AMN / WEB DESK
At a time when communal hatred is rearing its ugly head in different parts of the country, Sikhs in Punjab have set another example of communal harmony and amity by donating their land for a Mosque in Malerkotla.
A Sikh family from Jitwal Kalan village in the newly created district’s Ahmedgarh subdivision has donated its ancestral land to build a mosque.
Jagmail Singh, 40, whose family owns a large tract of land, on Tuesday announced to donate 6 biswa (around 8,000 square feet) in the centre of the village to construct a mosque. Muslims from Malerkotla and other villages also assembled at the spot to offer prayers.
According to Hindustan Times, Until now, around a dozen Muslim families residing in the village, situated about 15 kilometres from the district headquarters, had to go to neighbouring villages to offer prayers during Eid and other occasions.
“There are around 12 Muslim families in the village. They have to go to other villages to offer prayers. I knew they could not buy land, as they mostly work as labourers and are poor,” said Jagmail Singh, whose family has been associated with Muslims in the village for three generations.
Iqbal Singh, 33, another member of the family, said: “The construction of the mosque will start after relaxations in Covid-19 restrictions. We will also try to provide financial aid for its construction.”
Roshan Khan, a local Muslim, said they have a long association with the Sikh family and have been living peacefully in the village for decades.
“We are poor and could not purchase land for building a mosque. Our Sikh brothers have shown a big heart,” Abdul Rashid, 40, a truck driver said
Malerkotla has been known as the land of Sikh-Muslim unity for centuries. The initiative to donate land will cement our brotherhood further.”
The historical town of Malerkotla is known for its communal harmony since Nawab Sher Mohammed Khan had protested against the torture and bricking alive of the younger Sahibzadas of Guru Gobind Singh.
The area also remained peaceful during the Partition in 1947.