Avoid Calling Any Disputed Structure Mosque: Yogi Adityanath
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Ain-I-Akbari Mentions Demolition of Shri Hari Vishnu Temple in Sambhal: UP CM
By Raisina Correspondent
Lucknow, 10: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that “no disputed structure should be referred to as a mosque”. He stated that the “day we stop calling it a mosque, people will stop going there”.
Islam itself teaches against hurting anyone’s faith or constructing a mosque-like structure at such places, claimed the Chief Minister. His statement has come amid controversy surrounding the survey ordered by a local court of a mosque in Sambhal in the state.
“Worship at such locations is neither acceptable to God nor aligned with Islamic principles. If God disapproves, why should we engage in such futile worship,” asked the Chief Minister while speaking at programme hosted by a private channel at Airavat Ghat in the Mahakumbh Mela area.
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The CM added that Islam does not mandate the construction of a structure for worship, unlike Sanatan Dharma, where temples hold central importance. “Sanatanis go to temples for worship, not for Islamic practices. Therefore, it is unnecessary and counterproductive to insist on calling any structure a mosque,” the UP CMO in a media statement quoted Adityanath telling the television channel.
He also stated that India should move forward with progressive thinking. “We must focus on building unity and harmony instead of clinging to disputes of the past,” added the UP CM.
He also spoke on the bill before parliament to amend the Waqf Board. He elaborated on recent amendments, requiring a thorough review of “land records dating back to 1363 Fasli for any property claimed by the Waqf Board”.
“If the term ‘Waqf’ appears, we examine the original ownership and take steps to reclaim the land. Public-use properties, lands of holy places associated with Hindu faith, or government-owned land will not be allowed to fall into the hands of any so-called land mafia boards,” added the Chief Minister.
However, he warned against anyone arriving to assert ownership over the land, stating: “Those who claim this land as theirs and seek to occupy it may face consequences, including corrective action.”
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On the issue of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, the Chief Minister pointed out discrepancies in claims regarding land ownership. He remarked, “There are assertions that more land than the entire Sambhal district belongs to the Waqf Board, which is absurd. Our Puranas document that over 5,000 years ago, Sambhal was prophesied as the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.”
He also stated that “everything in Sambhal today is rooted in Sanatan Dharma. Five thousand years ago, there was no Islam on this earth, so how could there be a mention of Jama Masjid in that era.”
Citing historical records, he stated, “Ain-I-Akbari mentions that in 1526, the Jama Masjid structure was erected by demolishing a Shri Hari Vishnu Temple. This mistake should be acknowledged, and the land should be voluntarily returned. This nation will not function under the mindset of the Muslim League but in alignment with the faith and cultural ethos of India.”
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The Chief Minister further referred to “Ain-I-Akbari, which records that in 1528, a structure was built on the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya after demolishing the temple of Lord Ram Lalla”. “Mir Baki carried out all these actions. If the Hindu community insists on reclaiming these sacred sites, their voices must be heard,” added the UP CM.
Commenting on the review of the Places of Worship Act, Adityanath said: “I believe the court is examining the matter and will ensure justice. Faith will undoubtedly be respected.”
Addressing the Jama Masjid case, the CM remarked, “There is both scriptural evidence and evidence of faith regarding such matters. I believe the issue should not require judicial intervention.” He added that “the followers of Islam should voluntarily and respectfully acknowledge the truth and extend a gesture of reconciliation by saying ‘this is yours.’ Such mutual respect is the cornerstone of trust and harmony.”
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