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Time of India

Byculla Masjid welcomes non-Muslim visitors

Perhaps there could not have been a more solemn occasion than the Independence Day for this. As the country celebrated its 79th Independence Day with the theme "Nayab Bharat", the 125-year-old Chishti Hindustani Masjid in Byculla invited a group of non-Muslims for a "Masjid Parichay" or "Know My Mosque" initiative. Conducted by the 'Prophet for All' campaign to celebrate Prophet Muhammad's 1500th birthday (September 5 or 6), the 'Masjid Parichay' programme saw non-Muslim visitors getting familiarised with rituals involved in the daily namaz. Besides, the Hindu guests were given a guided tour of the iconic mosque by Maulana Abdul Jabbar Azmi, the mosque's imam. He explained everything, from wazu (ablutions) to azan or calls for prayers five times a day, salah (prayers) to Friday khutba (sermons). "This is where the imam stands and delivers sermons. The sermons are aimed at guiding the community members on how to live a peaceful, harmonious life. The weekly congregation prayers also facilitate community members to catch up with them," said Maulana Abdul Jabbar Azmi, standing near the pulpit. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Gold Rates Today in Mumbai | Silver Rates Today in Mumbai The non-Muslim visitors were elated to be inside the mosque, many Quranic verses in beautiful Arabic calligraphy decorating its walls. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Massive chandeliers, hanging from its ceiling, enhanced the decorated main prayer hall's beauty. "This is a good initiative. Our Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb teaches us how to coexist despite our differences. This visit helped remove many misconceptions about the functioning of mosques," said Dr Laxman Sharma Wahid, a medical practitioner and an Urdu poet. Many scholars and clerics maintained that the Prophet birthday celebrations should be used to take his message of love and care to all. "If the Prophet asked Muslims to take care of neighbours, they can be of any faith. His message was universal and it is our duty to take it to others," said spiritual leader Maulana Moin Ashraf Qadri (Moin Mian). Led by Islam Gymkhana president Yusuf Abrahni, the 12-day 'Prophet for All' campaign, said team member Farid Khan, comprises several activities, including Masjid Parichay, gifts and meals with non-Muslim friends and civic workers, blood donation drive, visit to orphanages and old-age homes, food and fruit distribution at hospitals and lawyers and doctors' conference. The 'Masjid Parichay' programme at the Hindustani Masjid was more significant because of the mosque's widely appreciated move a couple of years ago. On August 29, 2017, Mumbai faced one of the biggest deluge in the city's history.. Thousands of train and bus commuters got stranded as rains flooded roads and tracks. "Hindustani Masjid took the lead and opened its doors for people of different faiths who were stranded at the nearby Byculla railway station. Men took shelter on the mosque's first floor while women were accommodated on the second floor. They were provided food, water and tea and this was covered widely in the media," recalled Aamir Edresy, another member of the ''Prophet for All' campaign. For visitors like Madhav Barve, Hukumchand Kothari and Machhindra Sonawane, it was a reaffirmation of a belief that there should be no ban on entry of people of other faiths to these sacred spaces. "I remember once a Muslim friend invited me to a mosque as he offered prayers and I waited," said Kothari, a retired engineer from the agriculture department. "Khuda (God) does not discriminate against human beings. We must break the artificial walls we have created among ourselves." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !