Historic Bazar Masjid hosts large Friday prayers despite devastating fire

SRINAGAR — The historic Bazar Masjid, having a huge religious significance, despite being reduced to ashes in the massive blaze earlier this week, has yet again witnessed a huge rush of devotees, who offered the mandatory Friday congregational prayers at the Masjid.

Amidst the scorching heat, the absence of a roof, windows, doors and other necessary stuff didn’t deprive the large chunk of the population from offering the mandatory congregational prayers as the people offered prayers in the open where special prayers were made for the fire-affected people this afternoon.

The Masjid management and the locals after cleaning the Masjid vicinity, had made temporary arrangements for the devotees for the mandatory congregational prayers.

According to the news agency KNO, a special fundraising appeal was made on the occasion for the rebuilding of both houses and the historic Bazar Masjid burnt in the devastating fire.

“Today’s sermon was all about unity and trial. And we prayed before almighty Allah to help us in coming out of this trouble. A fund-raiser appeal was also made for houses and Masjid damaged in the massive blaze,” a senior functionary of Masjid said.

The devastating Bohri Kadal fire on Monday earlier this week reduced properties worth crores to ashes, the massive fire also engulfed the over century-old historic Bazar Masjid in Downtown Srinagar.

The massive damage has left people in deep shock and grief. The mosque, as per some locals from the area, was built around 1920 and has been an iconic centre for Islamic learning and a pillar of the community for decades in the region.

Amaan, a local resident from the area, said that the Bazar Masjid had a capacity to hold over 2400 worshippers, and has long been revered for its significant role in Islamic education. “It was here that Moulana Ghulam Nabi Mubarakpuri, a respected scholar, delivered early Islamic teachings and sermons,” he said.

He said that the establishment of the mosque has been an epicentre of religious and educational activities in the region. The Masjid also housed an Islamic seminary where many students were pursuing religious studies.

The fire, which broke out around Monday afternoon, quickly spread through the mosque and to the surrounding area. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the blaze not only consumed the Masjid but also damaged three shopping complexes and over 10 nearby houses.

Witnesses described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking as residents and business owners watched helplessly while the flames devoured their beloved mosque and livelihoods.

Another local resident, Imran Ahmad, expressed his sorrow and grief, “The Bazar Masjid was not just a place of worship, it was a symbol of our heritage and a centre for learning. Seeing it in flames was like losing a part of our soul,” he said.

The residents in the area said that they will restore the Bazar Masjid to its former glory, driven by their deep emotional connection and commitment to preserving its legacy.