Bhatkal: The much-anticipated inauguration of the newly expanded and magnificently renovated Tanzeem Milliya Masjid, located in Bhatkal's Nawayath Colony, was held recently with great dignity and celebration. With its modern architectural design, exquisite craftsmanship, and serene ambience, the masjid leaves visitors in awe. Its grandeur is not only visually striking but also spiritually uplifting. With a capacity to accommodate 10,000 worshippers simultaneously, it is now being recognized as Karnataka’s second-largest mosque, following the City Jamia Masjid in Bengaluru, which accommodates approximately 10,000 to 11,000 worshippers.
Strategically located close to the National Highway, the mosque was originally constructed in 1962 and designated a Jumma Masjid (Friday Mosque) just two years later. Over the decades, rapid population growth in Nawayath Colony and surrounding areas such as Azad Nagar and Kargedde led to a significant rise in the number of worshippers. During Friday prayers and other major religious gatherings, the shortage of space became increasingly evident, prompting the decision to expand the mosque. Following sixteen years of continuous effort, community engagement, and generous support from well-wishers, the dream of a larger, more accommodating mosque has finally been realized.
The newly completed mosque now spans an area of 70,000 square feet, with a towering height of 85 feet. It is a three-storey structure, and while the first floor is currently being used for regular congregational prayers, plans are in place to convert the ground floor—previously used for prayers—into a modern Islamic center. During Friday prayers and special occasions, both floors will be opened to accommodate larger gatherings.
To ensure accessibility and comfort, the mosque features six entrances and is equipped with two elevators, one of which is nearing completion. Ample parking facilities have been arranged both within the mosque compound and along the adjacent roadside, ensuring ease of access for worshippers arriving by vehicle.
In addition to the spacious prayer areas, the mosque offers dedicated ablution facilities (wudu khanas) capable of serving up to 150 individuals simultaneously. Washrooms and additional wudu spaces have also been installed on the first floor. Dedicated prayer halls for women have been incorporated, allowing female worshippers—especially those visiting from outside the town—to pray in comfort and privacy.
The entire expansion and renovation project was carried out under the supervision of Majlis-e-Millia. Speaking at the inauguration, the President of the mosque committee, Mr. Ateequr Rahman Muniri, expressed pride in the project, describing the mosque as a model Islamic center for the coastal Karnataka region. He extended special appreciation to YMSA (Young Muslim Service Association) for its pivotal role in the project and acknowledged the generous contributions of Bhatkal community members residing in Dubai and other Gulf countries. He also highlighted the notable support of two prominent local businessmen, Mr. Abdul Bari Mohtisham and Mr. Mohtisham Abdur Rahman Jan, who played vital roles from the project’s inception.
The grand inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed personalities, including Maulana Mohammed Umrain Mahfooz Rahmani, Secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Khwaja Muinuddin Akrami Madani, Maulana Ansar Khatib Madani, Maulana Sadiq Akrami Nadwi, along with President Ateequr Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Shaoor Kola Nadwi, former president Abdul Raqeeb MJ Nadwi, construction committee convener Fawwaz Sukkri, deputy convener Javid Hussain Armar, Maulana Irfan Nadwi, Maulana Wasiullah DF Nadwi, and several other scholars, dignitaries, and community leaders.
It can be said that the expansion and revitalization of the Tanzeem Milliya Jumma Masjid is not only a response to the growing needs of the local Muslim population but also a reflection of a visionary approach that unites faith, community service, and architectural excellence. The mosque is poised to serve not only as a place of worship but also as a hub of religious guidance, spiritual development, and communal harmony for generations to come.
Click here for report in Urdu