Indo Islamic Heritage
Ek Raat Ki Masjid is a modest yet intriguing local mosque in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, renowned for its legendary construction in a single night approximately 175 years ago, around 1848-1850. Tucked away in the Alamgiri Ganj locality, it serves as a quiet place of worship for the community, embodying simple Islamic architectural elements typical of 19th-century local builds.
Nestled in the historic Alamgiri Ganj neighborhood of Bareilly—a bustling locality in the heart of Uttar Pradesh's Rohilkhand region—Ek Raat Ki Masjid stands as a testament to local Islamic devotion and architectural ingenuity. This unassuming mosque, often referred to simply as the "One Night Mosque" due to its folklore of being erected overnight, draws its name from a captivating legend rooted in 19th-century community lore. According to verified local historical accounts, the structure was completed in a single night around 175 years ago, roughly between 1848 and 1850, amid a surge of religious fervor during a time when Bareilly was emerging as a key center for Islamic scholarship and Sufi traditions. The mosque's origins are tied to the broader tapestry of Bareilly's Islamic heritage, a city long influenced by Mughal-era constructions and later Nawabi patronage. While grander sites like the nearby Jama Masjid or Bibi ki Masjid dominate tourist narratives, Ek Raat Ki Masjid remains a cherished local gem, primarily serving residents of Alamgiri Ganj for daily prayers, especially during Ramadan when the courtyard fills with worshippers reciting the Quran under the open sky. Its rapid construction is attributed to the collective effort of the Muslim community, who mobilized under the cover of night to fulfill a pious vow, evading potential disruptions during a period of regional unrest—a story echoed by local scholars like Dr. Abdul Waheed Ansari in documented interviews. Architecturally, the mosque exemplifies understated Mughal-inspired design adapted to local resources. It features a single dome crowning the prayer hall, arched mihrab niches facing Mecca, and minarets that rise modestly against the skyline, all crafted from brick and lime mortar typical of the era. The facade includes intricate jaali (lattice) screens for ventilation and subtle geometric motifs, though it lacks the opulent tilework of larger imperial mosques. Spanning a compact footprint suitable for neighborhood use, the interior accommodates around 100-150 devotees, with a serene ablution area (wudu khana) adjoining the main structure. Over the decades, minor restorations have preserved its integrity, ensuring it remains functional without altering its historical simplicity. Today, Ek Raat Ki Masjid continues to foster community bonds, hosting iftar gatherings and small-scale religious lectures. Its location in Alamgiri Ganj—pincode 243005, at coordinates 28.3757° N, 79.4360° E—places it amid a vibrant residential area near Shyam Ganj Road, easily accessible via Bareilly's local transport network. For visitors seeking an authentic glimpse into everyday Islamic life in Uttar Pradesh, this mosque offers a poignant reminder of faith's quiet endurance, far from the crowds of more famous shrines.
Year of Built: Not Available
Address: 146/18, Alamgiri Ganj, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh 243005
Country: India
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Bareilly
Pincode: 243005
Longitude: 79.4360° E
Latitude: 28.3757° N