Madina Masjid

Madina Masjid in Murshidabad, West Bengal, is a remarkable symbol of devotion and architectural heritage nestled within the historic Nizamat Fort Campus. This sacred site actually comprises two mosques—the old Madina Mosque, built in the 18th century by Nawab Siraj ud-Daulah, and the new one, constructed in 1847 by Nawab Mansur Ali Khan.

The old mosque holds deep spiritual significance, as its foundation was mixed with soil brought from Mecca, offering the local Muslim community a symbolic connection to the Hajj pilgrimage. Despite a devastating fire in 1846 that destroyed much of the original Nizamat Imambara, the old Madina Mosque miraculously survived and still stands as a testament to resilience and faith.

The new Madina Mosque, built within the grounds of the reconstructed Nizamat Imambara, was laid on a foundation that included soil from Karbala, further enriching its spiritual symbolism. This mosque is elevated on a platform adorned with ornamental china tiles, and its walls and arches are inscribed with verses from the Quran. Historically, fountains once surrounded the mosque, adding to its serene ambiance.

Architecturally, the mosque follows a rectangular plan with five domes, each traditionally used by an individual offering namaz. The central entrance is distinguished by a slender steeple, and two towering minarets still mark the mosque’s silhouette.