The social role of Masajid (mosques) has been ongoing since the time of the Prophet of Islam. This article briefly highlights the social services carried out by Masajid, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the recentstampede during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela. It clearly demonstrates that mosques are not only places of prayer but also serve as centres for social welfare, providing services indiscriminately, regardless of faith or creed.
If we take a look at the welfare and social services carried out by Masajid during the period from the COVID-19 pandemic to the recent Kumbh stampede, we find that their contributions are immeasurable. In Islam, Masajid have always held a central position in worship, education, training, culture, and civilization. They have served as sources of knowledge and wisdom, unity and solidarity, community gathering, equality, and brotherhood, playing a vital role in shaping a just society.
Educational institutions run and managed by Masajid have provided the community with outstanding scholars, teachers, politicians, traders, military leaders, scientists, and experts in various fields. In remote rural areas, where schools are often absent, these Masjid-affiliated educational institutions have set an excellent example by educating children from underprivileged families in villages and neighbourhoods.
Masajid also play a significant role in social services. Whenever humanity has been in need, their doors have remained open to all, regardless of religion or creed. During the devastating period of the COVID-19 pandemic, Masajid across the country and abroad demonstrated exemplary social service, proving that they are not merely places of prayer but also vital centres for addressing individual and collective challenges in times of crisis.
Role of Masajid during COVID-19 Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when accommodating affected individuals became a serious issue, Hyderabad’s Masjid Muhammadiyah was transformed into a COVID isolation centre. Another Masjid in the same city, Masjid Ishaq, opened a health centre that provided treatment to all, regardless of faith or creed. This initiative continues to this day.
In Mumbai, a Masjid arranged food and essential supplies for 800 migrant workers who had lost their livelihoods due to the lockdown. Similarly, Masjid Rahmat-e-Alam in Hyderabad launched the “Visit My Masjid” initiative to promote interfaith harmony, peace, and brotherhood. People from all religions – Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians – were invited to witness Masjid activities and ask any questions they had. This initiative yielded positive results, dispelling misconceptions about Masajid and fostering mutual understanding.
In Delhi, Sabz Masjid in Katra Deena Beg, Chawri Bazar, quietly engages in community service. In its basement, religious and reformative programmes, coaching classes, sewing centres, mehndi (henna) classes, language courses, and computer education are conducted with great dedication. Notably, even Hindu children benefit from these Masjid-run educational classes. This model is also being implemented in other states across India.
Social Role of Masajid during MahaKumbh Mela
A remarkable example of the social role of Masajid was witnessed during the tragic stampede at the MahaKumbh Mela in Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh). Local Muslims opened doors of Masajid to thousands of distressed pilgrims, providing them with shelter, food, blankets, and other essentials.
In December 2023, during the devastating floods in Tamil Nadu, SeydunganallurBaitulmaal Jama Masjid, located on the Tirunelveli-Thoothukudi route, provided refuge to 30 Hindu families. The Masjid’s humanitarian efforts left a lasting impact, with many still citing its contributions as an exemplary act of kindness.
Kerala’s Thattoparambu Jama Masjid
Similarly, in June 2023, in Kerala’s Thattoparambu Jama Masjid (near Muvattupuzha), a midnight announcement was made. It declared that the Masjid’s loudspeaker would not only be used for the call to prayer but also for announcements about deaths, emergencies, accidents, urgent blood donations, and messages promoting communal harmony, benefiting the entire community without discrimination.
During the pandemic, Masajidin Kerala, like in other States, played a crucial humanitarian role – some became COVID isolation centres, some set up oxygen banks, others distributed ration and food, while many provided beds and other essential supplies to those in need. These initiatives highlight the compassionate and service-oriented role of Masajid in society.
Global Perspective
These examples of religious harmony in Masajid are not limited to India alone; rather, on a global scale, Masajid have long been used for welfare and social work in times of need. Take Japan, for instance – where earthquakes frequently occur. The Masajid there have always kept their doors open as shelters for victims, as soup kitchens, and as resting places for volunteers.
In this regard, HitomoKotami, Hirofumi Okai, and TomariMari recently authored a research paper titled “The Role and Activities of Mosques in Japan After Recent Major Earthquakes.” The paper provides an in-depth discussion on the social and welfare contributions of mosques in Japan. The authors note that when earthquake relief workers were in dire need of support, Masajid provided them with shelter and opened their premises to assist them.
Across Europe and America, many Masajid are engaged in various welfare activities. Some house libraries, schools, and cultural programmes, while certain European Masajid have officially established old-age homes to provide refuge to the elderly who have no one to care for them. In essence, Masajid serve as sanctuaries for the homeless and elderly.
In Bradford, USA, Al Markaz Ul Islami is actively involved in numerous charitable initiatives. Some Masajid house libraries, some operate schools, while others organise cultural programmes. In parts of Europe, certain Masajid have officially established old-age homes to provide shelter for elderly individuals with no one to care for them. In this way, Masajid serve as sanctuaries for the elderly in their later years.
Renowned author Rana Safvi, in her latest book In Search of the Divine, writes: “In fact, the first-ever community kitchens (langars) in India were established in Sufi shrines. Islam and Masajid have influenced other religions not only through their beliefs but also through their community kitchens.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslim welfare organisations and other volunteer groups worked tirelessly to contain the spread of the virus across the country and provided maximum support to the poor during lockdowns. Soup kitchens and charity groups took diverse measures to ensure the protection and survival of vulnerable people.”
Everyone agrees that during the despair and struggle against death caused by the pandemic, Masajid played a phenomenal role that had previously gone unnoticed. These efforts awakened a sense of empathy, inspiring people to put aside their own suffering and step forward to help others. Neither religion nor caste mattered.
In times of crisis and disasters, Masajid have set remarkable examples of preserving humanity. In India’s multi-religious and multicultural society, they have played a crucial role in advancing social welfare, humanitarian service, and communal harmony while respecting cultural sensitivities.
From the early days of Islam, Masajid have always been centres of social and welfare services. However, our countrymen were unaware of this aspect of Masajid. It was only after the COVID-19 crisis that the truth became evident and they could realise that Masajid are not just places of worship, but also outstanding centres of humanitarian service.