Babri Masjid The Untold Story

Finally, the Indian Supreme Court has given its verdict and soon I would be demolished and my space would be given to a Hindu temple. Before the world witness my demolition I would like tell them my story. 

Masjids are basically the heartbeat of the Muslim community. In the early days of Islam, it was an educational institution where people of all walk of life would come to the masjid to solve their problems. In addition to that it served the purpose of networking and a place where travelers would seek refuge in. After the colonial period it is restricted to only five daily prayers, and a weekly sermon by the Emam. But this is the topic for some other day, today I would like to tell you my story.

I was built in the year 1528 under the instruction of the first Mogul king Baber. Hence i got the name Babri. Then in 1853 there was a clash between the Hindus and the Muslim community. The Hindus were really upset. They claimed that Babar had built me on a location where the Hindu god Ram was born. And that there was a temple which was torn down during my construction. If we closely examined Muslims’ history, they have rarely destroyed religious site to build Masjids. Although there are several incidents that churches have been converted to Masjids but they are very few examples. In fact, when the second caliph Umar (RA) visited Jerusalem for the first time he wanted to pray so the priest requested him to pray in the church but he turned down the offer and said that he feared that the future generation might not convert this church into a masjid.

Coming back to my story. Then in 1885 the court dispute began and during this time a Hindu priest by the name of Mahant Raghubir Das requested to build a canopy a raised structure outside the masjid. The court refused the case. Then in December 1949 three Hindu men planted a statue of Ram in my courtyard and offered prayers. This led to both side filling law suit and my doors were shut by the court. 

The case lingered on for several decades the real development occurred on 1st February 1986. Where Judge KM Panday gave the permission to open the gates of Babri Masjid. He said in the statement that heaven will not fall if Hindus were allowed to use my courtyard. In addition, the government also confirmed that the law and order situation would be controlled.  Latter in his biography KM Panday gave his explanation why did he allowed my gates to open for the Hindus. He said that day before entering his chamber he says a monkey on a flag post and people were offering fruits and nuts but he was not accepting it. KM Panday saw this as a divine sign that the gods were not happy with him. So he gave the verdict to open the gates, which led to riots in Uttar Pardesh.

Although the high court did not allow to construction of the temple but during the late 80's bricks for the temple was already started. Donations were coming from all over the world. In the late 80's India itself was going through a very tough time. There were disputes in Punjab and Kashmir were tearing the government apart. Due to this reason they showed a little flexibility and allowed the Hindus to enter my vicinity.

The date was decided that everybody should meet on 6th December 1992. The plan was to clean the platform. This ritual was to be conducted my Hindu Priests. During this time the para military troops removed the statue of Ram which upset the young Hindus. It was here where the journalist and cameraman were attacked. The most tragic aspect about this incident was that the female reporters were sexually abused. They were touched in the most inappropriate manner. At 12 pm a whistle was

heard and young men entered the vicinity with hammers and started the demolition. Among the first to reach my roof was very enthusiastic Hindu volunteers by the name Balbir Singh and Ravandar Pal Singh.

As soon as Balbir reached the top he was engulfed by fear of death. He felt as if his pulse was dropping and his heart was sinking. But the chanting of the slogan “Phela Lain Ga Babari Unka Din Hai Akhri” (First we would take Babari and the Muslims days are at the end) pushed him to hit the roof three times only and then he left the scene. He could not continue. Well at two pm my first dome collapsed underneath 25 volunteers were killed, at 3:30 pm my second dome was brought down and finally at 5:00 pm my third dome was bought to the ruins.

Balbir Singh went to his home town where he was given a hero’s welcome. But the sense of insecurity and fear did not leave him. But as soon as he arrived home his father was really upset with him. He basically called him a traitor and asked him to leave the house. Balbir left the house and he became mentally unstable. He used to wake up in the middle of the night fearing for his life. He also started to hallucinate. Although all the Muslims of his town left he still feared Muslims would come and kill him. His friends declared that he was not mentally stable. He was also suffering from insomnia; he became fearful of falling asleep. His biggest fear was that people would kill him.

Similar or worst happened to his friend Ravendar Pal Singh. As soon as he arrived in his village he also started to act weirdly. First of all, he started urinating on the bricks of the Ram temple that was supposed to be placed on the temple. He basically kept the brick in his toilet. This act offended the villagers but they were patient. But their patient did not last long. Ravandar then started to sexually attacking girls in the village. He use to take of his clothes and run behind the village girls & women. The villagers were to hit him with stones and slippers. His condition went from bad to worst and he was tied up in chains. His parents tried everything from medical doctors to religious sadus and pandits. But none were able to help him. Then the elders of his village asked them to look for an Islamic scholar or Emam, since he has damaged the masjid they would be able to help him. But due to religious tension all area was evacuated by the Muslims. 

Both father and son went to another city to meet with an Islamic Scholar by the name of Maulana Kallem Siddique. As soon as he arrived the father went directly to his feet begged for forgiveness. First he informed his father that the religion of Islam forbids people to bow down in front of anyone else except Allah. Then he patiently listened to their tragic story. After hearing them out Maulan Kaleem Siddique tried to explain that this sickness was brought to your son from Allah and only He has the cure. All you have to do is ask for His forgiveness. HIs father Raghveer Singh explained he doesn't know how to speak Arabic or Persian, after that the Maulana smiled that Allah can hear you in whatever language and he can understand you. So Raghveer Singh just sat down and asked Allah for forgiveness.  Then Malauna went inside the masjid asked everyone to make dua for him also. Within few minutes Ravandar was screaming in the car that he is naked please give him some clothes. After a very long time Rawandar was asking for his clothes. That day both father and son accepted Islam. Now Ragveer Singh is known as Muhammad Usman and his son Rawandar became Muhammad Umer. 

After Rawandr Singh accepted Islam he then approached his old friend Balbir Singh. This time Balbir Singh was at the verge of a nervous breakdown. Rawandar or Muhammad Umer took him to Mualana Kaleem, and like his friend he accepted Islam. He is known as Muhammad Amir. Like Muhammad Amir there are 29 people who have accepted Islam as their way of life. Each on them seeking the forgiveness of Allah and spreading Khair in the society. Muhammad Amir have pledge that he would built and repair 100 masjids all over India. 

All I know that Masjids are one of the source of guidance, but I may be the only masjid where Hidayah was given through my ruins.    

Sources
Complete Story of Ayhodia
Balbir Kese Bena Mohammad Amir Part 2
Babri Masjid Demolition: Chronicle of a Tragedy Foretold
Maulana Kaleem Siddiqui | Story of Hindu accept ISLAM who was part of Demolition of Babri Masjid |
Ayodhya dispute since 1853: a timeline