PESHAWAR: Sher Zamin Khan, a 74-year-old from Peshawar, lives 17 kilometers away but has faithfully attended Friday prayers at the historic Mahabat Khan Mosque since 1989.
Khan’s dedication reflects the mosque’s allure, not just as a place of worship but as a beacon of historical and cultural significance, attracting visitors from near and far, including those from other countries, to experience its ancient legacy and communal spirit.
Located in Peshawar’s ancient walled city, the Mahabat Khan Mosque, an architectural gem from the 17th century Mughal era built under the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan, becomes a bustling hub of spirituality, especially during Ramadan, drawing worshippers in large numbers.
Named after the Mughal governor of the city at the time, the mosque has faced the ravages of time, including looting and damage during the Sikh invasion and the notorious governance of Ranjit Singh’s chosen General Paolo Avitabile, who is said to have used its minaret for executions.
“I have been coming to this mosque since 1989,” Khan said while speaking to Arab News. “I used to come [here] only for the Friday prayer [back then]. At that time, the mosque wasn’t like this. The outside floor wasn’t paved and had a small pond which contained fish.”
He agreed that there was always a bigger influx of worshippers during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan when people offer the special Tarawih night prayer in which the Holy Qur’an is recited in full over a span of nearly four weeks.
“During Ramadan, when I come to the mosque, I don’t get a space even [in the] outside [lawn],” he continued.
The Mahabat Khan Mosque stands out for its Mughal architectural style, featuring a spacious courtyard, a blue-tiled ablution pool and elaborate decorations with floral designs and Arabic calligraphy.
It has undergone significant restoration efforts to preserve its historical essence. Today, it remains a vibrant place of worship and a heritage site, drawing visitors to its stunning architectural details and serving as a testament to Peshawar’s rich culture.
68-year-old Zahir Khan, who is a member of the mosque managing committee, said he learned how to read the Qur’an as a child under the same roof and witnessed how its ancient domes and arches drew people from far off places.
“Masjid Mahabat Khan is 400 to 450 years old, and a lot of people from foreign countries, including the Arab and other states, visit this place,” he said.
“People coming from others countries [to Peshawar] want to visit this place as it is a historical mosque,” He continued. “They want to see its history that there is such a place [in the city].”
Asked about the rising numbers of worshippers in Ramadan, he said: “Praise be to God, we are Muslims. This is a historic mosque, and a lot of people worship here [in Ramadan].”
Zia Ur Rehman, a 31-year-old Peshawar resident, said people visiting the walled city always wished to offer their prayers at this mosque.
“In Ramadan, all those who come to explore the adjoining City Bazar always come to the mosque to offer their prayers.”