32 years after the Babri Masjid was demolished, Muslims across India observe a day of prayer and remembrance
Team Clarion
MUMBAI – December 6, 2024, marks the 32nd anniversary of the demolition of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, a date forever etched in the hearts of Indian Muslims. The mosque, which had stood for centuries as a symbol of India’s rich Islamic heritage, was razed on this day in 1992 by a mob of Hindu extremists. This tragic event led to widespread communal violence, with more than 2,000 Muslims losing their lives, and thousands more were injured.
The anniversary is observed every year by Muslims across the country as a day of mourning, prayer, and reflection. In various cities, including Mumbai, prayers are being held, and Quran recitations are taking place in mosques to honour the victims of the violence that followed the mosque’s destruction.
As part of the observance, some groups, including Raza Academy, have announced that they will continue the long-standing tradition of giving the call to prayer (adhan) at 3:45 pm, a symbolic gesture to remember the Babri Masjid. However, this year, authorities have heightened security in several locations, especially in Ayodhya, in light of past tensions surrounding the demolition. Police and intelligence officials are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in sensitive areas.
Despite the police presence, several groups, including Raza Academy, have insisted that the call to prayer will continue, asserting their right to observe the day as a religious duty. A statement issued by Raza Academy confirmed that they will give the call to prayer at multiple locations, including Binaya Road, Khatri Masjid, and near Shalimar Hotel in Bhindi Bazaar, Mumbai.
Muhammad Saeed Noori, head of Raza Academy, said, “We will not deviate from this tradition. The Babri Masjid was not just a building but a symbol of our faith, and its Sharia status as a mosque remains eternal. No political or court decision can erase this.”
The demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, remains one of the most significant and painful events in the history of Indian Muslims. It was carried out by a mob linked to right-wing Hindu organisations such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Bajrang Dal.
The violence that followed the destruction of the Babri Masjid claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Muslims and led to extensive damage across several cities.
The political fallout from the demolition was far-reaching, with the BJP gaining significant support, particularly in the 1996 Lok Sabha elections. However, the destruction of the mosque and the subsequent violence also deeply affected the Muslim community, leaving wounds that remain fresh to this day.
In 2009, an investigative report led by Justice Manmohan Singh implicated 68 people, including BJP leaders LK Advani and Manohar Joshi, for inciting the violence. Yet, despite the gravity of the incident, the Indian Supreme Court acquitted all the accused in 2019, a decision that has been a source of great distress for many.
Today, the anniversary serves not only as a moment of remembrance but also a call for justice. Organisations across India are urging the government to implement the Places of Worship Act effectively to prevent further disputes over religious sites. Many believe that such tensions, including those surrounding mosques like Sambhal Jama Masjid and Gyan Vapi Masjid, need to be addressed to avoid further divisions within the country.
“While we continue to honour those who were martyred on this day, we also call for peace and unity,” said a local Muslim leader. “We want justice, not just for Babri Masjid but for all places of worship that are being threatened across the country.”
In addition to these calls for justice, today’s observances are also seen as a time to reflect on the importance of religious freedom and the need for safeguarding places of worship. Muslim leaders are emphasising the importance of unity and solidarity, especially in the face of efforts to stir communal discord.
As India continues to grapple with the legacy of the Babri Masjid’s destruction, Muslims remain resolute in their commitment to preserving their faith, their history, and their places of worship. “No power in the world can erase the Shariah status of the Babri Masjid,” said Muhammad Saeed Noori, reflecting the sentiment of many.
For the Muslim community in India, the Babri Masjid anniversary is more than a day of remembrance. It is a testament to resilience, a commitment to truth, and a call for justice that echoes through the years.
