Zakir Azad, Cumilla

The traditional Shah Shuja Mosque in Cumilla is a marvel of Mughal architecture. The mosque was built in 1857. It is known as 'Shuja Mosque' after the name of Prince Aurangzeb, the brother of King Aurangzeb. Visitors from home and abroad come to Mogaltuli area of Cumilla every day to see this 364 year old mosque.

The mosque is 56 feet long and 22 feet wide. The north-south long wall is 5 feet 6 inches thick. The porch is 25 feet. The main dome of the mosque is three. It has 16 small and big minarets. There are two large minarets in front of the mosque. There are two more four minarets on each of the 22 rooms.
The front part of the Shah Shuja Mosque has been expanded with modern carvings keeping the old architectural style intact. A tall minaret has also been erected in the north-east corner of the mosque. The entrance of the mosque is decorated with flowers, herbs, geometric and lotus designs, Kebla wall and dome, dome adorned with pitcher pinnacle.

Although not very large in size, the Shah Shuja Mosque is a symbol of culture, history, tradition and overall appearance of aristocracy. Visitors flock to the Mughaltuli area of the metropolis every day to see this ancient mosque. Especially on special days including Juma, Shabe Barat, Shabe Kadar, devotees and visitors gather here.

There are two types of information available about the establishment of the mosque. The first is that Prince Shah Shuja conquered Tripura and built the mosque to commemorate the victory. The second opinion is that Maharaja Govinda Manikya built this mosque at great expense in exchange of Nimcha sword and Hirkanguri to make Sujar's name everlasting.

Khatib of the mosque Mufti Khizir Ahmad told Jago News, "The mosque needs to be built on two floors. There is no space for the worshipers. Outside, the worshipers have to perform the prayers with difficulty by triple.'

Mosque Management Committee President. Shafiqul Islam Sikder told Jago News that this is an ancient mosque. Not only in Cumilla , it is one of the most beautiful mosques in the country. More than 15 hundred worshipers can pray together here. He also said that there are plans to expand the mosque keeping the infrastructure intact.