On a cold winter night in Delhi, as the streets emptied and the temperature plummeted, a small Masjid quietly opened its doors to the homeless. Inside, volunteers handed out blankets, warm food, and hot tea to people of all faiths – men, women, and children seeking refuge from the harsh weather. This scene is not an exception but a testament to the enduring role of Masjids as centres of compassion and care.
For centuries, Masjids in India have served as vibrant hubs of community life, extending their role far beyond religious observance to encompass education, social welfare, and humanitarian assistance. From disaster relief to healthcare, education, and shelter, Masjids have played a crucial role in humanitarian efforts countrywide. Despite their immense contributions, Masjids have increasingly come under attack in recent years, with several facing demolition and politically motivated disputes.
The Spirit of Compassion in Islam
Islam places great emphasis on serving humanity. The Qur’an repeatedly urges believers to care for the needy, and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set an example by ensuring that Masjids served as centres for social welfare. The Prophet’s Masjid in Madinah was not only a place of prayer but also a shelter for the poor, a school, and a place where justice was delivered.
Indian Masjids have followed this tradition for centuries. Many offer food, shelter, medical aid, and educational services, benefiting Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Their role has been particularly visible during times of crisis.
Masjids as Pillars of Welfare and Community Service in India
Masjids across India have long served as more than just places of worship. They have emerged as hubs of social welfare, providing essential services to people of all communities. From disaster relief to healthcare, education, and shelter, Masjids have played a crucial role in humanitarian efforts across the country.
Masjids in Crisis Response and Disaster Relief
COVID-19 Pandemic: Masjids Turned into Relief Centres
During the COVID-19 crisis, numerous Masjids provided critical assistance, countering the communal propaganda spread against Muslims at the time.
- Quarantine and Isolation Centres: In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Gujarat, several Masjids converted their halls into COVID-19 isolation facilities when hospitals were overwhelmed. In Vadodara’s Jahangirpura area, a Masjid was transformed into a 50-bed COVID-19 care centre during Ramadan. Hyderabad’s Masjid-e-Muhammadi operated a full-fledged 40-bed isolation centre with oxygen support. Aadam Masjid, Hyderabad, converted its ground floor into a COVID-19 care centre, demonstrating how Masjids adapt to societal needs.
- Oxygen Cylinders and Medicines: Masjids in Bhopal, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Maharashtra arranged oxygen concentrators and free medicines when healthcare facilities collapsed. Shahi Bagh Wali Masjid in Delhi distributed 8-litre oxygen cylinders to patients in urgent need, while Makkah Masjid in Thane provided free oxygen services and home deliveries.
- Community Kitchens and Ration Distribution: Masjids in several states ran langars (free kitchens) for daily wage workers and stranded individuals, irrespective of religion. Masjids in Hyderabad planned mid-day meals for schoolchildren affected by lockdown closures.
Natural Disasters: Masjids as Relief Centres
Masjids and Muslim organisations have historically been at the forefront of disaster relief efforts. During the Kashmir Earthquake (2005) & Uttarakhand Floods (2013), Masjids provided emergency shelters and distributed relief materials. During Bihar and Assam Floods (2020, 2022) Masjids in flood-affected areas served as emergency relief centres, providing food, shelter, and medical aid to displaced families. During the MahaKumbh stampede in January 2025, local Muslims opened Masjid premises to Hindu devotees who needed shelter.
Healthcare Services Provided by Masjids
- Free Clinics and Dispensaries: Masjids in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai run free medical clinics offering consultations, medicines, and diagnostic tests.
- Blood Donation Camps: Many Masjids collaborate with hospitals to organise blood donation drives, benefiting people across communities.
- Mental Health and Counselling Services: Several Masjids provide counselling for those struggling with mental health issues, family disputes, and financial problems.
- Specialised Health Services: Muhammad-e-Mustafa Masjid in Hyderabad operates an ophthalmology centre offering eyecare and screenings for cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.
Free Education and Skill Development
- Masjids as Learning Centres: Many Masjids offer free tuition for underprivileged children, preparing them for competitive exams.
- Skill Development and Vocational Training: Masjids across India conduct training programmes for tailoring, computer literacy, and entrepreneurship, particularly empowering women and youth.
Shelter for the Homeless and Travellers
- Travellers’ Shelter: Historically, Masjids have served as resting places for travellers. Today, Masjids in Ajmer and Varanasi continue this tradition by welcoming stranded visitors.
- Winter Shelters: Masjids in Delhi and Kashmir distribute warm clothing and blankets to the homeless during extreme winters.
- Jama Masjid, Delhi: Besides being a major religious centre, it also serves as a community hub, organising relief efforts during crises.
Community Welfare and Social Initiatives
- Makkah Masjid, Hyderabad: Actively participates in community welfare programmes, supporting the underprivileged and promoting education.
- Tipu Sultan Shahi Masjid, Kolkata: Engages in social upliftment through scholarship programmes and community welfare schemes.
- Jama Masjid, Salarjung Colony, Hyderabad: Functions as an e-Seva centre, helping with online applications for voter enrolment, scholarships, and pensions. It also conducts online classes for students.
- Masjid Ishaq, Nawab Saheb Kunta: Runs a mid-day meal centre for schoolchildren, ensuring continued nutrition during school closures.
Protection of Religious Sites: Upholding the Places of Worship Act (1991)
While Masjids contribute significantly to society, some have faced legal and structural challenges in recent years. The Places of Worship Act, 1991, was enacted to maintain religious harmony by preserving the status of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. Ensuring adherence to this law is essential for upholding the constitutional values of secularism and peaceful coexistence.
It is important to foster awareness about the historic and humanitarian role of Masjids while advocating for the legal protections guaranteed to all places of worship in India. Encouraging constructive dialogue and mutual respect among communities can further strengthen the nation’s pluralistic fabric.
Despite such challenges, Muslims in India continue to serve humanity, believing in the Qur’anic principle:
“And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” (Qur’an 2:195)
Recognising and Protecting Masjids as Humanitarian Centres
The most effective way to counter hatred is through genuine human connection. By inviting our non-Muslim brothers and sisters to visit our Masjids, we can foster understanding, break stereotypes, and build bridges of unity. Initiatives such as Masjid Parichay (Masjid Introduction) and Come to My Masjid provide an opportunity for people from all backgrounds to witness the peaceful and inclusive environment of Masjids, observe prayer and other activities, social service initiatives, and interact with members, thereby gaining a more accurate understanding of Islam. Expanding and promoting such programmes can play a crucial role in dispelling misconceptions and nurturing interfaith harmony based on mutual respect and shared values.
To safeguard and amplify the invaluable role of masjids in society, a multi-dimensional strategy is essential:
1.Awareness Campaigns: Masjids play a vital role beyond worship, contributing to education, social welfare, and humanitarian aid. By highlighting these contributions, we can counter misinformation and help the wider public appreciate their significance in fostering social good.
2.Legal Advocacy: Given the increasing threats to religious institutions, robust legal efforts are necessary to ensure the protection of Masjids. Upholding constitutional rights and advocating for policies that safeguard religious freedom will help preserve their sanctity and social role.
3.Interfaith Cooperation: Strengthening bonds with people of different faiths is essential for social cohesion. Encouraging collaborative projects, interfaith dialogues, and joint humanitarian efforts will create a more inclusive and harmonious society.
4.Government Recognition and Support: Masjids contribute significantly to community welfare, much like other religious institutions. Seeking formal recognition and equitable support from government bodies can enhance their capacity to serve society more effectively.
Upholding the Legacy of Masjids: Service, Solidarity, and Harmony
In these challenging times of rising intolerance, the Masjids of India stand as beacons of hope. They embody compassion, selfless service, and the enduring spirit of communal harmony. Their historical contributions to nation-building through humanitarian efforts are undeniable. Yet, they face threats from those fuelled by prejudice and misinformation.
We must resist the urge to view Masjids through a narrow, communal lens. Instead, let’s recognise them for what they truly are: vital institutions that embody the universal values of humanity, service, and brotherhood – values deeply woven into both Islam and India’s pluralistic identity. It falls upon all of us, especially Indian Muslims, to actively dismantle the walls of misunderstanding that have been erected around masjids and their role in society.
As we foster dialogue, break down barriers, and illuminate the humanitarian contributions of Masjids, we pave the way for a stronger, more harmonious India – one where prejudice withers in the face of understanding. May our Masjids not only serve as sanctuaries for prayer but as enduring bridges of unity, where all members of society can gather in mutual respect, bound together by our shared humanity and a collective commitment to building a brighter future for all.
[The writer is Assistant Secretary, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind]