Mohammed Bin Abdullah Masjid is a new mosque being built in Dhannipur, a village about 22 kilometers from Ayodhya. However, the construction of this mosque was part of a Supreme Court verdict in 2019 that aimed to resolve the Ayodhya dispute.
Haji Arfat Shaikh, head of the IICF’s development committee, revealed that construction of the ” Mohammed bin Abdullah Masjid” is slated to begin in May 2024. The estimated project timeframe is three to four years. The news comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, fulfilling a decades-long religious dispute.
Shaikh also announced the establishment of a dedicated crowdfunding website to raise funds for the mosque’s construction. Moreover, this move signifies a departure from traditional donation methods and aims to foster broader community involvement in the project. “We want everyone who wishes to contribute to peace and harmony in Ayodhya to have the opportunity to do so,” remarked Shaikh.
The mosque is to be built on a five-acre plot allocated by the government. It will encompass a prayer hall, educational facilities, a hospital, and community spaces. Moreover, this inclusive vision reflects the IICF’s commitment to social welfare and fostering interfaith understanding within the city.
Also See: A Beautiful Mosque: The Story of Masjid Bab Al Salam, Muscat
Background
In 2019, the Supreme Court ordered the construction of the Ram temple on the site of the demolished Babri Masjid and directed the allocation of five acres to construct a mosque. However, despite this directive, the proposed Muhammed bin Abdullah Masjid in Dhannipur, 25 kilometers away from Ayodhya, remains unbuilt.
Current Challenges:
- The mosque’s construction faces administrative hurdles, financial challenges, and some lingering anxieties.
- The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF), is responsible for building the mosque. It has struggled to raise sufficient funds, and bureaucratic delays have hindered progress.
- The initial design faced community objections, leading to a new plan by a BJP-affiliated leader, Haji Arafat Shaikh. He aims to attract donations through a new website and QR codes.
- The construction is expected to begin after Ramzan in 2024, following the completion of a new design. Additionally, it includes features like a water-and-light show and a giant aquarium.
The ‘Masjid Muhammed bin Abdullah’ project is not just about religion. If it is built successfully and becomes part of Ayodhya. However, it could show everyone how different beliefs can live together peacefully. This could set an example for people of different faiths to get along well in India.
