Sikhs offer gurdwara to in-distress Muslims for Bakr-Eid namaaz
In a rare incident of communal solidarity in an increasingly communally tense India, the Sikh community in the Chamoli district in Uttarakhand offered Muslims their gurdwara, after flooding prevented the Muslims from using an open ground for the Bakr-Eid namaaz. The floods occurred due to heavy rains in the upper reaches of Uttarakhand.
Promoting a feeling of brotherhood
"On getting to know that...a huge gathering would not be able to pray at the spot, the gurdwara management quickly came forward to offer assistance. That was the least we could do," said Buta Singh, manager of the Joshimath Gurdwara Committee.
1,000+ distressed Muslims take up the Sikhs' offer
Owing to heavy rains, the open ground that the Muslim community had chosen for the Bakr-Eid prayers got flooded. Over a 1,000 Muslims were anxious and upset about the flooding. When the Sikhs came to know about the problem, they offered their gurdwara some distance away to their Muslim brethren. The offer was immediately taken up, and the Muslims did their namaaz in peace.
A sentiment which should be emulated by everyone
"We are deeply touched. This act by the gurdwara committee displays the true spirit of brotherhood...we are extremely happy. This is something to be emulated by everyone," said Mohammad Aslam, a vegetable seller in Joshimath.
