Haji Arifat Sheikh, the head of the Development Committee of the Indo-Islamic Culture Foundation (IICF) and Chairman of the Minority Affairs Commission in Maharashtra, stated that the construction of the “Masjid Muhammad bin Abdullah,” a prestigious mosque in Ayodhya, will commence in May 2024. This project includes the construction of educational institutions and a hospital, with all preparations already completed.
In an exclusive interview with Urdu News, Independent Urdu, and Arab News in Makkah, Haji Arifat Sheikh expressed his desire for the inauguration of the “Masjid Muhammad bin Abdullah” to be conducted by Imam Haram Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais or for him to lead the Friday prayers at least once. This, he believes, would bestow an honor on this magnificent mosque.
In 2019, the Supreme Court’s decision, which facilitated the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, also allocated land in the village of Dhannipur, approximately 25 kilometers (about 15 miles) away from the Ram Temple, for building another mosque for the Muslims of Ayodhya.
The inauguration of the Ram Temple at the historical site of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya took place on January 22. The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and prominent personalities from across the country. Ayodhya was adorned with celebration, and saffron colors were prominent everywhere.
Invitations were sent to renowned figures from the fields of Bollywood, cricket, and politics to attend the ceremony.
This temple is being constructed in Ayodhya, India, at the site where the Babri Masjid stood, and the controversy over this location persisted for years due to claims by both Hindus and Muslims.
After years of disputes, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hindus in 2019, granting permission to build a temple in the place where the mosque existed.
Haji Arifat Sheikh stated, “The Indian Supreme Court has provided the location for the mosque, and the foundation stone-laying ceremony has been completed. The mosque will be constructed on a 5-acre area, and an additional 6 acres of land has been acquired. After this, the overall area for the mosque and associated educational and medical institutions will be 11 acres. After the approved construction, it will be bigger, more beautiful, and a masterpiece even larger than the Taj Mahal.”
In response to a question, he explained, “The approved mosque complex will accommodate nearly 9,000 congregants at a time, and for the Friday prayers, combining the external courtyards and the green areas adjacent to the mosque, it will have a capacity of over 50,000 people.”
Regarding the development, Haji Arifat Sheikh mentioned, “We have started the construction of India’s best medical and dental colleges, branches of colleges, and international schools along with the mosque complex. Considering the beginning of Islam with ‘Iqra,’ we have decided that along with the mosque, branches of India’s best medical and dental colleges, and international schools will be established where needy students will be provided free standardized education.”
“Other than colleges, a hospital adorned with all necessary medical facilities will also be established for free treatment. Additionally, arrangements will be made for three free meals a day on a daily basis for three to five thousand people,” he added.
On the question of consensus among Asaduddin Owaisi and other Indian leaders regarding the controversial matter of mosque construction, Haji Arifat Sheikh stated, “In our meeting, we suggested having a brick with Asaduddin’s name and another with someone else’s name to build unity and resolve differences, ensuring complete harmony for the fulfillment of this grand objective. The mosque, named ‘Masjid Muhammad bin Abdullah,’ is expected to bring blessings to the country, and there will be a downpour of light due to this blessed name.”
“I want to emphasize that there should be no politics associated with the names of the mosque and school,” he added.
Regarding the question raised by their scholars and political leaders about whether a mosque could be built in exchange for another mosque, Haji Arifat Sheikh responded, “The government did not give us the land; rather, the Supreme Court did. After that, we purchased the additional 6 acres of land. In this way, the land on which the mosque will be constructed will be bought with our money, resolving the legal and contentious issues.”
Is this part of Narendra Modi’s election campaign?
It should be noted that Narendra Modi came to power in 2014 with a commitment to reform the country’s economy and initiate a new era of progress. However, he has also significantly advanced the agenda of Hindutva, a theory that suggests India should be a homeland for Hindus.
During the BJP-led government’s tenure, many states have enacted legislation that critics argue is strengthening the roots of Hindutva and is indicative of discriminatory treatment towards Muslims, including the inclusion of some discriminatory laws.
One of the significant promises made by Narendra Modi to his voters was the construction of the Ram Temple in place of a mosque.
There is a perception among many opposition parties that this is a project linked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election campaign.
By MediaBites
