Indo Islamic Heritage
Masjid-E-Raheema, also known as the Sunnath Jama'ath Masjid (Hanafi), is a serene and well-established place of worship located in Kodambakkam, Chennai. Rooted in the Hanafi school of Islamic thought, the mosque is known for its disciplined approach to prayer, community teaching, and inclusivity. It serves as a spiritual home for residents of Rangarajapuram and nearby localities, hosting daily prayers, Jummah congregations, and religious education programs. The mosque’s peaceful environment, traditional architecture, and active engagement with community welfare reflect its central role in sustaining faith and harmony amidst Chennai’s bustling urban life.
Masjid-E-Raheema, popularly known as the Sunnath Jama'ath Masjid (Hanafi), is a significant landmark of faith and cultural unity located on Chakrapani Street Extension, Rangarajapuram, in Kodambakkam, Chennai. Nestled in one of the city’s most vibrant and densely populated neighborhoods, the mosque stands as a beacon of spirituality and community service for the local Muslim population. The masjid follows the Hanafi school of jurisprudence, one of the four major Sunni Islamic schools, which emphasizes structured practice, compassion, and intellectual interpretation of Islamic law. The origins of Masjid-E-Raheema trace back several decades when the growing Muslim population of Kodambakkam recognized the need for a dedicated place of worship. What began as a modest prayer hall evolved into a well-constructed mosque serving hundreds of worshippers. The name “Raheema,” derived from one of Allah’s attributes meaning “Most Merciful,” aptly reflects the mosque’s mission — to cultivate mercy, unity, and devotion among its followers. Architecturally, the mosque blends simplicity with elegance. Its white-painted façade, adorned with green accents, mirrors traditional Islamic aesthetics while maintaining the functional modesty typical of South Indian mosques. The structure features a central prayer hall with neatly lined carpets, ensuring space for congregational prayers five times a day. The mihrab, marking the direction of Mecca, is beautifully crafted, and the minbar (pulpit) from which the Friday sermon (khutbah) is delivered, is positioned in accordance with traditional Islamic layout. Above, the gentle call to prayer (adhan) resonates through the neighborhood from the mosque’s small yet dignified minaret. Masjid-E-Raheema’s activities extend far beyond its prayer services. It hosts Madrasah classes for children and young adults, offering instruction in Quran recitation, Hadith, Arabic language, and Islamic ethics. These classes aim to strengthen religious literacy and moral grounding among the younger generation. The mosque also organizes community gatherings during significant Islamic occasions such as Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Eid-ul-Adha. During Ramadan, the mosque becomes particularly vibrant — the sound of Quranic recitations fills the air, and the premises are illuminated for Taraweeh prayers. The management committee and volunteers regularly arrange iftar meals for residents, travelers, and the underprivileged. Beyond its religious role, the mosque serves as a social hub. It coordinates welfare initiatives such as distributing food, school supplies, and essential aid to needy families in the community. The mosque also fosters interfaith understanding, often engaging with neighboring communities during times of social dialogue or distress. Masjid-E-Raheema thus embodies both tradition and modern community engagement. It symbolizes how faith institutions in urban India continue to play integral roles in promoting moral education, compassion, and civic responsibility. Amid the busy streets of Kodambakkam, the mosque stands as a sanctuary of peace — a reminder that spirituality thrives when anchored in service and empathy.
Year of Built: Not Known
Address: Chakrapani St Ext, Rangarajapuram, Kodambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600024
Country: India
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Chennai
Pincode: 600024
Longitude: 80.2189
Latitude: 13.0528