Maulana Nurul Amin Qasimi

The proposed construction of a mosque named after Mughal emperor Babur in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district by a suspended All India Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir has evoked interest.

Many people are questioning whether the construction of a mosque in the name of Babur is really a religious necessity. Or, is it just part of a political conspiracy? To answer this question, we must examine its history, social status, and contemporary circumstances together.

What is the main purpose of building a mosque in Islam?

In Islam, a mosque is a place of prayer, a centre of education, guidance for society, and a symbol of peace, morality, and humanity. Building mosques is always a deed of faith in the Almighty.

Islam's purpose is not to create confusion and animosity among the people by building mosques when there is no need. The Prophet himself has forbidden the construction of mosques due to dissension, division and ego (in the case of Masjid Dirar). Therefore, an important principle of Islam is that where there are praying people, there must be a mosque, and where there is none to pray, there is no need for a mosque.

There are already many old mosques, madrassas and Islamic educational centres in Murshidabad. There is no demand for a new mosque by the ordinary Muslims at that site. What is the need to build a mosque named after Babur in Murshidabad?

The issue of a 'mosque named after Babur' is not necessary in any educational, social or cultural aspect of the Muslims of contemporary India.

Islamic perspective

The age-old dispute between Hindus and Muslims in India over the mosque in Ayodhya, built by Emperor Babur, has already ended. The entire Muslim people of the country have accepted the court's verdict in favour of the Ram Temple, respecting the sentiments and feelings of the Hindu people of the country. Yet if someone builds a mosque in the name of Babur elsewhere in the country, it means reviving old disputes and harming the community. So let's see what Islam says about building mosques to create controversy.

"And those who built mosques to harm (Muslims), to spread disbelief, to cause division among the fellow believers, and to make a base for anyone who fought against Allah and His Messenger before, may swear that our intent is only for good. But Allah bears witness that they are liars. (Surat al-Tawbah: 107)

This verse of the Holy Quran strongly condemns the construction of mosques to create conflict and division and to facilitate temptation among the enemies of Allah and His Messenger.

Views of the Ulama

None of the ulama (clerics) has yet cooperated or supported the construction of a mosque in the name of Babur in Murshidabad. Everyone is opposed to it. Understandably, they are not associated with it since it is not a religious requirement.

A review of the current situation, history, society and reality in all its aspects shows that one thing is clear — the uproar, the discussion, the excitement — are all conspiracies of some political force. The Indian Muslim community must understand that Islam is not a religion of division, but a religion of peace and brotherhood.

So let mosques be built where they are needed. Where there is no need, unnecessary politics will surely harm the nation and the ummah.

The author is the President of Islamic Study & Research Academy Assam, Tezpur