The Mosque That Stood Standing in Goa: Safa Shahouri Mosque
by Selina Bakkar in World on 5th August, 2022
Today’s Mosque is from India // Safa Shahouri Mosque / Safa Masjid / Ponda, Goa.
Safa Mosque, located in Ponda, is a fascinating 16th century Islamic Monument. The name ‘Safa’ means means clean, chaste and pure in Arabic, fitting for this simple a mosque design with little extravagance.
It was built by the then ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah in 1560. During this time period, Goa had 27 mosques of which many were destroyed during the Portuguese Inquisition. It was located in the middle of a beautiful garden complex with fountains, however this was also destroyed during Portuguese rule.
The tank and building are made up of laterite stone masonry. The main prayer hall building sits on a high base, roofed with terracotta tiles in a pointed style.
Despite destruction to the surrounding mosques, and to the complex, Safa Masjid remains intact and stands as a surviving structure representative of Goa’s history.
Selina Bakkar
I'm a simply striving to be better and improve in different areas of my life through more self awareness, experiences and learning more about the deen. You'll find me talking about community, connection, planting & growing, seeking the truth in an age of propaganda and misinformation. This year I want to document more to do with food heritage and history so watch this space or reach out. Have a listen to the Amaliah Voices podcast where I talk passionately about Islam, nature, motherhooding and back home. Link in bio peeps. To join the Amaliah Writer Community email me at selina@amaliah.com IG: SelinaBakkar
