Humayun Kabir is a political figure from Murshidabad. He was previously in the Congress. In 2012, Humayun joined the Trinamool Congress as the MLA of Rejinagar. Before the 2016 Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress suspended him for six years for anti-party activities. After that, he moved between independent politics, BJP, and Congress, and in 2021 he returned to Trinamool Congress and became the MLA from Bharatpur constituency. Now he has been suspended once again.
On December 4, at a public meeting in Berhampore of Murshidabad district, minister Firhad Hakim announced his suspension on the instructions of Mamata Banerjee, the supremo of TMC. Where Humayun will go now remains to be seen. For quite some time, Humayun has been making provocative statements about constructing a “Babri Masjid” in Beldanga, a sensitive area of Murshidabad. It should be remembered that the adjoining area of Rejinagar and Bendanga is prone to communal tension. This area is the stronghold of Kartik Maharaj, who is associated with Bharat Sevashram Sangha. Humayun knows these facts very well. Even then, he insists on building a “Babri Masjid” thereon.
If Humayun truly has such enthusiasm for building mosques, then there are many impoverished areas in Murshidabad where villagers cannot afford to construct a mosque; he could help build mosques there. He could do so in Bharatpur, in Beldanga. But his desire to establish a mosque specifically named “Babri Masjid” clearly reveals a politically motivated intention, which is obvious and as clear as daylight.
Building a mosque for political purposes and building a mosque on the basis of Taqwa (piety) are the distance between heaven and earth. What is Taqwa? Taqwa is obedience to Allah and His Messenger Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It means performing all actions with the consciousness and fear of Allah. Those who have Iman (Faith), obedience, and God-consciousness possess commendable character according to Islam. Humayun Kabir should stand before the mirror of Islam and examine the standard of his own character.
The Babri Masjid existed in Ayodhya; it was demolished in 1992. But nowhere in history do we find the construction of another mosque named after Babri. Not even in any country of the subcontinent. The Muslim community has no interest in constructing such mosques driven by political motives. Nor should they have any intention. Muslims have not become so naive that they will follow Humayun Kabir blindly.
A person who shifts from Congress to BJP to Trinamool reveals his moral standing clearly – like clear water.
In the Holy Qur’an, Allah has stated how a mosque should be and what its spiritual foundation must be. He has commanded that a mosque must be established on the basis of Allah-consciousness (Taqwa).
In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 108, Allah says:
“Do not stand [for prayer] within it – ever. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. Within it are men who love to purify themselves; and Allah loves those who purify themselves.”
In verse 107, Allah describes another group of people:
“There are also those hypocrites who set up a mosque only to cause harm, promote disbelief, divide the believers, and as a base for those who had previously fought against Allah and His Messenger. They will definitely swear, “We intended nothing but good,” but Allah bears witness that they are surely liars.”
In verse 109, Allah says:
“Which is better – one who builds his foundation upon piety and the pleasure of Allah, or one who builds on the edge of a crumbling cliff, ready to collapse into the Fire of Hell? Allah does not guide the wrongdoers.”
The background of these verses is that although Masjid Quba existed on the outskirts of Madinah and Masjid al-Nabawi in the city, a group led by Abu Amir of the Khazraj tribe, motivated by political aims, built another mosque. Allah declared it a Masjid al-Dirar (a harmful mosque). Allah instructed His Messenger Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to completely dissociate from it. Its eventual fate is well-known in history.
The mosque Humayun Kabir insists on construction in Beldanga will harm social unity, create disorder, and disturb peace.
Those who demolished the original Babri Masjid in Ayodhya are completely silent regarding Humayun’s schemes. The Muslim community is observing all this. Muslims cannot be fooled. They are experienced and aware. Before the Assembly elections, various tricks and ploys will appear. As in Bihar, attempts will be made to divide Muslim votes. Many manipulations will continue. Everyone must stay alert.
[The writer is Ameer Halqua (State President) of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind West Bengal]