The start of talks with Sri Ravi Shankar on the Ram Mandir and Babri Masjid dispute was a positive and historic step. Unfortunately, at that time some members of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board opposed these talks. When analyzed, the stance of the Personal Law Board has not been appropriate in the case of both the Triple Talaq and the Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid dispute.
Sensitive issues like these need to be dealt with wisdom, especially because the Indian Muslim community has practically been side-tracked. It was and is the duty of the Muslim community to take measures in order to clarify any misconceptions that their fellow countrymen might have. Therefore, avoiding the the approach of clash and conflict, the Muslim community should have adopted the path of mutual dialogue and must have engaged even the hardliners in discussion in the light of Hudaybia Treaty which is a significant milestone in Islamic History and should be taken as a frame of reference. The approach that was practically adopted (and continues to be pursued) proved disastrous not only on religious, social, Dawah associated and community related fronts but also for
political and administrative landscape. There are provisions, and precedents in the Shariah whereby a mosque, for different reasons, may be transferred to another property. A host of arguments and pieces of evidence exist which support these provisions. The strongest evidence in favour of this is the example set by the Second Caliph. Hazrat Umar transferred a mosque in Kufa to another place and set up a dates-market at the place of the mosque.
After 1947, the conditions within India started acquiring a certain direction. We find indications of this shift in 1949 when deities were placed within the premises of Babri Masjid to convert it practically into a temple where Salat has not been possible in the last 69 years. These events unfolded when great personalities of the Independence Movement were still alive. The movement to build a permanent temple in its place was initiated in 1990, eventually leading to both the demolition of Babri Masjid and the tragic loss of thousands of Muslims’ lives. The situation has turned into a cancer for the country.
In these circumstances, merely waiting for the judgment of the Supreme Court is neither a
comprehensive nor a satisfactory solution. From the point of view of a responsible community, to pave the way for reforms and Dawah to fellow countrymen in an atmosphere of peace, harmony and conciliation, the only way is to open discussion
of transfering the mosque from the site and make and agreement to ensure the safety of other mosques and religious institutions throughout the country. In this apparent retreat is our victory. Human Welfare Board was created in order to resolve diverse issues impacting the public.
We request all, agreeing with our approach to share their opinion and views with us via email and WhatsApp so that we can initiate a positive and constructive discussion.
