Jama Masjid facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jama Masjid
Religion
Affiliation	Islam
District	Central Delhi
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Mosque
Location
Location	Delhi, India
Territory	Delhi
Architecture
Architectural type	Mosque
Architectural style	Islamic,
Completed	1656
Specifications
Capacity	25,000
Length	80 m
Width	27 m
Dome(s)	3
Minaret(s)	2
Minaret height	41 m

The Jama Masjid of Delhi, officially known as the Masjid-i Jahān-Numā (meaning 'World-reflecting Mosque'), is a very famous and large mosque in Old Delhi, India. It is a central place of worship for Muslims and a popular landmark for tourists. This beautiful building shows off the amazing Mughal architecture of its time.

Building the Grand Mosque

Who Built It?

The Jama Masjid was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He was a powerful ruler who also built the famous Taj Mahal in Agra. Shah Jahan loved grand buildings and wanted to create a magnificent mosque for his capital city.

When Was It Built?

Construction of the Jama Masjid began in 1644. It took 12 years to complete, finishing in 1656. Thousands of workers were involved in building this huge structure. It was a massive project for its time.

Materials Used

The mosque is built mostly from red sandstone and white marble. These materials were commonly used in Mughal buildings. The contrast between the red and white gives the mosque a striking and beautiful look.

Architecture and Design

Main Features of the Mosque

The Jama Masjid is designed to hold many worshippers. It has a large courtyard that can fit more than 25,000 people. The mosque itself is about 80 meters long and 27 meters wide.

Minarets and Domes

The mosque has two tall minarets, each about 41 meters high. Visitors can climb one of these minarets for a great view of Old Delhi. There are also three large domes on top of the main prayer hall. These domes are made of white marble with black stripes.

Gateways and Courtyard

The Jama Masjid has three large gateways. The main entrance is on the east side, facing the Red Fort. This gate was likely used by the emperor himself. The courtyard is very spacious and is used for large gatherings and prayers.

Prayer Hall

Inside the mosque is the main prayer hall. It is beautifully decorated with carvings and verses from the Quran. The mihrab (a niche showing the direction of Mecca) and the minbar (a pulpit for the imam) are important parts of the prayer hall.

Importance of Jama Masjid

A Place of Worship

The Jama Masjid is still an active mosque today. Muslims gather here for daily prayers, especially for the Friday congregational prayer (Jumu'ah). It is one of the most important mosques in India for the Muslim community.

Historical Landmark

Beyond its religious importance, the Jama Masjid is a significant historical landmark. It represents the rich history and culture of the Mughal Empire in India. It stands as a symbol of Delhi's past.

Tourist Attraction

Many tourists visit the Jama Masjid every day. They come to admire its architecture, learn about its history, and experience its peaceful atmosphere. Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering.

Images for kids

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  The Jameh Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, a historical congregational mosque originally founded in the eighth century

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  Mosque of Amr ibn al-As, founded in the seventh century as the first congregational mosque of Fustat, Egypt

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  The mihrab area of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus today, with the minbar to the right