Ayodhya Masjid Designed By Pune-Based Architect, Construction Expected To Begin In April

Pune, 15th January 2024: In a significant development following the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the construction of the grand mosque ‘Mohammed Bin Abdullah’ is expected to at Dhanipur, about 22 km from Ayodhya. This mosque holds a special connection with Maharashtra as it is designed by Pune-based architect Imran Shaikh.

Despite administrative delays and funding issues, efforts are being reignited to resume the construction of the mosque under the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF), a Trust created by Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board for development of 5 acre land in Dhannipur. The land was given as per the orders of the Supreme Court in the Babri Masjid title dispute case as alternate site for construction of mosque.

The new mosque is set to be one of the largest in India. The design, expected to be completed by February, incorporates a hospital, community kitchen, library, and research centre within its vast 4,500 square meters. Boasting the title of the first mosque in India with five minarets, the mosque will also feature a water and light show, along with the world’s largest Quran, 21-feet high and 36-feet wide. The five minarets symbolise the five pillars of Islam: profession of faith (shahada), prayer (namaz), almsgiving (zakat), fasting (roza) and pilgrimage (hajj).

Haji Arfat Shaikh, BJP leader from Maharashtra who has been appointed by the Waqf Baord for the development of the mosque, assured that the new design, set to be revealed soon, will incorporate eco-friendly elements. Notably, the mosque will have a zero-carbon footprint design, with lights automatically turning on at sunset and off at sunrise.

The construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2024, post-Ramadan in April. During construction, bricks inscribed with Quranic verses will be sent to major dargahs across India, symbolizing unity. Special songs and videos, featuring renowned personalities like Vijay Vikram Singh and Amitabh Bachchan, will be recorded to raise awareness about the mosque.

To ensure transparent fundraising, the IIFC will launch a website featuring QR codes for easy donations by the end of February or early March. Shaikh emphasized that they will not go door-to-door for donations, aiming to make the Ayodhya Masjid project widely known and attract visitors alongside the Ram Temple.

Shaikh expressed a commitment to transforming Ayodhya into an exemplar of Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, fostering harmony between communities. The mosque’s extensive advertising aims to encourage visitors to explore both the Ram Temple and the Masjid, fostering unity and alleviating tensions surrounding the Ayodhya issue.