Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Ayodhya…

I think this is the most popular word in India these days. Everyone was talking about the High Court’s decision on the Babri Mosque demolition case. This mosque was destroyed by a group of Hindus on 6th December 1992, and since then the case had been pending in the Allahabad High Court. The entire country was waiting with both excitement and fear. In Varanasi, where police are rarely seen on normal days, the streets were suddenly filled with security forces. Army personnel were stationed everywhere, and helicopters circled above. The atmosphere was tense and frightening, as people feared possible riots after the verdict.

Finally, the decision came. The court attempted to strike a balance — trying to make both Hindus and Muslims happy. But Muslims were clearly dissatisfied and immediately decided to challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court of India. Of course, everyone already knew that whichever side lost in the High Court would appeal to the Supreme Court, but it was still surprising to see political leaders who had been urging the public to “respect the verdict” suddenly turn angry themselves when the judgment didn’t align with their expectations.

I spoke to a Muslim acquaintance about his views. He said Muslims felt deeply hurt and disappointed. According to him, the High Court had treated them “like beggars” by giving them only a small portion of the land, even though they believe the entire disputed site rightfully belonged to them. I personally disagreed with this view, because history shows that there was once a Ram temple at the site, which was demolished by Babur. For the sake of harmony and unity, I feel Muslims should also acknowledge this and accept the land they were allotted.

In fact, if we look at it strictly from Islamic principles, the Babri mosque should not have been considered a legitimate mosque at all. Islam clearly states that no mosque built by destroying a sacred site of another religion can be considered a mosque. This means the Babri mosque was invalid from the beginning. And above all, that land is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama — one of the most sacred places for Hindus, perhaps the most sacred in all of India. For Muslims, the Babri mosque was neither historically important nor religiously unique. So why be so unhappy?

I am certain that Hindus would never compromise on this site, and Muslims too should reflect on its importance. Thankfully, the most positive outcome of the verdict was that no riots broke out this time. In 1992, hundreds of people lost their lives, and in subsequent years the anniversary often brought violence. But by God’s grace, this time it passed peacefully, even though emotions were high. It seems that the younger generation of Hindus is less invested in this dispute than before, but the worry lies with some Muslim groups.

Islam divides the world into Muslims and non-Muslims (Kafirs). It also considers idol worship to be Haram (forbidden), which makes it hard for Muslims to sympathize with Hindu temples. Many even know that the Babri mosque was built by demolishing a Hindu temple, yet they would never support the Hindu claim. Some even feel pride in the fact that invaders destroyed Hindu temples and converted Hindus to Islam.

I find it strange and troubling that many Muslims in India connect themselves with those invaders, even regarding them as their ancestors. This mindset is dangerous. India is the second-largest Muslim-majority country in the world, and if a section of its population begins to see itself as aligned with invaders rather than with India itself, then one day this mentality could do serious harm to the country.