Mumbai’s Haji Arafat Shaikh has been appointed to oversee the development of the new mosque to be constructed on the site allocated in Ayodhya, following the Supreme Court’s order in lieu of the Babri Masjid.
Haji Arafat, a BJP leader and former Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Minorities, is a prominent Muslim community leader with a history of spearheading various social initiatives.
In October of this year, the All India Rabta-e-Masjid decided to name the proposed mosque in Dhannipur, Ayodhya, as ‘Muhammad Bin Abdullah Masjid’ in honor of the Prophet.
Zafar Farooqui, President of the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Board, has chosen Haji Arafat as the chief of the development committee responsible for overseeing the mosque’s construction. The appointment ceremony included Abdullah Ibn Qamar, Dr. Abid Syed, and Maulana Muhammad Madani Abdul Rab.
Expressing his gratitude, Haji Arafat stated, “I will give my best for the job which has been entrusted to me. It is a matter of pride for me that I have been chosen to lead the project, which would be an example in the world.”
Farooqui emphasized that Haji Arafat’s appointment as the Chairperson of the development committee for Muhammad Bin Abdullah Masjid and Trustee of the Indo-Islamic Culture Centre holds significant importance. “We have chosen a youth to undertake the task,” Farooqui mentioned, adding that Haji Arafat will not only oversee the mosque’s construction but also address the concerns of the Muslim commun ity as needed.
Haji Arafat expressed confidence in fulfilling this responsibility, playing a crucial role in addressing the significant religious issues faced by the Muslim community. Speaking to the media, he underscored the pride he feels in the resolution of the long-standing issue and the upcoming construction of the mosque.
“The long-pending issue has not only been resolved, but a mosque will be built at this place,” affirmed Haji Arafat.
He further stated, “God willing, I will definitely complete this mosque. In this noble work, I will take the help of all the religious scholars, religious leaders, Islamic scholars from every religion, and every region of the country. The mosque will be constructed only after considering all Shariat aspects.”