GUWAHATI: As you drive past Paltan Bazar, no one can miss the tall minaret that stands out as a landmark on the busy AT Road. The Paltan Bazar Masjid was established in 1934 under the patronage of Haji Muhammad Shah, the founder of Shah family, one of the oldest families in Guwahati.
This heritage masjid is widely recognized as one of the well-known landmarks of the city. Nestled in the heart of Paltan Bazar, this masjid has been a witness to the history of both pre and post-independent India in Assam.
The establishment of this Masjid can be traced back to when Md. Shah donated the land for the Masjid with the sole purpose of making it convenient for travellers and nearby commuters, to offer prayers (Salah).
According to Muslim rules, setting up something (like wells or mosques) for the public is considered ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ (sadaqah means charity, jariyah means continuous), i.e. continuous charity. It means that whenever someone decides to build a mosque as an act of Sadaqah Jariyah, they are rewarded for the act. Therefore, every time someone uses the water in the mosque for wudu (a cleansing ritual in Islam before performing worship) or prays in that mosque, the person who built it is also showered with blessings.
As the congregation grew, more responsible citizens took up responsibilities as committee members and helped with the functioning of the Masjid. Currently, the Secretary and Treasurer of the masjid is Shah Nasim, and the Assistant Secretary and Treasurer is Shah Md. Farid. The Imam (man who leads the prayers) is a member of the committee and keeps changing over time.
The 90-year-old Masjid is one of the many masjids in Guwahati that provide Eid prayers every year. The Masjid is always filled with people from Pan Bazar, Lakhtokia, and Paltan Bazar, as well as travelers from all parts of Assam and other states that stop and pray there.
From its humble beginnings as a small masjid built on donated land, the masjid now hosts two floors for prayers and has air-conditioned facilities for the benefit of the devout. It also has a ‘Musafir Khana’ or Travellers’ Inn that has been providing a temporary, affordable, and safe shelter for pilgrims and travellers alike for the last 90 years.
Muhammad Shah, the benefactor of the Masjid was also known for his social service work and his service to the people of Guwahati. The Md. Shah Road and the Md. Shah Memorial School, Bamunimaidan were made in his honour. He also gave gold medals to students who passed high school examination with distinction in the 1930s and 40s.
The masjid, among others stands strong as a testimony to the deeds done by Md. Shah. It allows people to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and find a moment of solidarity within the walls of the Paltan Bazar Masjid.