The Babri Masjid, situated in Ayodhya, India, held historical significance as a mosque, with inscriptions suggesting its construction in 1528–29 (935 AH) by Mir Baqi, a commander under the Mughal emperor Babur. However, its history took a tumultuous turn in 1992 when a mob attacked and demolished the mosque, sparking communal violence that reverberated globally.
The site had been a focal point of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities since the 18th century. Many Hindus maintained the belief that the mosque stood on the sacred ground of Ram Janmabhoomi, the presumed birthplace of Rama, a significant deity in Hinduism. Recent developments indicate a potential shift in the wake of these historical tensions. Hindu devotees are poised to inaugurate a grand temple dedicated to one of their holiest deities. At the same time, India's minority Muslim community plans to commence the construction of a new mosque in the same city later this year. This move by the Muslim community is seen as an attempt to initiate a fresh start in the aftermath of a protracted and often violent dispute that spanned decades.
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What is the Current Status of Babri Masjid?
The current status of the mosque in Ayodhya, overseen by the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF), involves a change in strategy for funding and a renewed vision for the mosque's construction.
Here are key points as taken from a report published by Reuters:
Change in Funding Approach: The IICF, facing financial constraints and administrative delays in the mosque construction, is planning to relaunch the fundraising effort. The new approach involves seeking funding with vigour and grandeur similar to the fundraising for the Ram temple.
New Leadership: Haji Arfat Shaikh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Maharashtra, was appointed as the new chief of the mosque’s development committee in November 2023. He is taking the lead in implementing the new vision for the mosque.
Altered Mosque Design: The initial design by Prof. S.M. Akhtar included a hospital, community kitchen, library, and research centre. However, the new vision aims to build one of the largest mosques in India, surpassing the Taj Mahal, with a design prepared by Pune-based architect Imran Shaikh. The mosque will also feature the world’s biggest Quran, measuring about 21 feet.
Additional Features: The mosque will retain the hospital and community kitchen from the initial plan. It will be the first mosque in India to have five minarets and a water-and-light show is being planned. A giant fish aquarium, larger than Dubai's, is also proposed.
Construction Timeline: Construction of the expanded mosque is expected to begin in the second half of 2024, after Ramzan (the holy month of fasting in Islam).
Name Change: The mosque, initially named Masjid-e-Ayodhya, has been renamed Muhammad Bin Abdullah Masjid after The Prophet.
Fundraising Strategy: The IICF does not plan to go door-to-door for donations but will launch a website with QR codes for easy donations. This approach differs from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s door-to-door fundraising campaign for the Ram temple.
Promotional Efforts: Special songs and videos related to the mosque are being recorded, and Vijay Vikram Singh, known for his voice-over work in the TV series Bigg Boss, will be involved. The aim is to promote the Ayodhya mosque project extensively.
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What will be the New Name Of Babri masjid?
Haji Arfat Shaikh, the new chief of the mosque’s development committee, has decided to rename the mosque. The original name, Masjid-e-Ayodhya, has been changed to Muhammad Bin Abdullah Masjid. This new name refers to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with "Bin Abdullah" meaning "son of Abdullah," acknowledging the Prophet's lineage. The decision to change the name reflects a deliberate choice to honour and associate the mosque with the Islamic tradition and heritage, emphasising a connection to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
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