The village in Malerkotla sets a rare example of peace at a time of rising hate in the country; Muslims say the act brings comfort, dignity and unity
UMARPURA (Malerkotla) — In a moving gesture of humanity, the construction of the Madinah Mosque in Punjab’s Umarpura village has been completed on the land donated by Sikh brothers, bringing immense happiness to local Muslims who had waited for years for a place to pray.
The mosque was formally opened on Sunday (7 December), with the prayers led by Punjab’s Shahi Imam, Maulana Muhammad Usman Ludhianvi. The land donor and former sarpanch, Sukh Jandar Singh, also attended the ceremony along with Sikh families and Muslim scholars.
For many years, the Muslims of Umarpura struggled because the village had no mosque. They were forced to walk to a neighbouring village for every prayer. The new mosque has ended that hardship.
An elderly resident stood near the gate and said with a smile, “We waited so long. Today our dream has come true.”
The story began when the Sikh residents saw their Muslim neighbours facing difficulty. Instead of looking away, they came forward with help. They donated six acres of land and ₹5 lakh for the mosque’s construction.
Shahi Imam Ludhianvi recalled the moment the idea took shape. “There are many Muslim homes here but no mosque. Muslims had to walk to the next village to pray. The Sikh brothers understood this and they themselves offered land and help,” he said.
The foundation stone was laid on 12 January. Earlier details were reported by Clarion India on 15 January.
Sunday’s inauguration was attended by village leaders, Sikh families, and local Muslim scholars including Qari Furqan Haqqani, Qari Irfan, Qari Rashid (Pathanpura), Qari Muhammad Salman, Qari Muhammad Yaqub, and Qari Muhammad Sadiq Yazdani.
The construction supervisor and local Jamiat Ulema-Hind representative, Qari Furqan Ahmad, also joined the event.
It was a touching scene as Sikh brothers stood alongside Muslims inside the mosque courtyard, a rare sight in today’s tense environment across the country.
When the first prayer began with Asr, the atmosphere in the mosque was filled with emotion and gratitude.
In his address, the Shahi Imam sent a strong message to the nation.
He said, “Look at the condition of the country. Hate is being spread and people are being pushed apart. But here in Punjab, people are writing a new story of love, peace, and brotherhood.”
He praised the Sikh community for standing with Muslims at a time when Muslims in several states face harassment and pressure from hardline Hindu groups.
Former sarpanch Sukh Jandar Singh, who donated the land from his family’s share, could not hold back his emotions.
He said quietly, “My house is near the mosque. I will feel peace when I see Muslims offering all five prayers here.”
He added, “The Muslims of Umarpura have always lived with dignity. They deserved a place to pray close to home.”
Young residents said the opening of the Madinah Mosque has given them hope in a period when Muslims across India face increasing hostility.
A youth from the village said, “At a time when we see so much hate, this mosque reminds us that good people still exist. Our Sikh brothers helped us when we needed them.”
While the rest of the country continues to witness attacks, threats and open hatred against Muslims, the people of Malerkotla say they are proud that Punjab has once again shown the path of peace.
As the call to prayer echoed through Umarpura for the first time, many Muslims said they felt a weight lifted from their hearts.
The Madinah Mosque now stands not only as a place of prayer, but as a symbol of unity, humanity, and shared love — a symbol the entire nation needs today.
