Haji Ali Dargah , Mosque in Mumbai

A pathway connects the shore to the Haji Ali mosque. The mosque was built amidst the sea with a narrow path to give it a celestial look. The path is used for reaching the shrine and can only be used during low tides. The mosque has a sprawling courtyard which represents a bright and cheerful ambience. Men and women can offer prayers in separate rooms. The gallant white structure resembles traits of Mughal art and architecture. The tomb is covered in exquisite red and green chaddar. The tomb is wrapped in a silver frame held by huge pillars and is adorned in ravishing mirror work. 99 names of the Allah are inscribed on the pillars. The white dome and minarets looks spectacular against the setting sun. The saline winds from the sea are eroding the shrine of its entire splendor.

The Masjid has a narrow concrete pathway about a kilometer built over water to reach the shrine and can only be reached at low tide.

The walkway is lined with pitiful wailing beggars. The courtyard of the Masjid is surrounded by refreshment stalls and other kinds of shops which take away the solemnity of the place. Haji Ali dargah is an integral part of Mumbai’s heritage and Indian culture. The rocks exposed at low tide behind the Masjid are a favourite spot if you are interested in catch sea breezes. The best time to visit is on Friday or on Thursday evenings.

The Masjid can be reached only during low tide. The whitewashed Masjid also has a cool courtyard generally full of people and refreshment stalls. The rocks exposed during low tide at the rare end of the Masjid are a favourable spot to catch some cool sea breeze. There’s nothing somber about the building’s cool courtyard, which is generally full of chattering families and refreshment stalls.

A short flight of marble steps leads into the dargah where the body of the saint is enclosed in a semi-circled tomb, in an exquisite silver frame engraved with all the ninety-nine names of Allah. The top of the tomb is covered with a zari cloth and flowers and other offerings by devotees lie scattered around the tomb. The devotees pray and touch their heads and lips to the cloth. Ladies, as is the case in all mosques, have a separate room for prayers. All visitors need to remove their shoes before entering the shrine.