Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (MS)

Madikeri, Jan 5: More than 50 Hindus and eight Christians joined hands with Muslims to renovate a two-century-old mosque that was in a dilapidated state.

The renovated Shafi Juma Masjid was inaugurated on Saturday, January 4, in Ponnampete.

Chief Secretary of the mosque, P A Azeez, said, “BBMP member of BJP Narayana Raju donated Rs 2.5 lac for the renovation of the mosque. Suresh readied the furniture required for the mosque. Raju Pillai, a Christian, did the construction work. As people of various religions joined hands with us, it was possible to renovate the mosque.”

This unique, minaret-less Shafi Juma Masjid is a different kind of prayer place. Over Rs 2 crore was spent on its renovation, and the mosque can now accommodate around 600 people for namaaz at a time. It is the largest mosque in Ponnampete taluk.

The mosque administration has also been very helpful, never sending anyone seeking assistance away empty-handed. As such, this mosque stands as a symbol of communal harmony in Ponnampete.

The mosque, an emblem of brotherhood, was inaugurated on Saturday by Syed Zifri Muttukoya Taangal, president of Samastha Kendra Mushawara.