USMANPET MASJID- MELVISHARAM
Establishment
of Usmanpet Locality
As
a result of his tireless efforts, the Melvisharam Panchayat Board (Old
Municipality) and Post office were established. It is recorded that few
huts situated in a land adjacent to Usman Sahib’s house. He purchased it at
considerable rate, provided place to homeless poor and established madarsa to
educate his own children and the poor. Today, this locality is known as
Usmanpet Mohalla. Similarly, his two sons Alanji Mohamed Ishaque Sahib and
Alanji Abdur Rasheed Sahib also established localities (Mohalla) as Ishaquepet
and Rasheedpet.
Construction
of Usmanpet Mosque
The
exact date of construction of the Usman pet Mosque is not recorded but elders
say that either it was in 1918 or 1919. The mosque was built by Janab Alanji
Abdur Rasheed Sahib (Younger son of Alanji Mohammed Usman Sahib). He married
Noorunnissa Sahiba who was the daughter of Noor Abdul Khadar Sahib. After her
demise, he sold the jewels and constructed a mosque and named it after his
wife’s name as NOORUNNISSA Masjid.
In 1919, a madarsa was also established adjacent to the mosque in a land
donated by Pakthini Family. It was named as Madarsa-e-Talimul Islam. The 100 year old madarsa is still
functioning successfully.
Lightning Strike Tragedy
In
1926 (1344 Hijri), during the month of Ramadan, tragedy struck the mosque.
While the taraweeh prayers were in progress, lightning struck, resulting in the
loss of eight worshippers, including the Imam Sahib who hailed from
Kanchipuram. Accounts from elders vividly describe the profound shock and grief
that enveloped the entire town following this tragic incident. The night of the
calamity was further marked by heavy rainfall, adding to the sorrowful
atmosphere in the community.
Burial of Martyrs of Usmanpet
(Shuhada-e-Usmanpet)
According
to a hadith narrated by Hazrath Jabir ibn 'Atik (Razi), the Messenger of Allah,
peace and blessings be upon him, stated, "There are seven martyrs in
addition to one who is killed in the way of Allah: the victim of plague is a
martyr, the one who drowns is a martyr, the one who dies of chest pain is a
martyr, the one who dies of stomach infection is a martyr, the one who burns to
death is a martyr, the one who dies under rubble is a martyr, and the pregnant
woman who dies in labor is a martyr."
These
noble souls achieved martyrdom during the holy month of Ramadan while engaged
in prayers. In accordance with the aforementioned hadith, they are recognized
as Shaheed (Martyrs). The names of these martyrs are as follows:
1. Hafiz Mohammed Haneef Sahib (Taraweeh Hafiz Sahib Kainagar
from Kanchipuram)
2. Kottur Abdul Rahman Sahib (Muazzin)
3. Chittalappai Khader Patcha Sahib
4. Kirandai Abdul Razzak Sahib
5. Tarkatti Mohammed Hussain Sahib
6. Tolkar Abdul Salam Sahib
7. Chippoy Abdul Jabbar Sahib
8. Abdul Khader Sahib
The martyrs of Usmanpet were laid to rest in the Melvisharam Big Mosque Qabarasthan, to the left side of the entrance (previously known as Alanji Qabarastan). The elderly members of the community fondly remember their resting place as Shuhada-e-Usmanpet. May Allah elevate their positions in Jannah. Aameen.
Second Construction
After
this incident, the mosque was renovated. The outer portions were
roofed with Mangalore tiles. Years rolled and the mosque name transformed from
Noorunnissa Masjid to Usmanpet Mosque. Due to the lighting incident, elderly people also call it in tamil as Idi Vizhundha Masjid.
In
the 1980s, through the generous donations of T. M. Abdul Gafoor Sahib and the
Jamath, a concrete building was erected, served as the rear portion where
lectures (bayans) and Tafseer sessions were conducted.
In
the early 1990s, Janab Arcot Anwar Basha Sahib contributed to the mosque by
constructing a new ablution pool.
In
1998, further expansion towards the south was made possible by the donation of T. M. Abdul Rahman Sahib, leading to the area
acquiring the name of the ‘New Hall’
over time. New toilets were constructed above which a kitchen and dining hall
were also built to facilitate the stay of the Jamaat. These facilities were
designed to ensure the comfort and convenience of those visiting for religious
gatherings and events.
This
mosque, was also known as the Markaz,
served as the headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat for many decades. As a
result, Jamaats from across India and around the world visited this mosque
regularly. Weekly gatherings were held every Sunday, during which speeches by
both local and visiting scholars were delivered. Over the years, significant consultation
gatherings have taken place, and many prominent Islamic scholars have addressed
congregations at this mosque, delivering insightful sermons. In 2017, the
Markaz was relocated to the newly constructed Rahamania Mosque due to space
constraints. The contribution of Tablighi Jamaat in reforming Muslim society is
very important and deserves a separate discussion. Inshaa Allah, I will try to
record it in the future.
New Building
In
2018, a century-old mosque was dismantled, and a new building was erected
by the Jamath. On Friday 9th April 2021, with the Maghrib prayer,
the inauguration of the new building took place. Since its opening, tap water had
been used to facilitate ablution for the Musallis. However, in 2024-25, the
Jamaat constructed a new ablution pool and a toilet on the South Western side of the mosque to better serve the needs of the
worshippers. In February 2026, a dome was constructed above the Roadside Entrance and three minarets were erected in March 2026.
Imams of the Mosque
Hazrath
Moulana Hafiz Shahul Hameed Sahib of Ranipet served as the imam of this mosque
for many years, followed by Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Abdul Khyoom Sahib, who also taught moral
education at Islamiah Boys' Primary School. Later, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Zubair
Sahib took on the role of imam followed by Janab Hafiz Suhail Ahmed Sahib for one year . Since 1990,
Hazrath Hafiz Qari Ilyas Ahmed Sahib has been serving as the imam and leading
the taraveeh prayers until 2019. Masha Allah, Qari Sahib is renowned for his
melodious voice and is highly regarded for his Qirat.
Muazzins of the Mosque
Janab Kalgeri Abdullah Basha Sahib, Janab
Basheer Ahmed Sahib, Janab Mohammed Yahya Sahib were some of the old Muazzins.
Presently, Janab Abdul Khadar Sahib has been serving as the Muazzin.
Muthavallis of the Mosque
Approximately, this mosque has completed 107
years. The following is the list of Muthavallis of mosque over the years.
1.
Janab Gramani Mohammed Ibrahim Sahib
2. Janab Gramani Abdul Kareem
Sahib
3. Janab Gramani Abdur Rahman
Sahib
4. Janab Gramani Azeezullah
Sahib
5.
Janab Gramani Anees Ahmed Sahib B. A.,
6.
Janab Gramani Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Qari Mohammed Aamir Sahib (present muthavalli)
Tafseer Gatherings
Long ago, (1960s and 1970s), Hazrath
Moulana Abdus Samad Hashmi Sahib also conducted Tafseerul Quran. He was a
theology teacher at Islamiah Boys High School. Known for his scholarly reputation
and oratory skills. He would conduct Tafseer immediately after the Fajr prayer
for twenty minutes. People from various localities would participate in this
session. Over the years, he completed the Tafseer of the Quran three times at
this mosque, once at the Melvisharam Big Mosque, and half of the Quran at the
Pakthini Masjid. Hazrath Mufti Mohammed Abubakar Sahib recalls that Hazrath Moulana kalambur Mohammed Yaqoob Sahib Visharami had told
him that he had also conducted Tafseer at Usmanpet Mosque after Fajr, with
people so eager to attend the gathering that they would drink tea before Fajr, driven by curiosity to join the session.
On 26th April 2007 (8th Rabi' al-Sani, 1428 Hijri), Hazrath Mufti Puttu Mohammed Abubakr Sahib began the Tafseer gatherings at this mosque, held every Thursday after Maghrib. Each session is precisely 45 minutes long, and Hazrath Mufti Sahib's regularity and punctuality is widely admired. After completing the Tafseer, he would address Islamic queries from the audience, thereby spreading the profound knowledge of the Holy Quran to the broader community
In
2018, when the construction of the new building commenced, the Tafseer sessions
were temporarily held at Rahmaniya Mosque. On 27th April 2018, (10th
Shaban 1439) the Tafseer of the Holy Quran was completed. Since 28th June 2018,
(13th Shawwal 1439) the second round of Tafseer has been going on
with aa significant number of people from across Visharam attending and benefiting
from the enlightening sessions each week.
Madarsa
E Talimul Islam was established in 1919 adjacent to the mosque in Usmanpet I street. It focused on
teaching the Quran and basic Islamic principles to children. Notable teachers
like Janab Syed Muhiyuddin Sahib and Kalambur Abdur Razaq Sahib worked there,
and their contributions are still remembered fondly by the older generation. Dr.
K. Masood Ahmed Sahib says, Hazrath Moulana S. T. Mohammed Ishaq Sahib (former
Imam of Periamet Mosque) was a student of Syed Muhiyuddin Sahib Hazrath.
Similarly, Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Gulzar Sahib was also a student of this Madarsa
and he regards Syed Muhiyuddin Sahib in high esteem. Over time, the madarsa
became known as the 'Masjid School.'
In the subsequent years, under the supervision of Hazrath
Moulana Abdullah Basha Sahib Baqwi (former Principal of Madarsa E Manbaul Hasanath,
Melvisharam) Hazrath Moulana Mohammed Mujeer Sahib and Hazrath Moulana Haroon
Rasheed Sahib had taught the students. Hazrath Moulana Abdullah Sahib
maintained this Maktab for about forty years. For the past 20 years, his son,
Hazrath Mufti Mohammed Ammar Sahib and Hafiz Shoaibur Rahman Sahib have been
serving there as well. The Madarsa E Talimul Islam has played a
vital role in the educational and spiritual development of the community,
guided by renowned scholars over the years.
Acknowledgement
I thank Almighty Allah for giving me
opportunity to compile the history of this mosque. For compiling the history of
the mosque various sources were referred. Especially, ‘Shehr e Visharam Tareekh
ke Aaine Mein’ by Kottur Abdul Latheef Sahib was very resourceful. Most of the
details of the Usmanpet Mosque was shared by Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Malak
Gulzar Ahmed Sahib. Further, information given by Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Puttu
Mohammed Abubakar Sahib, Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Mufti Mohammed Ammaar Sahib,
Janab Kalambur Mohammed Yousuf Sahib, Janab Hasanpura Akbar Ali Sahib, Janab Master T. Shabbeer Ahmed Sahib and Janab Karpur Mohammed Azeemuddin Sahib were helpful in compiling this article.
I express my heartfelt gratitude to one and all.
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
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