Walking through the roads of Shopian, as I proceed towards the main market of Shopian, the historic and significant Jamia Masjid grasps my attention amid all the hustle and bustle of the main chowk. Its historic importance, prominence and beautiful architecture make me contemplate over and over again how beautifully the architecture is carved.
Shopian, despite being politically disturbed because of the ongoing turbulence in the valley, the mosque and the beautiful melody of Azaan brings solace to the ears of the people. It was earlier rich and known for its scenic beauty, not that it has lost its importance now but the district has become more commercialized than it used to be earlier, overshadowing the persona of the mosque.
As I entered the mosque and went around the beautiful mosque, the Quranic verses carved on the doors welcome me. Standing in the midst of the mosque, I can spot the birds go gaga during the morning call for Azaan.
Nazir Ahmad Khan, 70, is a former president of the committee who overlooks the affairs of the mosque. He was elected as the president of the Awqaf committee in 1999, and for over a decade he rendered his services.
He says the the mosque was built by Ustab Habibullah and a woodworker from Srinagar during 1930s was asked to look after the construction of the mosque. The stones were collected from the nearby Rambi Ara River with the help of camels to shuttle. “Women in large number donated their silver ornaments for the building of the great historic mosque. Even people who belonged from marginal backgrounds contributed to the construction of the mosque, "Khan added.
Farooq Ahmad Naikoo, a local resident remembers that people used to work tirelessly day and night to build the mosque. The laborers would rub the bricks to get a special finish on them.
He says the foundation of the mosque was laid by the president Awqaaf Mohammad Afzal Dar (Drabgam), along with members including Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beg , lieutenant of late Chief minister Shiekh Mohammad Abdullah, Nabji of Islamabad( Anantnag), and Gulam Hassan Malik zaildar ( Kulgam ) Lamar," narrates Farooq "these were some known faces of Shopian, it took 8 years to build the mosque."
However, as the years passed, the locals say the mosque has lost its sheen. They blame the successive Awqaaf committee for turning blind eye towards the maintenance of the mosque which has led to its retrogression.
"Water is continuously spilling through the rooftop, the main cause of depredation in the mosque is due to the ignorance and scuffle among the committee members," says riyaz, a local while pointing towards the mosque rooftop.
People say several members of the committee are often at loggerheads with each other, thus not being able to look after the administration properly. "The masjid committee was into a quarrel for ten years which led to the deterioration of the mosque. Sometimes, it lead to a violent scuffle. Groups often fight over the money." locals allege.
Jamia Masjid Shopain is of historical significance and it is the mosque that was built by the masses without any assistance from the rulers and the government, unlike the case with numerous other monuments in the valley.
Despite the mosque receiving huge funds, no care is taken on the structural maintenance of the mosque. But what makes Jama Masjid different from what it was earlier is the lack of the mainstream administration. The need of the hour is to throw light on the loopholes and to work as a society towards preserving what has been a very valuable gift by our ancestors.
Author is a student of journalism and can be reached at
babrah.kmr@gmail.com