Faith beyond barriers: Punjab village shows the true spirit of Religious Unity, Tolerance

In a shining example of interfaith harmony and mutual respect — standing in stark contrast to the mindset of intolerance seen elsewhere — a 75-year-old Sikh woman has donated her private land for the construction of a mosque in Jakhwali village of Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib district. Families from the Sikh and Hindu communities have also stepped forward to provide financial support for the project.

One Village, Many Faiths — United by Humanity

According to a Times of India report, Jakhwali is home to about 400–500 Sikh families, nearly 150 Hindu families and around 100 Muslim families. While the village already has a gurdwara and a Shiva temple, it did not have a mosque. For years, Muslim residents were compelled to travel to a neighbouring village for their daily prayers.

Recognising this need, Bibi Rajinder Kaur donated five marlas of her land so that Muslim families could worship with dignity within their own village. She said her decision was guided by a simple belief — that every human being deserves a peaceful place to pray.

Shared Values, Shared Responsibility

Her grandson Satnam Singh said Jakhwali has always lived as one family, irrespective of religion. People participate in each other’s religious occasions and extend help whenever required. After discussions within the family, they unanimously decided to offer land located near existing religious structures.

As the land was registered in Bibi Rajinder Kaur’s name, it was formally transferred to the mosque committee after the Muslim community approved the site.

Collective Effort, Common Purpose

Monu Singh, another family member and a village panch, explained that government land cannot be used for religious construction, prompting the family to contribute their own property. He added that villagers from all communities are donating money, materials and labour for the mosque’s construction.

So far, about ₹3.5 lakh has been collected. The work is already underway and the committee hopes to complete the mosque by February.

Leaders Applaud the Spirit of Brotherhood

Kala Khan, president of the mosque committee, expressed gratitude to the villagers, noting that the Muslim community had waited more than two decades for such a solution. Punjab Shahi Imam Maulana Usman Ludhianvi, who laid the foundation stone, said Punjab continues to set inspiring examples of peaceful coexistence.

Residents believe their unity is the village’s greatest strength and are determined to preserve this legacy for future generations.