According to the Historians from Manipur there were no
mosques in Manipur earlier. But it is not true. It might be few in no of
Mosques in Manipur existed earlier after the Muslim arrival.
So we should ask ourselves that what is Mosque or where
should it be?
If we wanted to analyze the same quarries than We have to
give some rough ideas regarding the Mosque (Masjid) definition.
The word Masjid (Mosque) in Arabic comes from the verb
‘Sajda’ Which means to prostrate and a Masjid is the place in which people face
downwards.
When we recalled the History of the battlefield of Toubul where a group of
Muslim were offering Salat (Muslim Prayer).The Place where the people offer Salat
(Muslim Prayer) regularly is called Masjid.
The Muslim in Manipur was settled various place accordingly
the will of King Khagemba’s decision.
Whoever the Muslim settled in various parts of Manipur,
there the Muslims built “ Laishang”(It is widely used in Manipuri Speaking Places
to denote the Masjids).There were 13 (Thirteen)
Masjids and 11(Eleven) Penjagas (where Salat offer for 5 times but not
for Jumma prayer) existed till 1819 AD.
The places where the masjids were existed earlier in Manipur
are as follows:-
1.MD Saani’s Lainingsang which is in the anterior Kanngla
Sanathong .
2.Moirangkhom Sangoi Laisang.
3.Kangla Ukok Sangoi Laisang
4. Ningthounai Sangoi Laisang.
5. Erong Chesaba Sangoi Laisang.
6.Mayang Imphal Sangoi Laisang.
7. Sangai Yumfam Sangoi Laisang.
8. Awang Laikai Sangoi Laisang.
9.Lilong Sangoi Laisang.
10. Makha Laikai Sangoi Laisang.
11. Kairao Sangoi Laisang.
12. Kairao Sangoi Laisang.
13.Porompat Sangoi Laisang.
The 11 Panjagas(where Salat offers 5 times but not for the Jumma prayer) were built in Manipur very earlier.
They are as follows:-
1.
Fundrei Panjaga
2.
Hairok
Panjaga
3.
Ukhongsang Panjaga
4.
Thoubal Moiching Panjaga
5.
Malom Khongmangbang Panjaga
6.
Uroop Panjaga
7.
Khetri Bengul Panjaga
8.
Lamsang Taokhong
9.
Khomyam Panjaga
10.
Moirang Taokhong Panjaga
11.
Pangal
Tabi Panjaga etc.
Sources
Turko Afgan gi Chada naoda,
Yaad Dast kursi Nama,
© Abdul Salam