Tensions rise in the city in Uttar Pradesh as ASI seeks to change the name of Shahi Masjid to Juma Masjid
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI/SAMBHAL – The centuries-old Shahi Masjid of Sambhal is at the centre of a new controversy, as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) seeks to rename the mosque as Juma Masjid. The move has ignited intense debate, with different interpretations of the name and its historical context surfacing. The local community and legal experts are divided over the implications of the name change and what it signifies about the mosque’s past.
The controversy first emerged when ASI placed a board near the mosque, declaring it as “Juma Masjid, Sambhal – 244302 (U.P.)”. The inscription described the mosque as a protected monument under the Government of India. However, this change in name from Shahi Masjid to Juma Masjid has sparked heated discussions among locals and scholars, with some questioning the legitimacy and historical accuracy of the renaming process.
The issue was taken to court, where during a hearing at the Allahabad High Court, lawyer SFA Naqvi, representing the petitioners, argued that the mosque’s true name was Jama Masjid, not Juma Masjid. Naqvi had suggested that an application to amend the name in official records would be filed, though this had not yet been done. On the other hand, ASI lawyer Manoj Kumar defended the name Juma Masjid, stating that it was the name listed in ASI documents.
The terms “Juma” and “Jama” Masjid both refer to mosques where Muslims gather to offer the important Friday prayers, known as Juma prayers. The word “Juma” translates to “Friday” in Arabic, and it signifies the mosque where these prayers are offered every Friday. On the other hand, “Jama” comes from the Arabic word for “gather” and is used to refer to any mosque where people come together for congregational prayers. Essentially, both terms mean “a mosque for congregation,” but “Juma Masjid” is specifically associated with Friday prayers.
Although the terms are closely related and often used interchangeably in many contexts, the dispute arises from the question of the historical and religious significance of Sambhal’s Shahi Masjid.
The site has long been of religious and political significance. The Hindu community claims that the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple, a claim that adds fuel to the fire of communal tensions in the region. These allegations were examined in the lower court, which ordered a survey of the mosque’s historical and architectural foundations in November last year. The ASI conducted a second survey, but the process was marred by violence. On November 24, when the ASI team completed their survey, violent clashes erupted in the city, leading to the tragic deaths of five Muslims and many more injuries.
The violence highlighted the deep-rooted communal sensitivities surrounding the mosque and its history, with each community presenting its own narrative about the mosque’s origins.
The renaming of Shahi Masjid has intensified the ongoing legal battles and has led to growing tensions within the local community. The Hindu right-wing factions are demanding further investigation into the mosque’s origins, while Muslim groups are opposing the name change, fearing it could lead to further marginalisation and the rewriting of history.
Aftab Alam, a prominent figure in the local Muslim community, expressed his concerns, saying, “The name of the mosque has been Shahi Masjid for centuries. Renaming it without proper consultation is a clear attempt to distort history and stir communal tensions.” He further added, “We cannot allow the rich history of our ancestors to be erased so easily.”
On the other hand, some Hindu activists argue that the mosque is built on the site of a former Hindu temple, and therefore, the name should reflect its true origins. Rajesh Kumar, a local Hindu leader, stated, “This mosque was built after demolishing a temple. The truth about its origins should be recognised.”
The controversy has now reached the courts, with both the Allahabad High Court and local authorities playing key roles in deciding the fate of the mosque’s name. The outcome of these proceedings will likely have lasting implications not only for the mosque but also for the larger issue of religious identity and historical preservation in the country.
