Facing The Mirror

Jama Masjid, the 'World-Reflecting Mosque' really reflected the world today in 2006 with two bombings that injured not just people, but the very soul of humanity.

Jama Masjid; Source: WikiCommons

The world was a no man's land; it belonged to nothing and no one. It was just a resource pool for everything living. Then came the technologically advanced human being who has been using it for both good and bad.

Recently, the surge in immoral has been more, and the bombs' invention is a testament to the same. In 2006, this invention was detrimental to the lives of many and a sacred place called, The Masjid-i Jehan Numa, or more popularly known as Jama Masjid.

The first Friday after prophet Mohammed Mawlid's birthday and a holiday on account of Ambedkar Jayanti found people in the historically significant mosque at the time of Azaan, the Islamic call for prayer. People gathered around the Wazoo Khana, comprising a small pond for the worshippers to cleanse their hands and feet before beginning their worship. A holy Friday turned blasphemous as moments before the prayer were to start, the first bomb went off in the courtyard around Wazoo Khana and wounded around 13 people. Just fifteen minutes later, another blast went off in the mosque. The total number of people present differs in different sources.

As panicked surged, the Imam urged people and shared anecdotes to keep people calm and in one with their practice's spirituality. Two forces secured the mosque, and the Imam continued leading the prayers.

Meanwhile, the injured were taken to Lok Nayak Jayprakash Hospital and were given ex gratia compensation by the Delhi Government.

The mosque did not incur any structural damage or craters.

Who was behind the bombings? Although it is still a mystery because no one claimed responsibility, after much speculation, the Delhi police explained that the blasts were low-intensity and found in white plastic bags near the courtyard area. The incident was theorized to be linked with bombings in Srinagar that occurred on the same day. At the same time, it was a hypothesis that it was an inside job because of office bearers' internal rivalries made the rounds.

The attack was an event to make the country feel unsafe and insecure instantly and prompted many state governments to take precautions in their holy places.