Ayodhya Mosque Construction Set for May Start Amid Design Changes and Fundraising Plans

The construction of the proposed mosque in Ayodhya, mandated by the Supreme Court in its historic Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case verdict, is anticipated to commence in May, according to sources associated with the project. The Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation Trust, responsible for building the mosque in Ayodhya's Dhannipur, is gearing up for the next phase by appointing in-charges in various states starting February to initiate fundraising efforts.

Resolving a century-old dispute, the Supreme Court's verdict on November 9, 2019, sanctioned the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya while directing the allocation of an alternative plot for a mosque in the holy town.

Despite the upcoming consecration ceremony of the Ram temple scheduled for January 22, 2024, the construction of the mosque is yet to commence. Chief Trustee of the Indo-Islamic Cultural Foundation, Zufar Farooqui, mentioned that the final design of the mosque is expected to be ready by mid-February and will undergo administrative approval. The site office will be established in the complex in February, paving the way for construction to potentially start in May next year.

Farooqui acknowledged the delays in the construction of the Mohammad Bin Abdullah Ayodhya Mosque, attributing them to fresh formalities following significant changes in the mosque's design and financial constraints. The initial design, inspired by Indian architecture, was discarded in favor of a new design resembling grand structures in the Middle East. The mosque's footprint has expanded from 15,000 square feet to an expansive 40,000 square feet.

Addressing financial challenges, Farooqui discussed the possibility of a crowdfunding campaign to overcome constraints, with a decision expected by February.

As the Ayodhya mosque project navigates these complexities, the significance of the Supreme Court's verdict and the coexistence of the Ram temple and the mosque in Ayodhya remain crucial to the nation's cultural and religious fabric.