During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mosques in Lucknow extended a helping hand to those affected by the virus, irrespective of the faith and creed of the suffering people. The mosques provided oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, and medicines, saving the lives of many people. Furthermore, they even performed the last rites of deceased Hindus with proper rituals. Through such actions during the crisis, the mosques delivered an enduring message of Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood.
During the peak of the pandemic, when there was a severe shortage of oxygen, oxygen cylinders, ambulances, ventilators, and medicines, leading to numerous deaths, the mosques of Lucknow stepped forward to help people. By providing all possible assistance to those affected by COVID-19.
Lucknow was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, and the devastation caused by the virus was immense. The shortage of oxygen was critical, and many patients struggled to get oxygen cylinders, hospital beds, ventilators, ambulances, and medicines, resulting in many deaths. In such difficult times, the mosques of Lucknow wholeheartedly came forward to assist people in battling the pandemic. They provided oxygen cylinders, ambulances, and medicines, saving numerous lives while setting an inspiring example of Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood.
In Lucknow, 70-75% of population is Hindu. Despite this, the mosques of Lucknow spared no effort in saving Hindus from the deadly pandemic and worked tirelessly to help them in every possible way. Several mosques, including the Jama Masjid in Lalbagh, Lucknow, made a significant contribution.
JunoonNomani, president of Lalbagh Jama Masjid, said, “During the COVID-19 crisis, we saw that many of our close acquaintances and neighbours were infected with the virus. This deeply concerned us, so we held a meeting at the end of March and consulted doctors. After that, we planned ways to help people. Due to the shortage of oxygen, many people were dying. So, our first decision was to provide oxygen cylinders to those in need. We immediately started distributing oxygen cylinders.”
He further added, “We made it a priority to provide at least 50% of the oxygen cylinders to Hindus. Initially, we used our own money to buy oxygen cylinders, refill them, and arrange for oxygen concentrators. Later, when people came forward to help, we made it clear that we would not accept cash donations. Instead, those who wished to contribute could donate oxygen concentrators, cylinders, or PPE kits.”
He also mentioned, “Every morning, a crowd would gather to collect oxygen cylinders. I made sure that no one left empty-handed. Those who could afford it were asked to deposit a security amount of ₹10,000 for the oxygen cylinder, which was refunded when they returned the empty cylinder.”
Apart from this, the mosque also arranged ambulances for COVID-affected people and provided them with essential medicines.
“We are truly happy that we were able to save the lives of our brothers. I do not seek recognition or publicity for my name.”
Similarly, the Insaniyat Welfare Society of Noori Masjid, located in Indira Nagar, Lucknow, provided extensive support to people affected by COVID-19. The mosque distributed food and medicines to COVID-19 patients and also offered free ambulance services to those in need.
Mohammad Imran and Qudratullah Khan, patrons of the Society, stated, “We do not need to seek attention for our actions. We helped our brothers out of humanity, and that is the greatest happiness for us.”
The Kapurthala Jama Masjid also played a crucial role in saving many people by providing ambulance services. Maulana Tauhir of Kapurthala Jama Masjid said, “We continuously received calls from people in need, and we sent ambulances to the locations they mentioned, which helped save many lives. We did not charge anyone for these services; we provided them free of cost to those in need. Helping our brothers in their time of need is a great honour for me.”
The COVID-19 pandemic was so devastating that, in many cases, families abandoned their own members after they tested positive, leaving them helpless.
JunoonNomani, president of Jama Masjid Lalbagh, shared one such heart-breaking incident from Lucknow. He said, “I received information that anelderly woman had tested positive for COVID-19, and her own family had abandoned her, leaving her life in danger. Upon hearing this, I went to her home. I saw that all of her family members had distanced themselves from her. We had worn PPE suits for safety. Since no one in her family was ready to help, we personally set up an oxygen concentrator for her. Her daughter, daughter-in-law, and son had all left her to fend for herself. I cleaned her room and fed her, and as soon as I did, the elderly woman began crying. After ensuring her well-being, I left with a sense of deep satisfaction.”
He further added, “After the COVID crisis ended, I came to know that the woman had fully recovered and was now healthy. That brought me immense happiness, knowing that I was able to help someone. I did nothing extraordinary – I simply fulfilled my duty as a human being, and her life was saved.”
During the COVID-19 crisis, a team associated with mosques in Lucknow took the responsibility of performing the last rites of both Muslim and Hindu victims of COVID-19, following their respective religious traditions.
Since no one was willing to even touch the bodies of those who had died from COVID-19, this team stepped in and performed a commendable service by conducting their last rites. The key members of this team included Imdad, Imam, Zeeshan, Abid, and Mehdi.
By carrying out proper cremation of deceased Hindus and Muslims during the pandemic, they set a remarkable example of Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood.
Additionally, the ambulance service of Kapurthala Jama Masjid played a significant role by transporting the bodies of deceased Hindu brothers to cremation sites free of charge, a service that has also received widespread appreciation.
The efforts of mosques in Lucknow during the COVID-19 pandemic – helping infected Hindus and Muslims – deserve immense recognition. By offering such help and support, mosques not only saved lives but also established an extraordinary example of Hindu-Muslim unity and harmony, leaving an indelible mark that will be remembered for generations.