Muslims have been settling in India since the 10th century, leaving their mark in the form of mosques and Dargahs, some of which have become popular destinations for pilgrimage. Gujarat served as a point of entry for Hajj pilgrims, and Islam was thriving there. When touring this State, make sure to stop at some of the Muslim pilgrimage sites. You get a glimpse of Islam’s former grandeur and glory. Book taxi service in Ahmedabad and hop on to a religious journey.
Ahmedabad’s Sarkhej Roza
One of Gujarat’s most impressive Muslim architectural complexes is the Sarkhej Roza. Sarkhej Roza is a cluster of mosques and the graves of Sufi saint Shaikh Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh, Sultan Mahmud Begada, and his queen Rajbari. It is situated in Makarba village, about 7 km from the city center. When the saint passed away, a shrine was erected in his memory.
It was the saint who urged Sultan Ahmed Shah to construct his city here on the banks of the Sabarmati River. According to legend, two Persian architects, Muazzam Khan and Azam Khan created the Sarkhej Roza complex. The 72-acre complex has significantly shrunk in size since it was built. The tomb of Ahmed Khattu Ganj Baksh is housed in a magnificent, domed, stone-filigreed structure. Also nearby are the tombs of Mahmud Begada, Sultan Muzaffar II, and Muzaffar queen Rajabai. When one continues, they reach a mosque comparable to the Moti mosque in Agra. A sizable artificial lake with raised gardens and stone steps lies next to the complex. The palace and harem of Mahmud Begada were initially housed in several spectacular structures that line the sides of the tank. The collection as a whole is known as Ahmedabad’s Acropolis.
With its numerous intricately carved pillars and brackets, the mosque in Sarkhej Roza is a perfect example of both Indian and Persian architectural styles. This is one Muslim site that is unquestionably worthwhile visiting. The most extensive collection in Ahmadabad is this one.
Ghogha Juni Masjid in Bhavnagar
The oldest mosque in India is allegedly the Juni Masjid or Barwada Masjid on the outskirts of Ghogha in the Gulf of Cambay. The mosque was allegedly constructed around 629 AD. The mosque is tiny, measuring 15 feet by 40 feet, and it stands out since the qibla here faces Jerusalem rather than the Kaaba. It was customary to pray with your back to Jerusalem, a practice that dates back to the time of the prophet Muhammad. However, following a revelation, he instructed all believers to face the Kaaba alone while performing namaaz.
Ahmedabad’s Shah Alam Dargah
The collection of graves known as the Shah Alam dargah, or Rasulabad Dargah, is situated in the Shah Alam neighborhood close to Kankaria. Shah Alam was the son of Makhdoom Jahaniyan Jahangasht, a servant in Ahmed Shah I’s court. And later rose to prominence as a famous preacher. Devotees constructed a mosque, a mausoleum, and other structures to honor his memory. Saint’s tomb, assembly hall, gateways, mosque, and tank are all present. Sultan Muzaffar Shah III built the assembly hall. The Taj Khan Nariali of Mahmud Begada’s court constructed more buildings for the tomb, the earliest structure. Numerous followers pray to the saint at his grave and mosque daily. A custom states that to accomplish a request, one must lift a stone. It is believed that his wish will come true if he is successful.
Ahmedabad’s Hazrat Pir Muhammad Shah Dargah
Pir Muhammad Shah was a Sufi who lived during the reign of Aurangzeb. He was a remarkable man who established a library in the complex that contains his grave. It frequented by followers who come to ask for their wishes to be granted.
A Bukhari Dargah known as Bhadiya Hazrat Shahid Pir Ahmed Shah
A Muslim pilgrimage site for Muslims in Gujarat, Bhadiyad is a small village 130 kilometers from Ahmadabad.
Book outstation taxi for visiting religious places outside Ahmedabad.
