Madina Mosque, Shillong
The Madina Mosque (Arabic: مسجد المدينة شيلونغ) is a four-storey mosque in Shillong, India. It took one and a half years to complete and is the only glass mosque in India. It serves Meghalaya's largest Muslim community, the Sunni Muslims. Combined with the adjoining Meherba Orphanage, Islamic Library & Information Centre, and Islamic Theological Institute Markaz, it is one of the largest mosques in Northeast India, and the biggest in Meghalaya, accommodating more than 2,000 worshippers for congregational prayers.
| Madina Mosque, Shillong | |
|---|---|
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Sunni Islam |
| Location | |
| Location | Laban, Shillong, East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India |
| Geographic coordinates | 25.567°N 91.878°E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque |
| Style | Islamic architecture |
| Funded by | Shillong Muslim Union |
| Date established | 18 October 2012 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 2000 |
| Width | 61 feet |
| Height (max) | 121 feet |
| Dome(s) | 5 (One large, four small) |
| Minaret(s) | 4 |
Madina Masjid, an imposing and resplendent structure of glass dome and glass minarets.[1] The mosque was opened by the General Secretary of the Shillong Muslim Union, Alhaj Sayeeedullah Nongrum MLA and was inaugurated by Salman Khurshid, Shamim Akhtar and Vincent Pala.
Structure
Madina mosque is the rare architectural marvel in India as it has an striking and glittering structure of glass. With its 121 feet height and 61 feet width, this surprises one and all for being the only Green mosque after the Blue Mosque of Istanbul. The four storied structure of the religious place also has an orphanage, a library, and an Islamic theological institute. The mosque and the adjoining Idgah could offer space for 8000 people for an assembly or prayer. [2] The highest number of people, who contributed to the construction of mosque, were Christians and Hindus. The Mosque also has a large garden with several plants. Over the years, it has acquired increasing significance in the world as a centre for Islamic study and spirituality.[1]
Women in the mosque
Madina Masjid has a capacity of around 2,000 people and has separate space for women to offer prayers.[1]
Prayer
This mosque is a venue of celebration during festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, by the local Muslim community. There are rickshaws available at the main Ponda bus stand which can take you to the site of the Safa Masjid. A lot of devotees celebrate their festivals here with due solemnity and are often seen rejoicing.
