Jama Masjid faces another great Delhi landmark built by the same king -- the Red Fort. It is a monument of immense historical character, its relevance still powerful in the narrative of modern India. The Indian Prime Minister annually hoists the nation's flag on its ramparts during the country's Independence Day while Pakistani ultra-nationalists publicly dream of implanting the green flag of Islam instead.
The People of the Mosque
Sunday families, carefree boys, western tourists, and fasting pilgrims crowded the mosque. There were people sitting on the stairs, lying in the balcony, and half-reclined under the shade. Some were gossiping while many looked tired and were quiet. There were beggars, too, some without legs and some without arms. Some sat listlessly and one slept peacefully on the cool tiles inside the main complex.
Delhi from the Mosque
While one side of the Masjid was graced by the smart straight line of the Red Fort, the remaining three appeared to be draped with large wallpapers of Delhi, showing the city in all its chaos: shaky structures, dangling electrical wires, misplaced hoardings, rickshaw jams, and an unmanageable surge of humanity.
Prayer - The Chief Business of the Mosque
Of course, sightseeing is not what most of the visitors come for. Jama Masjid is a destination for those desiring a momentary escape from the claustrophobic world of Old Delhi. It is a monument of refuge to the world weary people. It is a grand chamber of solitude that offers private moments of reflection within the silence of its stones. It is a holy house intended to rub the balm of solace to the souls of troubled men. Most importantly, it is a mosque where Muslims are expected to reflect on Allah, angels, and other compulsory vocations.
Article comments
1 - SFC SKI
Awesome travelogue, great pictures. All that I read of your travels, and the tales of colleaugues who have been there make me want to see India.
What is the future of the Muslims in India, and will the future be a peaceful one?
2 - Mayank Austen Soofi
SFC SKI,
the future of Muslims in India? Hopefully it will be better. Muslims in India are much better integrated into their country than, say, Muslims in Britain. If I have to give a analogy, I'll say that they exercise a similar influence, appeal and turbulence in society what Afro-Americans have in US.
3 - aerelly
i do not believe in all that muslim stuff
4 - aerelly
it is all fake
not at all true
5 - Tom
You son a bitch!!!! What the fuck is your problem!
6 - zingzing
mmm, america.