There is a mosque in Chaman village of Takhtbhai tehsil, in the district of Mardan, that was built by a Hindu in the pre-Partition era of the Subcontinent. Today it serves as a symbol of interfaith harmony.
The mosque was previously known as Chaman Jumaat. The mosque was built by Chaman Lal, a local Hindu businessman, for the Muslims of the area, in the 1920s. Chaman Lal, a Hindu devotee, is respected by the village elders even today. Chaman Mosque was later renamed as Allah-o-Akbar Masjid.
“It was initially built of mud, but was later rebuilt,” said by Haji Khan, a 100-year-old man, who also served as a muezzin in the mosque for 28 years. “Now the mosque bears very few signs of the old times.”
He added that Chaman Lal was a kind man and the village had been named after him. Haji Payenda said that 10-marla Chaman Masjid existed in the same area even today, while the building of Takhtbhai High Secondary School, located adjacent to the mosque, was once the residence of Chaman Lal.
“Chaman Lal moved to Katiala area of Mardan after the Subcontinent’s Partition and then migrated to India. But Chaman village and Chaman mosque stayed behind as a sign of Lal’s love for the Muslims,” he added.
However, the young generation of the area appears to be unaware of the fascinating history behind the creation of the mosque.
Journalist, Mehboob Jibran, told The Friday Times – Naya Daur that in the Mardan district as well as in other parts of Pakhtunkhwa, a number of such examples showing religious harmony in the area can exist.
“We must preserve these historical monuments in their own colors and shapes for future generations, so that an atmosphere of love, peace and harmony can prevail among other religions and faiths,” he said.
Interesting article. A good example to understand the relationship of humanity to religion. I usually ask a simple question to younger generations to get an insight into how their self and consciousness is layered. I ask if you were in a dilemma and you had to choose between religion and humanity. What would come first?
I get a very mixed and confused answer that was never a problem with the older generation that was educated in Pre partition era and is not a problem with my generation who had directly experienced how the pre partition generation dealt with life choices and society.
To my shock the younger generations from Pakistan consistently try to put religion before humanity. I think our generation has failed to educate the younger generations about the humanistic aspect of our existence.
facts are facts but young ones are under the shocks of Pak Study
Wonderful article! It is so important to show the history of the subcontinent as it was, and take the narrative back from orientalists. People need to understand that Hindu Muslim enmity was a tactic of British colonialists in order to divide and conquer. For centuries Hindus and Muslims lived together harmoniously and many still continue to do so!
Very Nice Article!
It shows that religious enmity did not exist from the beginning. It can be said that politicians/bureaucrats have watered this seed of enmity/hatred and very well used it in their favour. Initiatives like this can help new generations to learn to respect everyone’s religious beliefs.
What an excellent example of interfaith harmony. We should all learn from this and show respect and tolerance to other religions. Although there are many religions, at the end of the day, we are all united under the umbrella of humanity.
I believe all the members of society whether Muslim or Non Muslim should work together for the peace and prosperity of the world. We all should open our hearts to others and show compassion instead of attacking each other’s religions or needlessly provoking one an other. It is the urgent need of time that we all exhibit mutual respect and tolerance and leave a beautiful world for our upcoming generations.
A very commendable gesture indeed. And the writer has definitely touched upon a subject that is need of the time. Its definitely a high time that we learn to live beyond cultural or religious boundaries.
Interesting article! This is a prime example of Hindu Muslim unity which did exist once upon a time. It shows that its not religion that divides us, its our lack of humanity. Hope we can better our humanity and live in harmony again.
What a great article that wonderfully shows the blessings of interfaith peace. It perfectly shows the beautiful and harmonious bond Hindu Muslims share. This article gives hope that the bond will continue to flourish and strengthen.
Great article! I love how it showcases the bond that Hindu Muslims continue to have to this day. It also gives hope that the bond will continue to grow and flourish. This article shows that it doesn’t matter who you are, you can always spread the message of peace!
Thanks to all for such kind comments on my article i would in courage me to do more in this line