In a heartwarming display of interfaith harmony, a Sikh woman and her family in Jakhwali village, Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab, have donated land for the construction of a mosque. This act of generosity addresses the long-standing difficulty faced by Muslim residents who previously had to travel to other villages for prayers. Additionally, Hindu residents are contributing financially to the construction of the mosque, further exemplifying the community's united spirit.
Mata Rajendra Kaur, the wife of the late Jarnail Singh, and her family donated five marlas of land, earned through years of labor, for the noble cause. The family observed the space constraints faced by Muslim families during daily prayers, especially on Fridays, and decided to take action. A family member expressed that donating the land brought them peace and a sense of fulfilled duty, stating, "We felt pain when we saw our Muslim brothers praying with difficulty. After giving this land for the mosque, we feel peace and satisfaction".
The village of Jakhwali holds spiritual significance for Sikhs, as it was visited by the ninth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib. Residents believe that this historical legacy has fostered a culture of respect, service, and coexistence in the village.
The foundation stone for the mosque was laid by the Shahi Imam of Punjab, Maulana Muhammad Usman Rahmani Ludhianvi. He lauded the donation as a reflection of Punjab's tradition of shared values and mutual respect, remarking that "The soil of Punjab still teaches the world how to live together...People here follow their own faith and also honour the faith of others. This land has chosen love over hate, again and again".
Echoing this sentiment, former Sarpanch Ajaib Singh Jagwali highlighted the active participation of Muslim residents in Sikh and Hindu festivals. He emphasized that the village life reflects cooperation in daily work and social events, stating, "In our village, Muslim brothers join our Sikh and Hindu festivals with joy...They help in every work, and we live like one family. With Mata Rajendra Kaur donating land for a mosque, our bond has grown even stronger".
Expressing gratitude for the support, a Muslim resident said that the donation has removed a major difficulty and restored dignity during prayers, adding, "We will always remember this kindness. It has given us respect and relief. This mosque will stand as a sign of shared humanity".
This act of kindness has been widely praised, serving as a reminder of Punjab's culture of mutual respect and communal harmony. For the Muslim community in Jakhwali, the donated land represents not only a place for worship but also a symbol of unity and solidarity with their neighbors. The construction of the mosque will serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of coexistence and shared humanity in the region.
