Grandson of Nizam VII visits Mecca Masjid

Charminar: Prince Muffakham Jah Bahadur, the grandson of Nizam VII, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, visited the historic Mecca Masjid on Monday and offered prayers at Maqbara, which houses the graves of all the Nizams, except for the last Nizam.

It also houses the grave of his father Prince Azam Jah Bahadur. On the occasion, Muffakham Jah also examined the renovation works being taken up at Mecca Masjid. He also prayed at the mazaars of his father and his great grandfather. Later he also visited the Madarsa-e-Huffaz, located inside the compound and which is also undergoing renovation works.

Muffakham Jah was received by Dr Iqbal Jaweed, vice President of Mecca Masjid Society, and Qadeer Siddiqui, Superintendent of Mecca Masjid. The Prince was accompanied by Mazaharuddin Jaweed, trustee at Princes Durrashehwar Education Society.Speaking to The Hans India, Iqbal Jaweed described his visit as significant, given the fact that the Prince took note of the repairs and renovation works at Mecca Masjid. This is the final resting place of most of his ancestors.

The mosque and its premises remain emotionally attached to the royal family. Iqbal Jaweed said that Muffakham Jah examined the works at the madarsa, library and other educational institutions within the premises. "He examined the works at wuzukhana (ablution spot), besides taking note of the works at the interiors, including domes of the grand mosque," Jaweed added.

The repair and restoration works of Mecca Masjid were started by Telangana Heritage Department following the allocation of Rs 8.48 crores in 2017. According to officials, the works of Maqbara and courtyard, which houses the mazaars of Asaf Jahi's have been completed. While repair works at Madarsa are in progress. However, during Ramzan the works will be stopped due to increased religious activity and increased number of devotees. The remaining works will continue after the holy month.