Elders and religious leaders praise the gesture as the Sikh family in Jakhwali village of Fatehgarh Sahib donates five marlas of land for mosque
FATEHGARH SAHIB —At a time when religion is often used to divide people, a quiet act of kindness in Punjab has drawn wide accolades. In Jakhwali village of Fatehgarh Sahib district, a Sikh woman and her family have donated their land for the construction of a mosque so that Muslim residents can offer prayers with ease and dignity.
The land was donated by Mata Rajendra Kaur, wife of late Jarnail Singh. The family gave five marlas of land that they had earned through years of hard work. The decision came after villagers saw that Muslim families were facing serious space problems during daily prayers and on Fridays.
A member of the family spoke with emotion about the decision. “This land came from my grandmother’s hard work and dedication,” he said. “We felt pain when we saw our Muslim brothers praying with difficulty. After giving this land for the mosque, we feel peace and satisfaction.”
Jakhwali village holds deep meaning for Sikhs, as it was once blessed by the visit of the ninth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Residents say this history has shaped the village’s culture of respect and care for others.
The foundation stone of the mosque was laid by the Shahi Imam of Punjab, Maulana Muhammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi. Addressing villagers, he became emotional while speaking about the gesture.
“The soil of Punjab still teaches the world how to live together,” he said. “People here follow their own faith and also honour the faith of others. This land has chosen love over hate, again and again.”
Village leaders also highlighted the long tradition of harmony in Jakhwali. Former sarpanch Ajaib Singh Jagwali said the act reflected everyday life in the village, not something new.
“In our village, Muslim brothers join our Sikh and Hindu festivals with joy,” he said. “They help in every work, and we live like one family. With Mata Rajendra Kaur donating land for a mosque, our bond has grown even stronger.”
Local Muslim residents said the donation has removed a long-standing hardship. One resident said, “We will always remember this kindness. It has given us respect and relief. This mosque will stand as a sign of shared humanity.”
The gesture has been praised across the area, with many calling it a reminder of Punjab’s culture of mutual respect. For Muslims in the village, the donated land is not just a place for prayer, but a sign that neighbours still stand together, beyond religion.
