The Bantwal Masjid, located in Karnataka's Mangaluru city, has opened its doors to people of all religions to visit the shrine, in order to have an understanding of the Muslim religious rites. The invite has also been extended with the hope that it would create a connect between people, Times of India reported.
Naming this initiative as 'Nammoora Masedi Noda Banni', the concept of having the mosque open for all was introduced by the Bantwal Masjid Committee to alleviate any misgivings about the religion.
Last Sunday, over 300 visitors of other religions visited the masjid for the first time and even witnessed the namaz.
Bantwal Masjid, Managaluru
(Photo Courtesy: Twitter / @anandiyer)
Times of India reported that the masjid committee member and the Khatib Moulana Yahya Thangal Madani wishes to guarantee that people of all faiths live peacefully and in harmony.
"Many individuals are unaware of how masjid prayers are conducted. Many people believe that Muslims and masjids are the sources of social unrest. So we devised a plan to invite individuals of all faiths to learn about masjids and meet with religious leaders."Masjid Committee Member to The Times of India
Former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Rukmaya Poojari, who reportedly visited the masjid on 14 November, was quoted as saying, "This initiative will preserve communal harmony."
(With inputs from Times of India.)
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