In what could be termed as a fine example of religious tolerance, the Sikh community at Sarwarpur village restored a demolished mosque and handed over the mosque keys to the lone Muslim survivor at the village.
The historical mosque was destroyed during the Partition in 1947, but the efforts of Joga Singh and his NRI brother Sajjan Singh made it possible for Tuffail Mohammad to offer prayers in the mosque this Friday after a gap of 63 years.
The brothers drew the inspiration from the affinity between first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev and his Muslim follower Bhai Mardana, who are remembered for their combined efforts to bring together the warring communities.
A small yet complete structure in bright green and sparkling white, the mosque, which was in a shambles 18 months ago, is now an emblem of brotherhood.
Braving tough resistance from a large number of families at the village, Joga Singh and Sajjan Singh were helped by SGPC member Kirpal Singh Khirnia who successfully convinced the Hindu and Sikh communities to set an example by allowing peaceful refurbishment of the mosque.
Imam Maulana Habib-Ur-Rahman while offering prayers at the mosque appreciated the initiative of the brothers, stating that they had written a new chapter of love and religious tolerance.
The Sikh brothers have expressed enthusiasm to carry on with their good work, as they have offered to restore more such mosques in the state.
Tribune News Service