As the country celebrated the inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22nd, a site revered by Hindus as the birthplace of Lord Ram, the Muslim population of the country seemed divided. Some seemed to oppose the inauguration of the temple while others joined their Hindu counterparts in the celebrations, reflecting a spectrum of perspectives from across the country.
A survey conducted by the nationalist Muslim organization ‘Muslim Rashtriya Manch’ (MRM) revealed that 74% of Muslims expressed happiness over the construction of the Ram temple. Additionally, the survey indicated that 70% of Muslims trust the Modi government, with 72% agreeing that the opposition has no significant issues. Furthermore, 70% believe that India has emerged as a global power. The survey emphasized the viewpoint that the Ram temple in Ayodhya is considered a focal point of faith for Hindus, and the sentiments of the majority population should be acknowledged and respected by the Muslim community.
Dr. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, the Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organization, attended the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram Temple and welcomed the event. He emphasized the need for unity, stating, “Our methods of worship may be different, puja times may be different, our paths may diverge, but our biggest religion is humanity.”
However, amidst the celebrations, the approximately 500,000 Muslims residing in Ayodhya expressed fear for their safety, recalling the religious violence that erupted in the city 30 years ago during the demolition of the 16th-century Babri mosque. A sense of apprehension prevails among Ayodhya’s Muslims, with concerns about the potential for renewed violence and the marginalization of the Muslim community under the leadership of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
While talking to CNN, Maulana Badshah Khan, a 65-year-old resident, says that he sees the celebration as a clear indication of Muslim marginalisation and believes that the wounds of Babri Mosque’s demolition will persist. Azam Qadri, the 39-year-old head of a local religious body, expressed concerns about the arrival of outsiders, citing past troubles. Haji Mahboob, who lost two relatives during the 1992 violence, voiced worries about provocative slogans and potential calls for Muslim expulsion or the establishment of a Hindu Rashtra.
Despite the ongoing celebrations for Hindus, there remains a palpable sense of unease among Ayodhya’s Muslim population. The construction of a grand mosque in Ayodhya is anticipated to commence in May, taking an estimated three to four years to complete. The mosque is set to be named “Masjid Muhammed bin Abdullah” in honor of Prophet Muhammad.”
