Authorities target Hazrat Usman Bin Affan Mosque in Mumbai’s Malad suburb; trustees challenge MHADA’s selective action
NEW DELHI/MUMBAI – In a major relief for the Muslim community of MHB Colony in the Mumbai suburb of Malad, the Waqf Tribunal has granted a stay on the demolition of Hazrat Usman Bin Affan Mosque, stopping the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) from carrying out any action against the two-storey mosque.
The tribunal issued the order after the trustees of the mosque challenged MHADA’s demolition notice, calling it a clear case of discrimination.
The mosque has been serving the religious needs of the local Muslim population for years. Daily prayers are held here, and during Ramadan, the place is packed with worshippers. But this sacred place faced a sudden threat when MHADA attempted to demolish it without proper warning or procedure, according to residents and trustees.
Trouble began during the holy month of Ramadan. According to the trustees, MHADA first sent a notice on 12 March claiming that the mosque was an “illegal construction,” even though it had existed for years. A second notice followed on 18 March. The trustees promptly responded, requesting more time and legal clarity.
“We sent a reply on 3 April and explained the situation. Then, by the grace of Allah, we got the mosque registered with the Waqf Board on 7 April,” said mosque president Tahir Hussain. “We thought the matter was resolved, but to our shock, on 23 May, MHADA secretly pasted a new demolition notice on the first floor of the mosque, announcing it would be pulled down on 12 June.”
According to Hussain, the notice was pasted sneakily, not at the entrance but on the first floor, possibly to avoid public attention. He believes MHADA tried to catch the trustees off guard.
Soon after the notice, the local police got involved. “A senior inspector from the Maloni police station came to meet us. He said police arrangements were being made for the demolition. We immediately met the ACP Madam and explained everything,” Hussain told Clarion India. “Thankfully, she cooperated and extended the date of police deployment.”
With just days left before the demolition, community leaders and activists sprang into action. One of the key people behind the resistance was Jamil Merchant, a known figure in Mumbai’s mosque management circles. He had previously handled similar issues for Hazrat Ali Mosque and Maryam Mosque.
“Jamil Bhai’s guidance made all the difference,” said Hussain. “Under his advice, we completed all formalities with the Waqf Board and strengthened our case legally. That’s when the Waqf Tribunal stepped in and issued a stay.”
The Waqf Tribunal issued a clear stay, preventing MHADA or the police from taking any action against the mosque until the next hearing on 26 June.
“The tribunal’s decision was a sigh of relief for us all,” said Hussain. “It’s Allah’s House. It cannot be razed without justice. Our efforts now are to make this stay permanent so that the mosque remains safe forever.”
What has shocked many in the colony is that MHADA seems to be targeting the mosque alone, while ignoring other similar structures in the same area.
“This is not the only two-storey building in MHB Colony,” said one resident. “Hundreds of homes here have extra floors, balconies, and illegal extensions. Why is only the mosque being picked on?”
Hussain raised the same question: “There are multiple homes built on two or even three floors in the MHADA Housing Board area. Why is MHADA silent about them? Why does only the construction of the mosque appear illegal to them?”
He added, “When residents suffer due to bad roads or waterlogging, MHADA ignores us. But suddenly, they remember their ‘rules’ when it comes to a mosque?”
This is not the first time that Muslim places of worship have come under sudden threat in India. Many community leaders say this is part of a larger pattern of harassment and marginalisation.
Advocate Rahim Shaikh, who assisted in the legal process, said, “There is a clear difference in how authorities treat Muslim-owned buildings compared to others. MHADA’s action was illegal and communal in intent. Thankfully, the Waqf Tribunal exists to protect our rights.”
Local leaders are now calling for permanent legal protection and are urging the state government to investigate MHADA’s selective targeting.
“This is about dignity and equality,” said Sister Razia Begum, a local teacher and activist. Muslims are equal citizens of this country. We will not tolerate any attack on our religious freedom.”
The Muslim community of MHB Colony has shown patience and maturity throughout the crisis. There were no protests, no violence — just legal steps, quiet prayer, and hope.
“We didn’t take to the streets. We trusted the law,” said Mohammad Bilal, a trustee. “And we are grateful that the law sided with the truth.”
Still, tensions remain. The stay is only temporary, and residents are worried that MHADA might try again under some new pretext.
“We have to stay alert,” said Hussain. “This is not just about one building. It’s about our right to pray, to live with respect, and not to be treated like outsiders in our own country.”
The trustees and legal team plan to push hard at the 26 June hearing to make the stay permanent. They’ve included MHADA and the police as parties in the Waqf case and are confident the truth will come out.
“If justice is done, the mosque will stand forever,” said Advocate Rahim Shaikh.
Residents are urging Muslim leaders across Mumbai and India to raise their voices. “Today it’s our mosque. Tomorrow it could be yours,” said Bilal.
The story of Hazrat Usman Bin Affan Mosque is that of faith, resistance, and legal struggle. It is also a reminder of the quiet discrimination many Muslims feel every day, when they are targeted not for what they do, but for who they are.
In a time when Muslims in India are often pushed to the wall, the victory in Malad is not just a legal win — it is a symbol of standing tall, with dignity and unity.
“We only ask for justice,” said mosque president Tahir Hussain. “Nothing more, nothing less. Let us pray in peace.”
