The mosque in Malla village of Jagraon, around 45kms from the city, was inaugurated on Monday by the Shahi Imaam, Punjab, as villagers organised a special lunch.
Naib Shahi Imaam, Punjab, Muhammad Usmaan Ludhianvi said, “The Malla village mosque was closed in 1947 after it’s run-down building collapsed. About six months ago, we approached the villagers, seeking their help to renovate it. Even as the village has just one Muslim family, the response had been overwhelming.”
Like the day when the renovation work had started, the Sikh villagers, on Monday, too organised langar (community kitchen).
“Besides the fund contribution, the villagers actively participated in the construction work too. Such examples of communal harmony are not uncommon in Punjab,” Naib Shahi Imaam added as he inaugurated the mosque by offering prayers.
The village sarpanch, Gurmail Singh, said, “Punjab has always been the epitome of communal harmony. Punjabis respect all religions and for them, humanity comes first.”
The sole Muslim family is all praise for their contribution. “Our Sikh brothers have always stood by us. And today, they helped rebuild our place of worship. We cannot thank them enough,” said Iqbal Hussain.
Malla village has a population of around 5,000, of which 90% are Sikhs and 9% Hindus.
Jogi Verma, a Hindu who lives near the mosque, said, “We are proud of the fact that our village represents unity in diversity.” He added that renovation of mosque by all community members is a tight slap on those who try to divide people on religious lines for petty political benefits.