Jama Masjid: Symbol of resilience and faith

Witness the beauty of this architectural marvel before it fades into the abyss of time. Tucked away in the busy lanes of the old city, Jama Masjid is more than just a place of worship. It is a symbol of resilience that has witnessed the tides of the time and stood as a tribute to faith and freedom. The mosque is a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that weaves through India’s history.

The renovation plans for the 134-year-old mosque are being finalised. Leaving aside the prayer area, which dates back to pre-independence times, the idea is to rebuild its major portions, which were built later in segments.

The mosque also has tombs of the Rehman family inside the premises. Maulana Muhammad Usman Rehmani Ludhianvi, Shahi Imam of Punjab, said some portions of the mosque had developed cracks and they feared its ceiling can fall anytime.

“With a heavy heart, we have decided to rebuild some portions of the mosque, but the main prayer hall, built by our ancestors, will remain intact. There are many memories attached to the area and the intricate carvings and architectural marvel here is beyond imagination. We want the coming generations to see and experience the rich culture, so this area will not be touched. The other part of the mosque, built at different times, will be renovated and the first floor will also come up,” said the Shahi Imam.

“The new structure will come up but we will preserve the real essence of the building and save the intricate kalamkari done on the walls and doors,” he added.

Jama Masjid was built in 1891 by freedom fighter Maulana Shah Mohammad Ludhianavi, who participated in the first war of Indian Independence in 1857 and blended spirituality with his revolutionary zeal.

Shamim Akhtar, daughter of Haji Hamid, an influential member of ‘Choon Gharan’, who lived in the area contributed over 50 per cent of the money for the construction of the mosque. The first fatwa for the Independence of the country was released from here in 1857 by the first Shahi Imam, Maulana Shah Abdul Kadir Ludhianvi, as a result, the Britishers had to fled Lodhi Qila.

The family of Maulana Habib-ur-Rehman Ludhianavi is the devoted custodian of the shrine since pre-Independence era. “Despite our unwavering efforts and the best attempts by the Rehman family we could not secure heritage status for Jama Masjid,” rued Mohd Mustkeem, president of Jama Masjid, Ludhiana.

The mosque’s elegant minarets and intricately designed net-styled walls capture the essence of Islamic architecture. Every corner of Jama Masjid reflects a mastery of craft, where geometry, calligraphy and floral motifs come together harmoniously.