The Haji Malang dargah, a Sufi shrine in Mumbai, has recently been embroiled in a religious dispute after a political leader claimed that it should be “liberated” for Hindus. This controversy has stirred up tensions and put the shrine, which is known for its symbol of assimilation and tolerance, at the center of a larger debate around religious monuments in India. The dispute has sparked political motivations and could have significant social and economic impacts on the local community.
The shrine, located on a hill in the outskirts of Mumbai, attracts devotees from various religious backgrounds who offer flowers and a chadar, a cloth symbolizing respect in Sufi traditions, at the tomb of a Sufi saint. The belief is that sincere wishes made at the shrine will be granted. The managing board of the shrine reflects this diversity, with both Muslim trustees and Hindu custodians. However, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently revived a claim that the shrine is a Hindu temple and expressed his intention to “liberate” it, sparking controversy and reigniting a decades-old debate.
Shinde’s claim aligns with a larger pattern in India where some mosques and Muslim monuments are disputed as having been built by demolishing Hindu temples in the past. His stance is seen by political observers as a strategic move to position himself as a “Hindu savior” in the upcoming state assembly elections in Maharashtra, a state with a significant Hindu majority. This political maneuvering aims to consolidate the Hindu vote bank, particularly among the core voters of the Shiv Sena party.
The controversy has divided opinions among Hindu devotees visiting the shrine. Some believe the structure originally belonged to a Hindu saint and was later taken over by Muslims during invasions in India, supporting Shinde’s claim. Others, however, express uneasiness about the ongoing debate and emphasize the unity of all religions. The dispute has also taken a toll on the number of visitors to the shrine, leading to a decline in devotees and affecting local businesses that depend on tourism.
The impact of this controversy extends beyond the religious aspect to the socio-economic conditions of the local community. The hill where the shrine is situated is home to around 4,000 people, both Hindus and Muslims, who rely on tourism to make a living. However, locals face challenges in accessing basic amenities such as potable water, proper healthcare facilities, schools, and infrastructure. The lack of these amenities, coupled with the political games played by politicians for their own gain, has led to frustration and disillusionment among the locals.
Despite the controversy, many locals stress the longstanding coexistence and harmony between Hindus and Muslims on the hill. Festivals are celebrated together, and support is offered to one another in times of need. They question the motives behind the dispute and emphasize the need for unity rather than division. The resolution of this controversy will not only determine the fate of the shrine but also impact the social fabric and economic well-being of the local community.
