Historic “Boro Masjid” of Hajiganj

The arrival of Muslims in Bengal and the beginning of Muslim rule brought multidimensional changes not only in the political arena but also in the social and cultural spheres. The combination of the local Muslims of Bengal with the life elements of the foreign Muslims i.e. Arabs, Persians and Afghans led to the change in the name of Indian Muslims in all cases. The development of Bengali architecture with many elements at this time was mainly brought by the Muslims to keep pace with the religious needs. In particular, the Indians had no idea of ​​the style of construction that the Muslims at that time had developed with the structure plan in the construction of buildings. They borrowed from Roman-Byzantine and Persian used in the pre-Islamic era in such a way that they became an integral part of Muslim edifice all over the world. Mosques built by Muslims are one of the religious architectural monuments of the middle ages. One such unique Muslim architectural monument is the Hajiganj historic Boro Masjid in Chandpur district.

The historic Boro Masjid of Hajiganj, it is located at Hajiganj Bazar, 20 km east of Chandpur district headquarters. This historic mosque has a long history of construction. Part of the rich history of Hajiganj Historical Grand Mosque is that between 1175 and 1200 BC, an old man named Hazrat Makimuddin (RA) came to this area from the holy Arab lands to preach Islam. He built a dormitory with his family in a place near the arch of the present large mosque, where a little higher ground existed. He was revered by all Hindus and Muslims. Haji Makimuddin (RA) Spread Islam in this area. Ahmad Ali Patwari, the grandson of Hazrat Moniruddin Haji alias Manai Haji (RA), the last man of his dynasty which later took the initiative to establish a pucca mosque to a two storied mosque of tin. The foundation stone of the pucca mosque was laid in the holy hands of Hazrat Maulana Abul Farah Jainpuri (RA) in the year 1338 BS with the absolute will of Ashwin Ahmad Ali Patwari (RA).

Hajiganj historic Boro Masjid is known as one of the renowned Muslim monuments of the region. The style of architecture given during the construction of the mosque is like the pure grammar of architecture. The carvings in different parts of the mosque bear witness to the times. This traditional mosque is built in three parts. The first part is four thousand 84 square feet, the middle part is 13 thousand six square feet and the third part is one thousand 615 square feet. Hazrat Maulana Abul Farah Jainpuri (RA) sat on the scaffolding with a heavy body in the first part of the mosque with a total area of ​​26,405 square feet. At present, during the renovation, it is removed and buried in the graveyard of the mosque. The unique beautiful arch of the mosque has been cut into pieces of glass bushes and decorated in an attractive design like a beautiful flower bush. The middle part was made up of 6 attractive pillars and an oyster mosaic. The third part has a huge tall tower with three huge domes which has given the mosque a special feature.

The 128-foot-tall minaret was built in 1953. This tall tower also has a distinct feature and that is - the presence of such a tall minaret at the main entrance of the mosque makes one think of the ancient construction. Many worshipers and tourists climbed on the high platform of the minaret and observed the view around Hajiganj. Azaan is being preached simultaneously from the top of the minaret every day. The sound of this call to prayer can be heard from far and wide. On the last eastern wall of the ornate mosque is a huge gate decorated like a beautiful flower bush made of pieces of Chinese utensils inlaid with the holy Kalema Sharif. The attractive decoration of the huge entrance of the mosque captivates the visitors. Innumerable star-studded three large domes decorated with stone attract tourists. The mosque is historically famous for the Jumatul Bidar Jamaat during the holy month of Ramadan. Once upon a time in the Pak-India subcontinent, the historic Hajiganj Grand Mosque was famous as the unique largest institution for the celebration of Jumatul Bida prayers. In keeping with the tradition, millions of fasting devotees from far and wide still fast in the mosque during the holy month of Ramadan and still gather in the congregation for Jumatul Bida prayers.