Demonstration of strength by Muslims during Friday namaz at Gyanvapi

• Protestors expressing their opposition to Hindus being granted the right to worship in the basement of Gyanvapi Vyas

• 2,247 Muslims gather for namaz

Muslim devotees come out after offering Namaz at the Gyanvapi Mosque amid tight security

(Credit – News18)

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) – On Friday, February 2nd, a significant number of Muslims, as many as 2,247, gathered at Gyanvapi for namaz, marking the first instance of such a congregation. Their presence was in protest against the initiation of Hindu prayers in Vyasji’s basement, prompted by the ‘Anjuman Intejamia Masjid Samiti’s call. Due to limited space, the Police requested the Muslims to either disperse or head to nearby mosques. Tensions escalated as the crowd attempted to intensify the atmosphere by chanting slogans in Dalmandi.

The display of strength occurred on two occasions –

25th October, 2018 : 2,100 Muslims gathered at Gyanvapi for Friday namaz the following day, protesting against the alleged demolition of the Waqf Board wall at Gyanvapi.

6th May 2022 : 2,000 Muslims participated in namaz during the survey of Gyanvapi.

At this event, Mufti Abdul Batin Nomani urged worshipers to embrace religious fervour. During his address before Friday namaz at Gyanvapi, he shed light on the reality of the Masjid and Vyasji’s basement. Emphasising the importance of maintaining peace in the city, he urged everyone to head straight home after prayers. He highlighted the democratic foundation of our country with its four pillars, expressing concern about the media’s perceived failure in fulfilling its duty. (Interestingly, while the Intejamia Masjid Committee calls Muslims to perform namaz, Mufti appears to adopt neutrality stand. – Editor)

Editorial Perspective

Be aware that those who consistently advocated Hindu-Muslim unity to Hindus in Varanasi refrain from offering a single word of wisdom to Muslims.