BADI MASJID - MELVISHARAM

    BADI MASJID 

Prophet Muhammad SAW said, "Whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise." Bukhari

During the early 18^th century, the Muslims settled near the present day Dargah Street, Big Street and Big Mosque Street. The people of Visharam were known to stock large amounts of salt and hence it came to be known as Periya Uppupettai or Namakpettah the big (old name of Visharam and also refers to the area around dargah, big mosque street and big street). The Melvisharam Big Mosque was built by the Muslims of UPPUPETTAI. The exact date of the construction of the mosque is not known, approximately, it was constructed in the beginning of 18^th century  or earlier. It is recorded that the natives of Uppupettai who were zealous Muslims built and maintained the mosque out of their honest living. For a long time, the old mosque had two rows, a mihrab and a mimbar. 

During those days, the area of the mosque was very small. It was also the Jamia Masjid of the village. For many years, the people offered prayers in this small mosque. During Friday prayers, to house the large gathering shamiyanas (temporary cloth shelters) were raised. The mosque was widened on southern and northern side within a period of hundred years.  

Due to the increase in population, the mosque was extended in the first quarter of the 19^th century (1800-1825). As per the records in 1822, Uppupettai had 256 houses 15 shops and four baghs.  

In 1903, the town's Jamath expanded it further with wooden roof covered above with limestone. The local Muslims eagerly took part in the construction of Mosque and made generous contributions.  Moulana Malack Hafiz Gulzar Ahmed Sahib narrates from S. M. Abdul Jameel Sahib (1919-1997) that even ladies also assisted in the construction process to contribute their share in this noble work. After Isha Prayer, the women in Purdah used to collect bricks, sand and other materials to place it in the mosque area so as to swift the work. They even ground the stones (chunambu in tamil) in to soft crystals.  This information was acknowledged by many elders of the town like H. Akbar Ali Sahib and Pakthini Hadi Basha Sahib.

In 1935, Janab Aaoor Ziauddin Mohammed Sahib donated an ‘ASA’ (wooden stick used while delivering Friday sermon) made of teak wood to the mosque. He was a businessman and a resident of Sowcar Street. The ASA is used till date.   The old mosque had two minarets in its middle portion on both sides.

 During 1986-1987, the mosque was further expanded on its eastern and north eastern side with pillars in arched designs. It was a first RCC building in the mosque. Few arch pillars are still retained on the northern side. This part of the mosque was erected by closing old ablution pool. This construction was totally funded by Janab Malack Mohammed Hashim Sahib. 

Till 2001-2002, on Fridays and during the janaza prayers the musallees had to offer prayers in the courtyard (sahan) and first floor of the mosque. Shamiyanas were tied for shelter but it was difficult for the people to bear the blazing heat. To facilitate the worshippers, Janab T. M. Abdul Ghani sahib and Janab  T.M. Abdul Jameel Sahib raised a concrete roof in 2002 on the Eastern side of the mosque. This is the place where the Janaza Prayers are offered nowadays. 

The Mosque has three entrances. The first one is the main entrance with arch design. Above this, a small dome and a minaret is erected. The second one was constructed adjacent to the main entrance in 2002. The third entrance is at the north eastern part of the mosque next to the graveyard.

It is to be noted that before the construction of new building in 2014, the mosque was expanded six times over a period of three centuries.

It is also recorded that Madarsa Baqiyathus Salihath had functioned in Visharam Big Mosque. Shamsul Ulama Hazrath Moulana Abdul Wahab Sahib (rah) stayed in Visharam. Later at the invitation of people of Vellore and due to the difficulties in transportation facilities the Madarsa was shifted to Vellore. His absence was very much felt by Janab Alanji Mohammed Usman Sahib, a pious businessman and also a patron of Hazrath. Hazrath Moulana Malack Hafiz Gulzar Ahmed Sahib narrates, on the authority of Hazrath Moulana Hafiz S. T. Mohammed Ishaque Sahib (former Imam and Khateeb of the Periamet Mosque, Chennai), that Alanji Mohammed Usman Sahib was a devout individual and a true patron of Hazrath Moulana Abdul Wahab Sahib (Rah.). He devoted nearly half of his lifetime earnings to the service of Hazrath (Rah.) and to the growth and development of Madarsa-e-Baqiyathus Salihath.   

Abdul Wahab Sahib would visit periodically and deliver lectures in big mosque which had a long lasting impact on people. Both men and women of Visharam had done bai’t with Hazrath.

 Ablution pool (Houz)

 The old big mosque had a big and deep water pool constructed by the muslims of UPPUPETTAI with stone steps on its four sides to facilitate the people for ablution. It received water directly from the Palar River through a canal. The elders who witnessed this pool were astonished that, despite its great depth, the drainage water flowed out without any stagnation, even though the location of its outlet was not known. Years later, the canal was closed. Water was channelized to this pool from a well situated at an half a kilometre distance at the Anjuman E Muaiyyidul Islam (Estd. 1913) otherwise known as Yatheem Khana Campus.

Later on, Janab Mangat Mohammed Ismail Sahib a resident of Big Mosque Street, dug a well beside the graveyard and also donated an electric motor to draw water from the well.  Janab Akbar Ali Sahib says “The old pool was very deep and 52 stone seats were fixed to perform ablution”. Hazrath Moulana Malack Hafiz Gulzar Ahmed Sahib says that it had nearly 20 steps. Elderly people found it hard to get down to the pool so, the Jamath arranged for tap water. As the days passed, drainage water polluted the pool. Consequently, the pool was closed and for want of space the mosque was expanded with concrete roof in 1986. In 1987, a new ablution pool was constructed on the eastern corner of the mosque which was later replaced by the present ablution pool constructed in 2001-2002.

 The graveyard

          The mosque is surrounded by the graveyard on its three sides. It is the single, oldest and biggest graveyard of the Melvisharam town. It is as old as the big mosque.  Apart from common Muslims, many saintly persons are buried here. After every five times prayer, and especially after Friday prayers Muslims pray for the forgiveness of the resting souls. Earlier, 3 feet walls were raised as compound to the graveyard. The existing compound walls were raised during 1960-61 by Janab Kottapulli Mohammed Ibrahim Sahib.

Till 1990s, fixing epitaphs at the head side of the grave was a custom among the people. These epitaphs provided details like name of the deceased, date of death, poems praising the services, prayers for the deceased person and chronograms etc. Epitaphs older than 70 to 100 years were written mostly in Tamil.  The later ones were written in Urdu with chronogram. 

 Sowcar family, Alanji family, Appapullai family, other benevolent Muslims of the town had donated lands for this graveyard and major portion of it was purchased by the Jamath. The Jamath has appointed servants to maintain the graveyard. During 1990 or little earlier, cement roads were laid and 2 feet walls were raised across graves. As per the rules of the Jamath, the deceased shall be buried strictly in the orderly space allotted.  It has been a custom that the deceased muthavallis of the Ahle Sunnath Lababeen Jamath were laid to rest in a separate block.  Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Gulzar Ahmed Sahib narrates from janab Alanji Abdul Haq Sahib that before the big mosque graveyard, Muslims were interred near the Dargah of Syed Shah Valiullah (Rah). I think people in their 40s and 50s may remember it and they might have seen the remains of those graves a few decades ago.

          Beside the graveyard and on the right side of the mosque, there was a room in the old building that was used for the stay of travellers and strangers. In recent decades, this room has been used as a store room (Khidmat room) by the Tablighi Jamath brothers. 

Hazrath Moulana Gulzar Sahib recalls that during his childhood days the room was known as the Musafir Khana, where travellers would stay. The Moazzin would inform the residents of the Mohalla so that food and other necessities could be provided to the guests. He further adds that the Pakthini Mosque, Usmanpet Mosque, and Kotturar Mosque also had Musafir Khanas.

Similarly, on the left side, a room with a small entrance was allotted for the Azaan, with another opening facing the Qabarastan. Beside it, a generator room was situated.

 Construction of New Building

          In 2012, to accommodate the increasing number of musallis, the Ahle Sunnath Lababeen Jamath decided to construct a new building. The Jamath gave an opportunity to all Muslims of the town to contribute as per their capacity.  Janab Sowcar Nisar Ahmed sahib (Patel of Jamath) along with few other elders of the town went door to door to collect funds for this noble cause. In spite of his old age, he eagerly took part in the fund raising event. Many rich Muslims contributed generously to fulfil this requirement. Architect Ariur Ashfaque Ahmed Sahib was given charge to oversee this big project.

The demolition process of the old mosque was not an easy task for the workers. Because the old building and its foundation was that much strong. The construction of new building lasted for 18 months. During this time the prayers were offered at the eastern block.

          The new building was constructed in a well-furnished manner with marble flooring. Big windows and doors were fixed for proper ventilation. The architectural beauty of marble pulpit, and mihrab adorned with crafted wooden work attracts the attention of everyone. The new building was built in Persian Architectural Style. During the course of construction the Jamath had to face financial crisis but due to the timely and generous support of few muqlis Muslims of our town, the construction was completed.

Opening Ceremony

On Friday, the 6^th June 2014 (7^th Sha’ban 1435), the new building was declared open by offering fajar prayer lead by Hazrath Qari Saleemur Rahman Sahib (Imam, Masjid E Khizar, Melvisharam) followed by a Bayan by Janab Hazrath Mufti Riyaz Ahmed Sahib (Former Principal, Madarsa E Mifthahul Uloom, Melvisharam) in the presence of Hazrath Moulana Kalambur Mohammed Yaqoob Sahib Visharami and other elders.

Sweets were also distributed to the huge gathering and a plastic hand fan (phanka) was also given as a souvenir by National Welfare Association.

 Parking Area

          Earlier, the street adjoining the anna salai and the mosque was very narrow.  There was no proper parking facilities during Friday and funeral prayers. So, in 2013, the Jamath spent a significant amount and purchased a house opposite to the masjid, demolished the building and allotted this land for parking two wheelers. The janaza van shed area and the parking area also belongs to the mosque.

Muthavallis of the Mosque

          For long years, this mosque functioned as the Jamath office and many elders had served as its Muthavalli. As far as I know, Janab Sowcar Abdur Rasheed Sahib served as the Muthavalli from 1956 to 2^nd October 1979. Later his son Janab Sowcar Nisar Ahmed Sahib served in this position from 2^nd October, 1979 to 2^nd January 2021 for a period of 42 years. Few words about Nisar Sahib would be worth mentioning.  A calm and smiling face, a man of simplicity, punctuality with a problem solving capacity. He dedicated his whole life for service. A leader of Melvisharam, who steered the town with dignity, peace, vision and unity. He played a crucial role in strengthening the Jamath. He also served in various capacities at different organisations of Melvisharam. I rank him as one of the architects of modern Visharam. On 2^nd January, 2021 his son Janab Sowcar Irshad Ahmed Sahib was elected as one of the Muthavallis of the town. Since then, he has been discharging his duties sincerely.

Imams of the Mosque

          Janab Hafiz Abdul Kareem Sahib, Hafiz Polur Muqthiyar Ahmed Sahib and Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Mohammed Ismail sahib were the few old imams of this mosque. Elderly people affectionately recall the melodious Qirat of Hazrath Hafiz Abdul Kareem Sahib, which would leave listeners spellbound. Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Malack Gulzar Ahmed Sahib recalls that Hazrath Abdul Kareem Sahib would recite the Talqeen at the time of burial in a deeply moving voice, often bringing both himself and the listeners to tears. Such was the profound impact of his Qirat.

During the period of Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Ismail sahib the Maktab had a good number of students. Nazira Quran, Talimul Islam and Masnoon duas were taught. He was a strict person and insisted the students on regularity of classes. Strength of the Maktab varied time to time. On an average, 50 students studied in morning and evening. Many Muslims and non-Muslims used to come for reciting dua for their sick Children. He passed away in the year 2021. He had left hundreds of students who still remember him with high esteem.

          Hazrath Mohammed Usman Sahib served as an Imam of Janaza Prayer for a long time. Since 2016, Hazrath Hafiz Sadiq Basha Sahib has been serving as the Imam of the mosque. He also leads the Janaza Prayers.

Hazrath Moulana Abdus Samad Hashmi Sahib former theology teacher of Islamiah High School conducted Tafsir ul Quran gatherings after fajar. For the past few years, Hazrath Mufti Mohammed Yaqoob Sahib (Former Chief Qazi, Ranipet District)   has been conducting Tafsirul Quran on every Saturday after Maghrib prayer.

Present Status

Since 2018, this mosque is the markaz (centre) of the Tabligh Movement. Since 2022, marriage counselling has been given to grooms on every Saturday by Hazrath Mufti Abdul Hameed Sahib. All the important meetings of Jamath and dua gatherings for hajis were held in this mosque. Hence the big mosque occupies a prominent position for the Muslims of the town. Over the years, hundreds of prominent scholars had visited this mosque and delivered sermons.  

By the grace of Allah, I have been gathering historical details about this mosque for the past five years, a journey that began with valuable insights shared by my late uncle, Janab Pakthini Hadi Basha Sahib (Rah).  Valuable books like SHEHRE VISHARAM TAREEKH KE AAINE MEIN by Janab Kottur Abdul Latheef Sahib and an article by Janab MJ Sayeed Sahib were referred. Over time, several other respected individuals enriched this effort with their knowledge and memories, including Hazrath Moulana Hafiz Malack Gulzar Ahmed Sahib, Janab Hasanpura Akbar Ali Sahib, late Janab Sowcar Ahmed Basha Sahib, Janab Sowcar Irshad Ahmed (Muthavalli) Sahib, Janab Cafiyar Zafrullah Sahib, Janab Yarthakkar Mujeebur Rahman Sahib, Janab Dr. K. Masood Ahmed Sahib, Janab Ariur Ashfaque Ahmed Sahib (Architect of the New building of Big mosque shared valuable details and photos), Janab Kalambur Mohammed Yousuf Sahib, my father Janab Sakvai Abdul Sathar Sahib and a few other elders of the community. I am deeply grateful to all of them for their contributions. May Allah reward them all. May Allah with His infinite Mercy protect all our mosques till the day of Judgement and reward all those who contributed for its construction both spiritually and materially.   Aameen

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. Many details may be missing or incomplete. If the readers find any corrections or additional information, please feel free to share via mdsadath19922@gmail.com or contact 9344376199.

S. MOHAMMED SADATHULLAH 

MELVISHARAM