On India’s 79th Independence Day, the 125-year-old Chishti Hindustani Masjid in Byculla, Mumbai, welcomed non-Muslim visitors as part of the “Masjid Parichay” initiative under the “Prophet for All” campaign, celebrating Prophet Muhammad’s 1500th birthday. The program aimed to foster interfaith harmony, aligning with the national theme of “Nayab Bharat.”
Led by Maulana Abdul Jabbar Azmi, the mosque’s imam, the guided tour introduced Hindu guests to Islamic rituals, including wazu (ablutions), azan (call to prayer), and salah (prayers). Visitors admired the mosque’s stunning architecture, adorned with Quranic calligraphy and grand chandeliers. Dr. Laxman Sharma Wahid, an Urdu poet, praised the initiative for dispelling misconceptions and maintain the bonds of kinship.
The 12-day “Prophet for All” campaign, spearheaded by Islam Gymkhana president Yusuf Abrahni, includes activities like blood donation drives, hospital visits, and sharing meals with non-Muslims. The mosque’s history of compassion shone through, recalling its sheltering of stranded commuters during Mumbai’s 2017 floods. Visitors like Hukumchand Kothari, a retired engineer, emphasized the need to break down barriers between faiths, echoing the universal message of love and care promoted by spiritual leader Maulana Moin Ashraf Qadri. The event reaffirmed the mosque’s role as a beacon of inclusivity, maintaining unity in Mumbai’s diverse community.
