Solution to the Temple - Mosque dispute (an old re-post)

There are a number of Islamic masjids (mosques) in India built centuries ago by Muslim rulers who allegedly had brought down a number of Hindu mandirs (temples) to make room for new constructions. Hindus now are trying to reclaim the land from some of these controversial sites -- in Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura -- and build mandirs there. Muslims are understandably resisting this exchange for several reasons. They do not want to turn over the sites that are religiously significant as masjids. These structures are also a reminder to them of grandeur of the past when Muslim kings used to rule India. In addition, it is difficult, time-consuming and expensive to ascertain whether a mandir had actually existed at a particular site -- where now a masjid stands. Issue of real ownership or titles to these controversial properties is also being raised. There is a debate going on in India now as how to resolve this contentious issue -- peacefully, amicably and without any further loss of life and property -- whether a mandir or a masjid should be located at a particular site. This article tries to answer some of the above concerns and suggests ways to arrive at a reasonable solution.

In strict religious terms, there should be no dispute involving a mandir and a masjid. Both the Gita and the Koran advise people to not concentrate on buildings and homes in this world. The information from scriptures relating to the unimportance of worldly structures is given below.

"Who is balanced in blame and in praise, whose soul is silent, who is happy with whatever he has, who is not preoccupied with his worldly Home, and who has love -- this person is dear to God." The Gita (Ch. 12 - V. 19)

"Nothing is the life of this world but play and amusement. But best is the Home in the Hereafter, for those who are righteous. Will you not then understand?" The Koran (Surah 6 - 32)

A mandir or a masjid is basically just any structure used for religious purposes. As the personal buildings and homes are deemed unimportant according to the above scriptural quotes, same thing can be said about a place for prayers used by an individual or a community. It can be a great architectural masterpiece or a very simple hut. It makes no difference how the building looks or where it stands. Scriptures (the Koran etc.) also advise that a religious shrine needs to have a foundation in terms of piety and generosity. It should not be built with a mischief in mind or a desire for personal gain (money, prestige etc.). A mandir or masjid would thus be worthless if it were built by using corrupt means or if its installation forcibly replaced or tore down another structure. Note that religious emphasis in the above is on goodness and righteousness -- individually or collectively -- and not to a special way of praying in a particular place. Strictly speaking therefore the shrine (mandir or masjid) appears to be unimportant.

The era of grandiosity of mandirs and masjids is long gone. Their importance in daily life, especially in non-religious matters, has declined sharply over the years. There are also other important issues. From monetary and security considerations, the astronomical expenditures involved in the construction and maintenance of these places cannot be ignored. Matter of titleholders and owners and their financial obligations in relation to these properties is also not always clear. The issue of a current title to a historical property (such as an ancient mandir, masjid or fort) -- and the overall responsibility associated with it -- is not easy to decide. More importantly, it needs to be understood that a title to a property implies more than just a legal document bearing the name of its owner or maintainer. It is also subject to various liabilities and other legal issues arising during the exercise of ownership. Thus if there is any ambiguity or misunderstanding regarding a certain title today, it may prove to be a source of lengthy legal battles later on. Similarly, if a controversial holding -- with an unclear mandate -- were to seriously and adversely impede the well-being of public or endanger lives, there may be problems in obtaining relief or compensation quickly. The titles to such properties, especially the historical ones, therefore should be defined clearly at all times and reviewed regularly in the light of changing socio-political climate, and renegotiated if necessary. Note that a historical site (mandir or masjid), even though designated to be used only by a certain group or community specifically, may have an undesired and unforeseen effect on the entire population -- including even on those not using it. Thus the governing authority overseeing these sites should make sure that the parties possessing titles are aware of any negative consequences and able to meet various obligations relating to such holdings.

Note again that this matter of title or ownership, especially of a religious property, is meaningless. As indicated in the scriptures, no righteous individual or organization ought to claim the title of any holding or building here on earth. Conversely, anyone claiming or having such a worldly possession can be seen as not really righteous enough, and is therefore unworthy of a religious holding and needs to be precluded from it.

Civilization at present has other priorities that are important from social, political and other secular considerations. World-view according to only historical or religious perspective is not good enough anymore. There is no great benefit in looking at the issues according to one's own narrow interest or mainly in terms of people, things and events from the distant past. Real-life issues are quite complex these days and may require to be dealt with differently.

It is clear from the above that a reasonable and permanent solution to the masjid-mandir controversy needs a fresh approach. It must be remembered that this is an outstanding issue from a long time with various communities inadvertently drawn into it. No one alive today can be faulted for single-handedly creating this situation in the first place. It is also true that some of the structures associated with this controversy probably had dubious beginnings, but now no effort should be spared to correct the situation peacefully, harmoniously and quickly in a spirit of true friendship and accord. To this end, the blame-game on all sides must stop as soon as possible.

The current socio-political situation in India is less than perfect. Things are in a state of limbo because of this controversy. Everyone is rightly concerned about what happens next. Politicians have not been able to spend time, effort and resources on other important issues involving poverty, illiteracy, environment, etc. This dispute seems to consume all the time and energy. Moreover, people -- who generally have a great reverence for their faith and tradition -- seem now completely tired of this never-ending controversy involving historical mandirs and masjids. They are eagerly looking for a satisfactory end to this quagmire.

One of the ways to deal with this problem is described in the following. Note that a mandir or a masjid is basically a man-made construction for use by a certain community where people either gather socially, or assemble to perform worships (puja) or say prayers (kirtans or namaaz). There is no point of placing or having such a structure in a place where its use is minimal or is mired in a controversy. Note that a religious shrine will serve its purpose best where there is also an atmosphere of peace and tranquility for its people. The problem involving a controversial structure (masjid etc.) should thus be looked in terms of its potential use. In this regard, a religiously disputed site or building can be evaluated according to majority the population (Hindu or Muslim) -- presently and in historical context -- in that neighborhood. If the masjid for example is located in an area that is predominantly Hindu and historically important to Hinduism, it will comparatively be of less significance to Muslims. From practical and religious considerations, the site containing controversial shrine can then be handed over to Hindus who, if they wish, may use it for reconstruction of their mandir. They can in turn assist in the construction of a new masjid elsewhere.

The above looks like a good approach to finding a solution to this never-ending conflict. When this agreement is finally put into practice, it will result in peace and harmony between both communities, and enhance them socially, politically and spiritually. It seems like a win-win situation for all, and bodes well for future.

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By: Dr. Subhash C. Sharma
Email: lamberdar@yahoo.com
Date: Aug. 26, 2003
Url: http://www.geocities.ws/lamberdar/temple-mosque.html

I tried. Pls Seva, post a tl;dr version also.

Any solution when expressed in over 2 million words, cant be? :-)

Seva - 20 yrs from now - We aint getting any better. 

2016 New Year - 14 days, 60 terrorist attacks worldwide, 400 dead - Jakarta, Pathankot, Turkey, Afghanistan Indian Embassy et all.

Our kids are watching!

TruthSeeker wrote:Any solution when expressed in over 2 million words, cant be? :-)

Seva - 20 yrs from now - We aint getting any better. 

2016 New Year - 14 days, 60 terrorist attacks worldwide, 400 dead - Jakarta, Pathankot, Turkey, Afghanistan Indian Embassy et all.

Our kids are watching!

The "size" of the solution, in terms of words etc., is simply a reflection of the complexity of the problem.

Congratulations to everyone in India on the auspicious temple foundation laying on Aug. 5, 2020.
It is a major development in cementing the peaceful resolution to centuries old temple-mosque dispute in Ayodhya.