In fact, despite a minor communal riot in Phagwara in July 2016, people from various communities still came forward to revive the mosque, where prayers are now being offered
In a shining instance of communal harmony, members of the Sikh and Hindu communities have come together to revive once abandoned mosques in Punjab.
After Partition, thousands of Muslims migrated to Pakistan, leaving behind abandoned structures that were once used for worship.
In a bid to reach out to his Muslim brethren, the Shahi Imam of Punjab, Maulana Habibur Rehman Sani, has been working tirelessly to give these mosques a new lease of life with the help of members from the Hindu and Sikh communities. "The situation in Punjab is different as compared to other parts of the country. Sikhs and Hindus are joining hands to restore these mosques. They are also generous with donations," says Mohammad Muktseem Ahrari, Principal Secretary, Majlis-e-Ahrar-e-Islam."In the last 70 years, we have been able to revive over 360 mosques, some in rural areas, where only a few Muslim families reside," he added.
In December 2016, after over 70 years, the doors of Masjid Umar on Sarai Road near Phagwara were opened again.
In fact, despite a minor communal riot in Phagwara in July 2016, people from various communities still came forward to revive the mosque, where prayers are now being offered.
Ravinder Singh, 79, a local, said he was happy when the mosque was revived. "It is nice to hear the morning azaan again," he said.
The Sikh youth in villages like Ajitwal in Moga district and Hans Kalan in Ludhiana district approached the Ludhiana Jama Masjid Imam to revive the old mosques in their areas. In Ajitwal village, a few youth started work on the site. Their efforts attracted more people to the cause. Since there are no Muslim families left in the area, Muslim migrant workers have begun coming here to offer prayers. Now every Friday, a maulvi comes to officiate weekly prayers from the neighbouring village.
"Muslim or non-Muslim, everyone has come together to revive the mosque. Of the 360 revived mosques, 52 are in the major cities in Punjab," says Muktseem. "Jis tareh se hum sab Punjab mein mil-julkar rehte hain, kahin nahin rehte," he says.
During Ramadan, people from different religious communities in the area offer food to people who want to offer namaz.
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