In a significant development, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Maulana Salman Nadvi has extended support for construction of the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
After holding talks with Art of Living (AOL) founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Maulana Nadvi said that an alternate piece of land should be offered for the construction of a mosque. He also added that a university can also be built at that place.
In an exclusive interview with India TV, Maulana Nadvi said that the 'divide and rule' policy of the British created a chasm between Hindus and Muslims because of which a large crowd demolished a mosque and everybody remained a mute spectator.
" The temple already exists at the disputed site. Land should be offered at some other place where a mosque and a university could be constructed," Maulana Nadvi said.
He further said that there is provision in Islam for shifting a mosque. However, he added that a final decision in this regard will be taken by AIMPLB and others.
" When the court decides, somebody wins, somebody loses, we want a win-win solution for all. I have been continuously meeting Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He is taking steps with honesty to resolve the matter and we also want a peaceful solution," he further said.
Maulana Nadvi added that humanity is above every caste, creed and religion.
"We should create an environment for uniting people following different religions like Hinduism, Islam, christianity etc. We should try to understand each other," he added.
Maulana Nadvi revealed that he has been talking to many members of AIMPLB on this matter adding he'll be discussing this with other members during upcoming meeting of AIMPLB in Hyderabad as well.
However, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi dismissed Nadvi's idea, stating that there would be no out-of-court settlement.
On the other hand, the Nirmohi Akhara has welcomed the formula floated by Maulana Nadvi.
Renewing his mediation efforts on the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on Thursday held a meeting with Muslim leaders, including members from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Sunni Waqf Board.
After the meeting, the AOL said eminent members of the Sunni Waqf Board, All India Muslim Personal Law Board and others met Ravi Shankar and expressed support for an out-of-court settlement in the Ayodhya matter.
"They have supported the proposal of shifting the Masjid outside to another place. Many Muslim stakeholders are cooperating in this matter," an AOL statement said.
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