Maha Kumbh: Muslims Step Out to Help Devotees Following Stampede

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Local Muslims open their hearts, homes and mosques to help stranded Kumbh devotees amidst chaos — provided food, water, shelter, clothes and medical aid 

Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India

NEW DELHI — In an act of humanity and communal harmony, the Muslim community in Prayagraj has stepped forward to assist Kumbh Mela devotees, despite facing a financial and social boycott. Following a stampede on Mauni Amavasya, Muslims have disregarded the exclusion and are providing food, shelter, and medical aid to stranded pilgrims. They have opened their homes, mosques, and public spaces to accommodate those in need, showcasing an unwavering spirit of unity and compassion.

Even though they were kept away from Kumbh due to an economic boycott and exclusion from event-related employment, local Muslims have actively come forward to the rescue of pilgrims caught in distress. They are offering food, water, clothes, medicine, and even shelter to the devotees, displaying an unshaken commitment to humanitarian values. Videos and pictures circulating on social media depict local Muslims distributing essential supplies and aiding the pilgrims, defying efforts to sow division.

One resident, Mohammad Khalid, stated, “Faith and humanity should never be compromised. These devotees are guests of our city, and it is our duty to help them.” His sentiment reflects the broader approach of the community, who have chosen solidarity over resentment.

Historically, the Muslim community in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) has played an active role in Kumbh Mela, benefiting both socially and economically. The event had long provided business opportunities for Muslim shopkeepers, transporters, and labourers. However, this year, calls for their boycott from certain religious figures led to their exclusion from trade and services at the Mela. Reports indicate that even Muslim shopkeepers who attempted to operate discreetly were targeted and harassed.

“We were told that we were not welcome in the Kumbh. Our businesses were affected, and even our labour force was denied work,” said Mohammad Zahid, a local businessman. “Despite this, when the crisis hit, we could not turn our backs on those in need.”

Following the stampede, several mosques, including Jama Masjid at Chowk and another in Khuldabad, were opened to house distressed pilgrims. Muslim volunteers have set up food stalls and medical aid stations to assist the injured and hungry. A community-run ‘bhandaara’ (free meal service) has been organizsd, serving hundreds of devotees irrespective of religion.

Muslim medical professionals have also stepped forward to help. Dr Naz Fatima, a local physician, has turned her clinic into a relief centre, offering free treatment to injured devotees. “This is a moment of crisis. Our duty is to serve humanity first,” she remarked.

This year, access to the Kumbh was strategically rerouted, reducing pilgrim movement through traditionally Muslim-dominated areas such as Atala and Nurullah Road. This exclusion extended beyond transportation, affecting Muslim auto drivers, rickshaw pullers, and daily wage workers.

“Previously, local Muslim rickshaw pullers and auto drivers would ferry devotees to the Sangam, sometimes even for free. This year, they were excluded, causing financial distress not just to them, but also to pilgrims who had to pay exorbitant fares,” said Zahid.

Despite these challenges, local Muslims have chosen to respond with kindness and hospitality. Residents were seen welcoming pilgrims with flowers and Ramnami scarves, embodying the message of communal harmony. “We will always be here, living together. Those who try to divide us will come and go, but our bonds remain strong,” remarked Zahid.

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