The Ilyasi Masjid is located in Nawan Shehar, Abbottabad District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
There is an interesting historic story about Nawan Shehar. Its former name was ‘Urasa’ often called Wadi-e-Orash (Orash valley). Nawan Shehar village was established in 1723 and it remained a village during the British
Raj. The area was developed after independence from the British rule.
The town was built and named Nawan Shehar meaning “the new city”. According to historic references and from what I learnt from the locals, Sikhs constructed a fort near the Ilyasi Masjid. Although, there is no sign of that fort now, the area is still known as Mohallah Qilla (fort).
The locals also narrated to me stories of various Sikh battles. They also told me that during the Second World War 63 local villagers had gone and fought for the British Army.
Spreading over five kanals, the Ilyasi Masjid was built somewhere around 1927-1932. It was constructed over a stream of water that flowed from the nearby mountain. Aged locals informed me that the mosque was built before partition and its magnificence and opulence has only increased with time due to the devotion and spiritual attachment of the people. I was also told that before the mosque’s construction began Christians wanted to build a church there instead but the locals had resisted the plan.
The mosque and its surrounding area is controlled and owned by the Jadoon family. The ice-cold,fresh mineral water sparkling like crystal has been flowing here since the mosque was constructed. I think it is an incredible gift of nature to the mankind. Blessings like these remind me of Surah-Ar-Rahman’s Ayat that when translated states: “How many blessings of your Lord will you then deny?”
The Ilyasi Masjid is the oldest and largest mosque in Abbottabad and people come here to seek spiritual solace and admire its beauty. In my opinion, the mosque’s magnificent architecture ranks it among Pakistan’s most beautiful and unique buildings.
Published in Daily Times, August 31st 2018
Voice Naat Ehsan Ullah
Voice over Syed Abbas

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