Sambhal Mosque Row: 'Islam Teaches Peace,' All India Muslim Jamaat National President Urges Muslims to Maintain Calm, Tension in UP Escalates

Sambhal Mosque Row: Tension erupted in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, this weekend over the ongoing Sambhal Mosque Row. The conflict started with a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. A complaint filed by lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain claimed that the mosque was built on the site of a Hindu temple, allegedly destroyed by Mughal emperor Babar in 1529. As the survey team arrived, protesters gathered, throwing stones at them and causing violence.

Amid this, Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi Barelvi, the All India Muslim Jamaat National President, urged Muslims to stay calm and maintain peace. He reminded everyone that “Islam teaches peace” and called for an end to the violence surrounding the Sambhal Mosque Row.

Protesters Oppose the Survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid

The protests started when hundreds of people gathered near the mosque to oppose the court-ordered survey. They believed the mosque stood on the site of a Hindu temple, Hari Har Mandir, which was allegedly demolished by Babar. As the survey team tried to begin their work, the protesters grew violent, throwing stones at the team. A heavy police presence was deployed to control the crowd, but the situation worsened when the police had to use tear gas to disperse the mob.

Despite the efforts to calm things down, the protests continued, and the violence escalated, adding to the already tense Sambhal Mosque Row.

Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi Barelvi Calls for Peace

In the face of rising tension, Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi Barelvi appealed for peace. He told the people of Sambhal to remain patient, reminding them that the matter was still in court. He emphasized that violence was not the solution and called on the Muslim community to trust the judicial process. "Islam teaches peace," he said, urging the crowd to refrain from further violence in the Sambhal Mosque Row. His message was clear: the issue should be handled calmly and through legal channels, not through unrest and chaos.

Police Action and Control Measures

As the violence continued, the police took action to regain control. They enforced prohibitory orders to stop large gatherings and deployed a heavy force to keep the peace. Uttar Pradesh’s top police officer, Prashant Kumar, assured the public that the situation was under control. He also warned that those responsible for the stone-throwing would face legal action.

Despite the disruptions, the survey continued, with officials ensuring that the process was well-documented through video and photos. The findings of the survey will be presented in court on November 29, and will play a key role in resolving the Sambhal Mosque Row.