Mohammed Bin Abdullah Masjid: New Ayodhya Masjid in Making 

In a historic decision made in Mumbai, an umbrella organization representing Indian mosques, the All India Rabta-e-Masjid proposed the name “Mohammed Bin Abdullah Masjid” for the mosque to be constructed in Dhannipur village, Ayodhya. The mosque will be built by the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation Trust (IICFT) on land allocated to the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board.

This Mohammed Bin Abdullah Masjid is to replace the one that was demolished in the Babri-Masjid Riots. Following the Supreme Court’s verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, this land was allocated to Indian Muslims to build a new mosque for worship. While this verdict settled a long-standing dispute, it also paved the way for the construction of a Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya. Now, the new mosque’s name and plans showcase that there is a place for all true Bharatiyas in the modern Bharat. However, the name and design of the new Mosque reveal chicks in the mentality of Indian Muslims.

The Middle East Design Inspiration

The original design was contemporary and straightforward, resembling many Indian mosques. However, it was later decided that the new mosque would draw inspiration from the grand mosques of the Middle East and Arab countries. The new mosque would boast of high minarets and large domes. Once complete, it would be able to allow a congregation of 5,000 devouts to pray together

Zufar Farooqui, Chairman of the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board, shared that the new design would feature traditional aesthetics. He aims to make this new mosque the most beautiful mosque globally. However, the precise dimensions of this iconic mosque are yet to be disclosed.

Why Mr. Farooqi feels that Arab mosques are the epitome of grandeur, is a good question to ask. Moreover, the need to find a resemblance or a connection to Arab Muslims is a need Indian Muslims must question. Why do Indian Muslims keep pandering to this compulsive need to gain appreciation from the Arabs? Is celebrating their own heritage without using Arab references not considered the right way to be a Muslim?   

A Charitable Touch

Dr. Habil Khorakiwala, Chairman of the Wockhardt Group, has pledged to establish a 300-bed charitable cancer hospital as part of this project. The mosque and hospital are to be part of the premises. However, the location would also include a museum, research center, and library dedicated to Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah Faizabadi, a prominent freedom fighter during the 1857 revolt.

While the project has received all necessary NOCs from the UP government, the maps of the proposed mosque and hospital are still with the Ayodhya Development Authority. The IICFT must pay a development fee of Rs 1 crore to secure these maps for the project.

People’s Choice: Masjid in the Name of the Prophet

This decision on the mosque is not merely about construction; it stands as a symbol of tradition for Indian Muslims. Over 1000 clerics chose the mosque’s name to honor Prophet Mohammed’s legacy. Thus, the new name of this yet-to-be-made structure shall be Mohammed Bin Abdullah Masjid. Its four entrances shall be named after the four Caliphs, the Hazrats Abu Bakar, Umar, Usman, and Ali. The promised grand architectural design would celebrate the Islamic heritage of Indian Muslims.

The deep identity crisis of Indian Muslims is revealed by their choice of design. Indian Muslims do not celebrate their roots. Thus, they continue to justify their existence by emulating the Arabs. Moreover, the naming of the mosque shows their deep need to reiterate their identity. Thus, despite being a religion that advocates against material attachment to temples or idols; most Indian Muslims feel a compulsive need to use the Prophet’s name in their mosques. From all perspectives, it seems that Islam in India may be going the Christian way. It seems to Indian Muslims the name of Mohammed is becoming just as important as Jesus Christ’s name is to Christians! It seems that in both religions, the name of a prophet is placed on an equal pedestal as the name of God.