Delhi was a center of Muslim rule for several centuries in India, during which hundreds of mosques were built. Today, there are more than 54 historic mosques abandoned in the heart of the capital where prayers are not allowed, following government prohibition.
Muslim activists have mobilized and fought several battles against these measures, albeit unsuccessfully. Consequently, these mosques have become havens for drug addicts and others.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Mohammed Tasleemuddin, Imam and Khateeb of Firuz Shah Kotla Mosque in Delhi, said, “This mosque was built by Sultan Firuz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century. Previously, we enjoyed the freedom to visit it for prayers. Now, this freedom has been taken away as authorities have imposed entry tickets to the mosque… I sit here all day to protect the mosque and ensure its sanctity is not violated.”
Shahid Ali, a lawyer at the Supreme Court, stated, “We have filed public interest litigations and organized nearly 150 protests regarding the ban on prayers in these historic mosques, demanding legally for prayers to be allowed. Nevertheless, prayer is still prohibited.”
Islamic endowments and mosques in Delhi developed significantly under Muslim sultans and later under the Mughal rulers who governed India since 1191 AD, according to the Delhi Waqf Board.
The total number of Islamic endowments and mosques in Delhi is 1,964. However, some of these historic Islamic properties belong to the Delhi Waqf Board, while others are under the control of the Indian government’s Archaeological Survey of India.
After the British seized Delhi in 1911, they initiated a program called the “Protection of Historic Mosques in Delhi,” taking possession of historic Islamic mosques and preventing Muslims from praying in them. After India gained independence and British rule ended, these mosques came under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India, which deemed prayer in these mosques illegal and described it as a punishable offense.
Muslims in India number around 200 million according to official statistics announced by government authorities, and in recent years, they have faced particularly severe racism, discrimination, and attempts at ethnic cleansing, despite being an integral part of the country’s fabric.
