Ayodhya: Construction for the proposed mosque in Dhannipur village, located 25 km away from Ayodhya, might commence in May 2024, according to officials, after facing multiple delays and design alterations. An official from the Mosque Development Committee revealed that the final design of the mosque is expected in the next few months, initiating construction thereafter. The Chairman of the Committee, Haji Arafat Shaikh, stated that the old design was replaced with a more traditional structure, as the previous egg-shaped design was unpopular. Financial constraints and design changes are cited as reasons for the construction delays.
Zufar Farooqui, Chief Trustee of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF), overseeing mosque construction, mentioned that the mosque's size will expand to over 40,000 sq. feet from the initially proposed 15,000 sq. feet. The revised design is anticipated to be completed by February, subject to administrative approval. A construction committee has been formed, funds mobilized, and alterations to the original design recommended. The construction will commence after obtaining no-objection certificates.
Contrary to earlier reports, Trust officials clarified that there is no current plan to invite the Imam from Masjid-e-Haram in Mecca for the mosque's inaugural prayer. The completion timeline depends on funds, and there are no finalized plans for Imam-e-Kaaba Sheikh Saleh bin Humaid to inaugurate it. Haji Arafat Shaikh mentioned that the Ayodhya mosque will be the largest in India, featuring five minarets symbolizing the five pillars of Islam.
In addition to the mosque, the compound will house a cancer hospital, educational institutions, a museum, a library, and a vegetarian kitchen providing complimentary meals. The Supreme Court, in its November 2019 verdict, ordered the allocation of 5 acres of land for a new mosque in Ayodhya. The Uttar Pradesh government allocated the land in Dhannipur, and the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation (IICF) was formed as a trust to oversee the construction. The mosque, named Masjid Muhammad Bin Abdullah, might see construction begin in May 2024.
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