Muslims in the city have an almost-perfect Eid gift, with the inauguration of the expanded and renovated Nizam's era Masjid (mosque) in the Secretariat premises on Thursday.
The expansion and renovation works on the Masjid were taken up by the government in spite of objections raised during the reign of former chief minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.
The Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Nizamia, Mufti Khaleel Ahmed, inaugurated the Masjid.
Minority Welfare Minister Mohammed Ahmedullah Syed recalled that YSR had decided to go ahead with the renovation works despite many people voicing their objections to the renovation works.
He said, "I am very happy to finally see the ancient Masjid here inaugurated. There had been resentment from many quarters, but fortunately Dr. Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had not only overruled them, but also lent a hand by releasing some funds."
Former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir also expressed pleasure over the inauguration of the Masjid. He said that the structure of the Masjid had suffered extensive damage during the construction work on the D-Block. He recalled that the former chief minister had insisted that not just the damaged portion was repaired but that the Masjid be expanded and rebuilt.
Shabbir also recalled that YSR had approved Rs. 34 lakhs for the expansion of the Masjid. Ahmedullah recalled that Chief Minister K Rosaiah had sanctioned additional funds for the Masjid when the works overshot the budget.
Around 700 persons can worship at a single time in the Masjid, while provision for 50 women to offer prayers separately has been made.
When questioned about who would take responsibility for the salaries of the Imam and Muezzin, Ahmedullah said,"We have not yet decided on that, but it will be cleared shortly."
Till that decision is made, local Muslims will need to collect contributions for the purpose.
Courtesy: INN
filed in:Muslims, Y S Rajasekhar Reddy, Secretariat, Mosques, Ramzan