He spoke on the ill effects of watching T. V., advised not to waste time in watching films and also insisted not to involve in any such evil acts. Later, an Urdu book titled ' T.V. Aur Azaab E Qabar' was circulated among the public.
Followed by Hazrath Moulana Yaqoob Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Zaheer Ahmed Sahib had done tafsir on every Monday for nearly five years. Hazrath Moulana Mufti Riyaz Ahmed Sahib had done tafsirul Quran for nearly 10 years. Hazrath Moulana Mufti Riyaz Ahmed Sahib had delivered Juma Bayan from 1998 to 2022 regularly. He played a crucial role in creating Islamic awakening among youngsters. His efforts had left a great impact on the society. Janab Vaverthar Rizwanullah Sahib, a native of the Mohalla says,''Hazrath Moulana Mufti Riyaz Ahmed sahib was instrumental in making the public aware of many shariah principle through his daring bayans from central mosque."
E'tikaf
As far as Mu'atakifs (one who observes E'tikaf) are concerned, many musallees had observed E'tikaf during last 10 days of Ramazan in this mosque since establishment. But I have seen my neighbour Janab Ceepu Zafar Ahmed Sahib observing Etikaf for more than thirty years continuously until his death in 2011. Along with him another Mu'takif was Minni Abdur Rahman Sahib. The duo observed E'tikaf regularly. For the past 15 years, Janab Abdul Azeez Sahib and Sakvai Mohammed Imran Sahib have been observing this noble deed. Tableegh Movement
In late 1940s, the work of Dawat o Tabligh was started in this mosque. Under the guidance of Hazrath Moulana Abu Sawood Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Ibrahim Sahib Bilinchpuri, Janab Puttu Mohammed Basha Sahib (Ameer of Tablighi Jamath for North Arcot District) and other elders. Since then, this movement has been contributing for the Islamic awakening among the Muslims. Hazrath Moulana Kalambur Mohammed Yaqoob Sahib was one of oldest Tablighi activist of our Mohalla. He was the first person to go on a four months jamath from Melvisharam.
Janab Vaverthar Abdur Rahman Sahib, Janab Vallikan Mohammed Haneef Sahib accompanied by youngsters of that time like Janab Lawyer Abdul Azeez Sahib, Janab Malack Prof. Mohammed Shahabuddin Sahib, Janab Malack Mohammed Shujauddin Sahib and Puttu Abdul Wahab Sahib were some of the Tablighi workers who transferred this responsibility to the present generation. Alhamdulillah, Janab Malack Mohammed Shujauddin Sahib is the oldest Tablighi activist of our Mohalla at present and he has dedicated his whole life for this cause. Over the years, Tablighi Jamaths from various states of India and across the globe had visited this mosque. Its activities had made an indelible mark in our society, Even today, a significant number of musallees are active in this work and they sacrifice a lot for this good cause. Masail Board
Janab (late) Mana Muna Abdul Kareem Sahib, a respected elder and long-time Musallee of this mosque, was a renowned Islamic scholar and dedicated social worker from our town. Deeply concerned about the lack of awareness among Muslims regarding the essential tenets of Islam, he took it upon himself to educate the community.
With this noble intention, he began publishing informative pamphlets in Urdu on vital Islamic principles such as Namaz, Zakat, and other key aspects of the faith. In the early 1980s, he initiated the practice of writing weekly Islamic rulings and reminders on the blackboard in this mosque for the first time in Melvisharam. For easy reference, Mana Muna Abdul Kareem Sahib compiled a pocket sized book titled 'Guldasta E Masail' and also appointed suitable persons for writing it. Over time, this practice gained popularity and was adopted by other mosques as well. Today, these weekly blackboard writings are read regularly by community members and have become a valuable source of Islamic education. A humble effort started by Abdul Kareem Sahib in this mosque over forty years ago has now become a widely followed tradition in nearly all the Jamath Mosques of Melvisharam, continuing to enlighten generations with Islamic knowledge.
Darse Bukhari
Bukhari was initiated in 2008 by Hazrath Moulana Mufti Puttu Mohammed Abubakkar Sahib. Since its’ beginning, he has been consistently conducting the sessions every Monday after Maghrib in this mosque. In January 2023, the study of Bukhari Shareef was successfully completed, marking the first time such a Dars (Lesson series) was initieated and brought to completion in Melvisharam and the Vellore district. To commemorate this significant milestone, a special program was organized, Hazrath Moulana Afzaalur Rahman Sahib (Hardoi) was invited as the Chief guest and a book titled ‘Ilm E Hadees Ka Mukhtasar Taaruf’ authored by Hazrath Mufti Sahib was released. Following this, from 13th February 2023 onwards, Darse Hadees classes on Riyazus Saliheen have been going on. These gatherings have continued to benefit people from various parts of the town, serving as a valuable source of Islamic Knowledge and spiritual guidance.
From 2022, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Kalambur Mohammed Zabeehullah Sahib and Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Kalambur Hussain Ahmed Sahib (sons of Hazrath) have been delivering Juma' bayan. Hazrath Moulana Mufti Abdul Hameed Sahib has been conducting Darse Aqaid on first Sunday of every month since 2022. Prominent Visitors
Being situated in the centre
of the town, this mosque is always busy with religious engagements. Over the
years, great scholars had visited this mosque. I would like to name few of
them. Hazrath Moulana Azad Subhani Sahib of Azamgadh, Hazrath Moulana Hussain
Ahmed Madani, Hazrath Qari Mohammed Thyub Sahib of Deoband etc., during recent
decades Hazrath Qari Ameerul Hasan Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Ibrahim Sahib
Pandori, Hazrath Moulana Abdul Qawi Sahib, Dr. Nadir Ali Khan Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Talha Sahib Naqshbandi,
Hazrath Moulana Sajjad Noumani Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Salahuddin Saifi Sahib
and Hazrath Mufthi Muhammad Sayeed Sahib Palanpuri had made their august presence in this
mosque.
Today the mosque has completed 143 years on a whole and the new building is about to complete 25 years. Conclusion
Every Muslim settlement in villages, towns and cities have their own history. Mosque is the core of all the events of such localities. Study of mosques, its construction, its builders, activities, art and architecture, location and date give insights on the socio- religious, economic, cultural and demographical history of Muslims living in its surroundings. It's crucial to preserve the records of mosques to ensure that this valuable historical information is not lost over time. Acknowledgement
I have been gathering historical
details about this mosque for the past ten years, a journey that began with
valuable insights shared by my late uncle, Janab Pakthini Hadi Batcha Sahib
(Rah). He had also shared with me a rare collection of photos of the Pakthini Mosque. Over time, several other respected individuals enriched this effort with
their knowledge and memories, including Hazrath Moulana Malak Gulzar Ahmed
Sahib, Janab Hasanpura Akbar Ali Sahib, Janab Pakthini Mohammed Irfan Sahib
(Patel Sahib), Hazrath Moulana Kalambur Mohammed Yacoob Sahib (Rah), Hazrath
Moulana Mufti Puttu Abubakkar Sahib, Assistant Muazzin Janab Sadiq Basha Sahib and a few other elders of the community. I
am deeply grateful to all of them for their contributions.
As a native and close neighbour of this mosque, I share a deep emotional and spiritual bond with it, having closely observed its events and developments over the past three decades. Alhamdulillah, I thank Almighty Allah for granting me the opportunity and honour to write this article about one of His beloved houses.
Note : The information presented here is a compilation from various sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and provide a comprehensive overview, this is not a complete history of the mosque. Some details may be missing or incomplete. If the readers find any corrections or additional information, please feel free to share via mdsadath19922@gmail.com
Sakvai Mohammed Sadathullah
11th October,2025
Melvisharam
Masha Allah, beautifully written about our mosque! May Allah bless everyone involved
ReplyDeleteMasha Allah! A well-prepared article. It covers all aspects of the mosque — from its construction and architecture to renovation, mutawallis, imams, muazzins and everything else. Great effort in preparing such a masterpiece.
ReplyDelete