Lal Masjid Delhi




The Lal Masjid is a well-known mosque in Delhi. The masjid is also known as the Fakhrul Masjid, which was built on the orders of Kaniz-i-Fatima. The Lal Masjid is an impressive mosque located in the area of Bara Bazaar close to Kashmiri Gate. The mosque is located in a busy market area but features a general sense of calmness when you enter the mosque. The interior of the mosque is simple yet beautiful and the color and setting is quite soothing. The architecture of the mosque is not very explicit but still the mosque has its own characteristics and features.

The Lal Masjid is of historical significance and is an important landmark. Today, the mosque complex is surrounded by several commercial and residential buildings. The roof of the mosque has three huge domes and four minarets. The architecture of the mosque is Indo Islamic and has been kept modest.

The surroundings of the mosque have several shops and stalls selling items of general need. There are also several restaurants in the area where one can find several local delicacies. Most of the architecture of the masjid seems to be hidden behind the numerous shops that line the entrance.

Reaching the Lal Masjid is quite easy. It is accessible from all parts of Delhi. It can be reached by buses, taxis, auto rickshaws or by metro. The nearest metro station to the mosque is Kashmiri Gate metro station. From here visitors can ask for directions from anyone or take auto rickshaws to reach the mosque.

The mosque is open all around the year on all days and can be visited easily. The best time to visit the mosque is the time apart from the prayer timings. It is usually crowded during prayer timings and can be visited on any day. The autumn and winter months from October to March are the best for visiting the Lal Masjid as the temperature in Delhi is cool and pleasant. The summer months have high temperatures and visiting Delhi during this time can be uncomfortable.

History

The Lal Masjid was built on the orders of Kaniz-i-Fatima. She was the spouse of Shujaat Khan. She was also given the title of Fakr-i-Jahan. The masjid was built in remembrance of her husband Shujaat Khan who was an honorable man in the court of Aurangzeb. The mosque was built during 1728 and 1729 and is a simple yet beautiful building.

Shujaat Khan was a commander in the army of Aurangzeb and was killed in one of the battles. After his death, Kaniz-i-Fatima ordered the construction of the mosque in memory of her husband. The mosque was a part of the estate of Colonel James Skinner and at times is incorrectly credited to him. The mosque was an important landmark in the first independence battle of 1857.

Architecture

The Lal Masjid is not a very huge mosque. The entrance of the masjid however is beautiful. The roof is topped with three big domes. The central dome is the biggest and is flanked by two minarets. The other two domes on either side of the central dome and also flanked by minarets. In total, the masjid has three domes and four minarets. The roof is encircled by a simple boundary. The exterior walls of the masjid are painted in a shade of red and white and the architecture is mainly Indo Islamic. Visitors can climb to the roof of get a view of the entire complex and the surroundings. A small residential quarter for the caretaker of the masjid is also inside the mosque.

Walking up a short flight of stairs is the main courtyard where ablution facilities are provided. Beyond the courtyard is the main prayer hall. The prayer hall is simple but has some intricate designs that can be seen on the pillars and walls. The prayer hall is supported by pillars and arches that support the structure. Between the pillars stands the prayer hall where people gather every day for prayers. Mostly the designs are floral motifs that have been carved beautifully. In the prayer hall on the west end is a mihrab indicating the direction of Makkah. The main hall also has Islamic books and the Holy Quran. Even outside the prayer times, people can be seen meditating and remembering the divinity.

Even though the mosque is located in a crowded and bustling market, area it is quite peaceful when one enters the mosque. There is a peaceful silence that prevails inside the mosque and attracts several people. The Lal Masjid is a historical mosque that has not been altered and its structure is the same ever since its construction.

It is best to ask the caretaker of the masjid to give a tour of this historic building. The caretaker can explain the importance of the mosque and the story behind its construction.

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