Tag: Jama Masjid

Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid declares son Syed Shaban Bukhari as his ‘successor’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The incumbent Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari on February 25 declared his son “as his successor” in a ‘dastarbandi’ (investiture) ceremony held the courtyard of the grand mosque.

In his address before making the formal declaration, Bukhari traced the history of the mosque and said the first Shahi Imam was appointed by Emperor Shah Jehan.

The first Imam of Jama Masjid (Hazrat Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah Bukhari, Shahi Imam) was appointed the Shahi Imam at the age of 63, the current Shahi Imam said.

As per traditions, Imams have declared their successors in the life times.

So, in line with the over 400 years of tradition, from this Jama Masjid, “I declare that Syed Shaban Bukhari is my successor,” he announced to a gathering of Islamic scholars, and other dignitaries present on the occasion.

After the announcement, the tying of ‘dastarbandi’ (turban) on the head began according to the old ‘riwaz’ (tradition) associated with the investiture.

Syed Shaban Bukhari (29) was anointed as the mosque’s Naib Imam in a ‘dastarbandi’ ceremony in November 2014, the official said.

In the event of Syed Ahmed Bukhari’s death or ill-health, he will serve as the 14th Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, it was announced by his father.

The ceremony at the Mughal-era mosque built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century lasted more than an hour.

Several ‘ulemas (Islamic scholars)’ are attending the ceremony for which the mosque — a veritable symbol of old Delhi or Shahjehanabad and a celebrated landmark — was decked up.

Some congratulatory posters bearing images of the Shahi Imam and his son have been put up along the street running in front of the mosque, whose architecture draws awe from both locals and foreign tourists.

Syed Ahmed Bukhari — the 13th Imam in the line of descent — is the son of Syed Abdullah Bukhari, the 12th Shahi Imam, who died aged 87 in 2009.

He succeeded his father in October 2000 as the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid.

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Delhi Jama Masjid rules: Girls restricted to visit mosque alone, can’t be a meeting point with boys

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The administration of Jama Masjid in Delhi imposed restrictions on the entry of girls and women – whether come alone or in a group. The notice was put up outside the main gates of the masjid, sparking a controversy. After an outrage, the Shahi Imam clarified that the order does not apply to those coming to offer prayers. PRO Sabiullah Khan also said, “There is no restriction on girls/women coming with families, no restriction on married couples either.”

The notices, which have no date, came up a few days ago outside the three main entry gates, sources in the administration were quoted by PTI as saying. However, it has come to attention only now that “Jama Masjid mein ladki ya ladkiyon ka akele daakhla mana hai (The entry of a girl, or girls is not permitted in Jama Masjid),” reads the notice by the administration.

Delhi | Jama Masjid administration issues an order, imposing a ban on the entry of girls/women coming alone or in a group.

PRO Sabiullah Khan says, “There is no restriction on girls/women coming with families, no restriction on married couples either.” pic.twitter.com/V7g5OvZWnh

— ANI (@ANI) November 24, 2022

Speaking on why the restriction was imposed, Sabiullah Khan was quoted by ANI as saying, “Women’s entry is not banned. When women come alone…videos are shot. The ban is to stop these incidents…making it a meeting point, considering it a park is not appropriate for a religious place.”

ALSO READ | Hijab ban row: Supreme Court gives split verdict, matter to be decided by larger bench

“Jama Masjid is a place of worship and people are welcome for that. But girls coming alone and waiting for their dates… this is not what this place is meant for. The restriction is on that,” Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam, told PTI.

Bukhari added that any such place, be it a mosque, temple or gurudwara is a place of worship (ibadat ki jagah hai) and there is no restriction on anyone coming for that purpose. “Just today, a group of 20-25 girls visited and they were allowed to enter,” he said.

Responding to this, Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal termed it a violation of women’s rights. “It is completely wrong to ban the entry of women in Jama Masjid. Kind of rights a man has to praying, women also have the same rights. I am issuing a notice to the imam of Jama Masjid. Nobody has the right to ban entry of women in this way,” she said on Twitter.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) also took cognisance of Delhi’s Jama Masjid putting up notices outside its main gates banning the entry of ‘girls’. Ranjana Kumari, an activist, said this is completely unacceptable.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Prophet remark row spirals as protests spread to Delhi’s Jama Masjid, Hyderabad and Bengal

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Massive protests erupted in parts of Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengal, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh following Friday prayers over the controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammed by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma recently.

Protests turned violent in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Ranchi in Jharkhand. Some people were reportedly injured amid claims of stone-pelting and vandalism during protests. Following the chaos, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed authorities to take strict actions against hooligans.

Areas where protests were held on Friday:

In Delhi

A large crowd gathered outside Delhi’s Jama Masjid demanding Sharma’s arrest, police said. Scores of people held a protest, carrying placards and shouting slogans against Sharma. News agency ANI shared a video with several people congregating outside the mosque. Police said the situation is under control now.

“People protested at Jama Masjid against the statements of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma and expelled BJP leader Naveen Kumar Jindal. We have removed the people from there. The situation is under control now,” the Delhi Police was quoted by ANI as saying.

#WATCH People in large numbers protest at Delhi’s Jama Masjid over inflammatory remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma & expelled leader Naveen Jindal, earlier today

No call for protest given by Masjid, says Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid. pic.twitter.com/Kysiz4SdxH

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2022

“Almost 1,500 people had gathered in Jama Masjid for Friday prayers. After the prayers, nearly 300 people came out and started to protest over the inflammatory remarks by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal,” DCP Central District Shweta Chauhan, said.

ALSO READ | Nupur Sharma gets security by Delhi Police after controversial statement

Meanwhile, Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid denied calling for any protest and suspected that members of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) were behind the protest.

“No call for protest was given by the Masjid…We don’t know who are the ones protesting. I think they belong to AIMIM or are Owaisi’s people. We made it clear that if they want to protest, they can, but we will not support them,” Shahi Imam said.

In Telangana

Protests erupted outside Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad as well. “Later, with the intervention of the Police, protesters were dispersed from the spot. “Police force and the CRPF have deployed in the area now,” reports said.

#WATCH | Telangana: Protests take place outside Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad against the controversial remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma. Later, with the intervention of the Police, protesters were dispersed from the spot. Police force & CRPF deployed in the area now. pic.twitter.com/3bbY7OJ5PP

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2022

Besides, several media reports claimed protests were also held in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

In Uttar Pradesh

People gathered immediately after namaz at various places across Uttar Pradesh — in Saharanpur, Moradabad, Prayagraj and Firozabad — said Awanish Awasthi, Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary. He, however said, “…the crowd was dispersed later.”

Meanwhile, the protests in Prayagraj turned violent. “Some people in Prayagraj tried to create disorder. Police administration dispersed them…very carefully, by using light force,” Awanish Awasthi said.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Protests over controversial remarks of suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma & expelled BJP leader Naveen Kumar Jindal that erupted earlier today, turn violent in Prayagraj. pic.twitter.com/eQKk9yDS86

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) June 10, 2022

Moreover, strict security arrangements were made in Kanpur ahead of Friday prayers and and section 144 of CrPC had been imposed which restricts the assembly of more than four persons.

Awanish Awasthi said, “Strict action will be taken against anyone who unnecessarily attempts to disrupt the peace and order situation.” He said appealed to the people to maintain harmony and refrain from coming out on roads unnecessarily

In Bengal

A video released by ANI showed people in Howrah holding a protest.

#WATCH | West Bengal: People in Howrah held a protest over inflammatory remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma & expelled leader Naveen Jindal. Police personnel present at the spot pic.twitter.com/drkawItPqn

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2022

In Jharkhand

Several people were injured after protests in Ranchi, Jharkhand turned violent. Vehicles were torched and vandalised and stone-pelting took place during the protest.

DIG Ranchi Anish Gupta said, “The situation is a little tense but under control. We are making all efforts from our end. Heavy security has been deployed. Senior officials are also present at the spot. We are making all efforts to see that the crowd is dispersed from here.”

#WATCH | Jharkhand: Protest over the controversial remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma turned violent in Ranchi. Vehicles were torched and vandalised and stone-pelting occurred. Injuries reported. pic.twitter.com/Z5FIndjZzf

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2022 

In Maharashtra

A large number of people, including women, took to streets to hold march in Navi Mumbai and Solapur in Maharashtra, in protest against the controversial remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma.

#WATCH | Maharashtra: Women carry out a protest march in Navi Mumbai against the controversial remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma. pic.twitter.com/hiFVeSHZRE

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2022

#WATCH | Maharashtra: A large number of people carry out a protest march in Solapur against the controversial remarks by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma. pic.twitter.com/dVpwrq0r3G

— ANI (@ANI) June 10, 2022

In Jammu and Kashmir

Earlier on Friday, parts of Jammu and Kashmir observed a shutdown after protests erupted over the controversial remarks by two now-suspended BJP leaders. A curfew was imposed and internet services were snapped in Bhaderwah and Kishtwar as a precautionary measure.

The controversy

Last week, BJP spokesperson Nupura Sharma allegedly made derogatory remarks against Prophet Muhammad which ignited protests from Muslim groups. While Sharma was suspended, the party expelled its Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal over the matter.

The BJP had also issued a statement aimed at assuaging the concerns of minorities and distancing itself from these members. It asserted that the party respects all religions and strongly denounces the insult of any religious personality.

Moreover, Nupur Sharma unconditionally withdrew her controversial statement made in a TV debate. She said her comments were a reaction to “continuous insult and disrespect towards our Mahadev”‘ (Lord Shiva). Both Sharma and Jindal said it was never their intention to hurt anyone’s religious feelings.

Amid the upheaval, several countries like Kuwait, Qatar and Iran had also condemned the statement.

Also read: Kuwait & Qatar Summon Indian Envoys Over Controversial Statements Of Bjp Leaders, India Tells Latter Remarks Were Made By ‘Fringe Elements’ 

Following this, the Delhi Police registered an FIR against 31 people, including AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and controversial priest Yati Narsinghanand, news agency PTI reported on Friday.

Police also filed a separate case against Nupur Sharma for allegedly spreading hate and hurting religious sentiments. The two FIRs were registered on Wednesday after a social media analysis, police were quoted by news agency PTI as saying.

Former Delhi BJP media unit head Naveen Kumar Jindal, who was expelled from the party over his alleged remarks against Prophet Mohammed, and journalist Saba Naqvi were named in the FIR.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

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Delhi’s Jama Masjid to reopen on July 4: Shahi Imam

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The historic Jama Masjid, which had closed earlier this month due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the city, will reopen for congregational prayers (namaz) from July 4, Shahi Imam of the mosque Syed Ahmed Bukhari said on Tuesday.

The mosque was closed on June 11 in view of the “critical” conditions in the city due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, till June 30.

Earlier, the mosque had reopened on June 8 after a gap of over two months with the government allowing further relaxations as part of unlock 1.0, the first phase of a calibrated exit from the coronavirus lockdown.

Bukhari said that the decision to reopen the mosque was taken after consulting people and experts. “Under unlock 1.0, almost everything has opened and normal activities have resumed. We took this decision to open the mosque for people to offer namaz as the scare of the virus has lessened and awareness about safeguards against it has increased,” Bukhari told PTI.

He said that safety precautions like maintaining social distancing, wearing protective gear and sanitisation will be followed to prevent people from catching infection.

A private secretary of the Shahi Imam, Amanullah had died due to coronavirus earlier this month During the closure, people were asked to offer namaz at home, and only a few staff members offered the prayers five times a day at the mosque.

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Jama Masjid closed for devotees till June 30 due to COVID-19 situation in Delhi, says Shahi Imam

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Jama Masjid will be closed for devotees with immediate effect till June 30 in view of “critical” conditions in the city due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, the mosque’s Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari said on Thursday.

Bukhari said he took the decision after consulting public and Islamic scholars.

The development comes after the Shahi Imam’s secretary Amanullah died due to the novel coronavirus at the Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday night.

The Shahi Imam said, “If the situation arises where the human life is at risk, it becomes obligatory to protect ones life.”

“Majority of the opinion is that saving of the human lives is paramount and the Shariah (Islamic jurisprudence) has ample excuse for this,” he said.

After taking public opinion and consulting scholars, it has been decided that from ‘maghrib’ (sunset) on Thursday till June 30, no congregational prayers will be performed in the Jama Masjid, Bukhari said.

“A select few people shall perform the daily five times namaz while the general worshippers will perform the prayers at their homes,” he added.

The mosque had opened on June 8 after a gap of over two months with the government allowing further relaxations as part of “Unlock-1”, the first phase of a calibrated exit from the novel coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown.

As religious places along with several other establishments, like shopping malls and offices, opened across the country on June 8, Bukhari asked governments to reconsider their decision in view of the rapid spread of the coronavirus.

According to latest official figures, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi is over 32,000 including 984 deaths. The number of active coronavirus patients in the city is over 19,000.

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‘Stay at home for Eid’: Jama Masjid imam appeals to Muslims amid pandemic

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Against the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak, Jama Masjid deputy shahi imam Syed Shaban Bukhari on Thursday in an advisory asked people to refrain from any mass gathering — religious or celebratory — at any time during the month of Ramadan, especially on the occasion of Eid.

The initiative is aimed to ensure the health and safety of the people in the light of the pandemic and is aligned with the social distancing guidelines as mandated by the government. A video regarding the same will soon be issued via his official social media accounts, he said.

The imam has asked each member of the community to offer prayers for Jamat-ul-Vida and Eid al-Fitr from their homes as it will significantly help to alleviate the threat of coronavirus transmission from spreading further.

Emphasising on the learnings from Islam, Bukhari has also asked the community to help those in need during this time of crisis as it is an integral part of the Islamic culture. The advisory also appeals to everyone to practice social distancing and follow government guidelines.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims across the world partake in rituals and customs of Islam.

The community observes stringent fasting from dusk to dawn, crucial to the Islamic holy month.

They offer special Taraweeh prayers only after opening their fasts and observe the same ritual for a month until Eid.

Voicing his concern over the health and safety of the people, Bukhari said, “We can’t allow any congregations in courtyards and parks as it will expose people to an increased risk of contracting the virus.”

“Hence, we urge you to offer holy prayers of Jamat-ul-Vida, Namaz-e-Eid from your homes. I would also like to request all citizens, especially the Muslim community, to abide by the lockdown mandates and help the poor and destitute persons during this period, and pray to the almighty to help keep everyone safe and evade this pandemic.”

The first time the month of Ramadan has begun amid the lockdown. The advisory instructs the community to continue following the government’s guidelines for Eid, which will be observed nationwide on May 25, this year.

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