In a historic move, Ayodhya is set to welcome a new mosque named Masjid Mohammad Bin Abdullah, marking a significant step in the city's journey towards communal harmony. The mosque, which will replace the Babri Masjid but at a different location, is to be inaugurated by the esteemed Imam-e-Haram, the leading Imam of the holy mosque in Mecca.
The mosque's foundation stone will be laid at Dhannipur, situated 25km from Ayodhya, on land provided by the Uttar Pradesh government as per the Supreme Court's directive in the Ayodhya dispute resolution. The mosque, envisioned to be India's largest, will also feature the world's biggest Quran, measuring an impressive 21 feet in height and 36 feet in width.
The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation, established in July 2020, initially spearheaded the mosque's construction. However, recent developments have seen Mumbai-based BJP leader Haji Arafat Shaikh appointed as the chairman of the Masjid Muhammad Bin Abdullah’s Development Committee. Under his leadership, the mosque's design has been unveiled, showcasing five minarets that represent the five pillars of Islam.
The complex will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a beacon of social service, housing a cancer hospital, educational institutions, a museum, a library, and a vegetarian kitchen offering free meals to visitors. A unique feature of the complex will be a large aquarium near the ablution space, with separate sections for men and women.
Haji Arafat Shaikh envisions the mosque's beauty to surpass that of the Taj Mahal, with fountains that come to life at the call for evening prayers, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The mosque aims to attract people of all faiths, standing as a monument to peace and harmony in the heart of Ayodhya.
