Shah Shuja Mosque in Cumilla: A Mughal architectural landmark
In terms of size, the mosque is not particularly large. However, its history, heritage and overall appearance reflect a sense of grandeur common in Mughal architecture
Tariq Al Banna 
The historic Shah Shuja Mosque in Cumilla is a remarkable example of Mughal architecture. Named after Prince Shah Shuja, the Subahdar of Bengal and brother of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the mosque is widely known as the Suja Mosque. Every day, visitors from home and abroad gather in the Mogoltuli area of Cumilla city to offer prayers and to catch a glimpse of this ancient structure.
In terms of size, the mosque is not particularly large. However, its history, heritage and overall appearance reflect a sense of grandeur. Although the exact date of its establishment has not been preserved, it is widely believed to have been constructed in 1658. If so, the mosque is now nearly 400 years old.
The mosque covers an area of 1,870 square feet, which is no longer sufficient to accommodate the growing number of worshippers. As a result, many have to pray outside under temporary tarpaulin covers. Concerned individuals have called for the mosque to be expanded while preserving its original architectural features.
In terms of size, the mosque is not particularly large. However, its history, heritage and overall appearance reflect a sense of grandeur common in Mughal architecture. Photo: Collected
According to the mosque’s khadem (caretaker) and worshippers, the structure is 58 feet long and 22 feet wide. The north–south walls are 5 feet 8 inches thick, and the veranda measures 25 feet. The mosque has three main domes and a total of 18 small and large minarets. Two large minarets stand at the front. Above two 22-foot-long rooms are four additional minarets. The front portion has been extended by combining modern ornamentation with the original architectural style of the mosque. A tall minaret has also been built at the north-eastern corner. The entrance, qibla wall and domes are decorated with floral, foliage, geometric and lotus motifs, while the domes are crowned with kalasa finials.
Although modest in size, the Shah Shuja Mosque remains a symbol of culture, history, heritage and elegance. Visitors flock daily to the Mogoltuli area to see the ancient mosque. On Fridays, as well as on special religious occasions such as Shab-e-Barat and Shab-e-Qadr, large numbers of worshippers and visitors gather there.
There are two prevailing accounts regarding the mosque’s establishment. One suggests that Prince Shah Shuja built it to commemorate his victory over Tripura.
Another view holds that Maharaja Gobinda Manikya constructed the mosque in Shah Shuja’s honour, spending a large sum of money in exchange for a ceremonial sword and a diamond ornament.
Prince Shah Shuja built it to commemorate his victory over Tripura. Photo: Wikipedia
The mosque’s khatib, Mufti Khizir Ahmed, described it as a historic and blessed place of worship. He has been serving as imam there since 2003. More than 1,500 worshippers attend prayers on Fridays and special occasions. According to worshippers, praying at the mosque brings them spiritual satisfaction. For this reason, despite the presence of many modern mosques in the city, people travel from distant areas to offer prayers here.
Khizir Ahmed added that the need of the hour is to make the mosque two storeys high while preserving its original design, as the current space is insufficient. Worshippers often have to endure difficulties praying outside under tarpaulins, particularly during rainy weather.
Advocate Abdul Aziz Masud, President of the Shah Suja Hafezia Madrasa and Orphanage, said the mosque has been expanded in phases towards the front while maintaining its original structure. He added that if properly preserved, the lime-and-mortar-built structure could remain intact for even a thousand years.
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