Mahakumbh Nagar
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated on Friday that controversial structures should not be referred to as "mosques," highlighting that Islam's principles discourage building mosque-like structures at disputed locations. He made these remarks in connection to the Shahi Jama Masjid dispute in Sambhal, which led to violence in November of the previous year.
Speaking at an event, Adityanath emphasized that worship at disputed sites does not align with Islamic teachings or God's will. He urged that such structures should not be called mosques, suggesting that once this terminology is stopped, people will cease visiting these sites. "Islam itself teaches against harming anyone's faith or constructing a mosque at contentious places," he added.
The chief minister explained that unlike Hinduism, which relies on temples for worship, Islam does not mandate specific structures for prayers. He called for a shift towards unity and progressive thinking for the country’s future.
Addressing the Sambhal violence, Adityanath mentioned that Sambhal had been prophesied as the birthplace of Kalki, Lord Vishnu’s tenth incarnation. He further stated that historical texts like Ain-i-Akbari mention the demolition of a temple in 1526 to construct the Jama Masjid, urging the site’s voluntary return.
He stressed that disputes over religious sites, such as the Shahi Jama Masjid, should be resolved through mutual understanding rather than judicial intervention, and called on followers of Islam to act with goodwill.
In his speech, Adityanath also criticized the opposition and emphasized the importance of unity for the nation’s progress.