Controversy Surrounds Demolition of Abu Huraira Masjid in Uttar Pradesh Amid Ramadan

As Muslims across India observe the holy month of Ramadan, tensions rise in Uttar Pradesh after the demolition of two floors of the Abu Huraira Masjid, igniting questions about the legality and timing of the action.

In the midst of Ramadan, the Yogi-led BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has sparked controversy by demolishing two upper floors of the Abu Huraira Masjid. The authorities justified the demolition on the grounds that the mosque’s construction was allegedly illegal. The mosque’s management, however, vehemently disputes these claims, calling the move a targeted action under the current administration.

On February 13, Shoaib Ahmed, the mosque’s caretaker, was handed a notice accusing the mosque of being built without an approved construction plan. The Uttar Pradesh government demanded that the demolition take place within a strict 15-day window. Consequently, the upper floors of the mosque were torn down. Authorities also warned that any costs for the demolition would be charged to the mosque administration.

Shoaib Ahmed, speaking out against the accusations, clarified that the mosque was built with full consent from the municipal board. The original structure was removed in January 2024, and the land was legally allotted for the construction of the mosque. Ahmed expressed confusion as to why the government was now claiming the building to be illegal.

Ahmed’s legal representative, Jai Prakash Narayan Srivastava, emphasized that the land on which the mosque stands was undisputed. Furthermore, regarding the issue of an approved construction map, he pointed to a 2008 directive from the Urban Development Department. This directive clearly states that no map is required for construction on plots smaller than 100 square meters, which applies to the mosque’s plot.

Ahmed further clarified that when his father originally approached the authorities for guidance before construction, he was explicitly told that no map was necessary for the plot due to its size. This detail further challenges the legality of the demolition.

The demolition of the Abu Huraira Masjid has sparked broader concerns about the challenges facing Muslim communities in Uttar Pradesh. Critics argue that the timing and nature of the demolition reflect a growing trend of increased scrutiny and difficulty for Muslims in maintaining their religious sites under the rule of the BJP. With tensions already high in the region, the demolition has only fueled further anxiety among Muslim residents.

Many argue that the community’s religious rights are being undermined, especially given the sensitive timing during Ramadan, a month of deep spiritual significance. This event adds to a growing list of incidents in which Muslim sites, whether mosques or other religious institutions, face pressure or direct attacks from authorities.

As the situation unfolds, the Abu Huraira Masjid controversy raises crucial questions about the fairness of demolitions and the treatment of religious communities in Uttar Pradesh. With legal experts pointing out discrepancies in the government’s claims, the case has caught the attention of human rights groups and critics who call for a transparent and impartial review of the actions taken by local authorities.