In the serene landscapes of Punjab’s Barnala district in the northern part of India, the melodious Muslim call to prayer resounds throughout the day. While communal tensions and clashes occasionally make headlines, a different narrative unfolds in the villages of Kutba Bamaniya and beyond.

Amid this backdrop, a prepartition mosque stands tall as a symbol of history, resilience and a shared commitment to coexistence. Sikhs form the bulk of Punjab’s population. According to census figures from 2021, the population of Punjab is made up of 57.7% Sikhs, 38.5% Hindus and less than 2% who identify as Muslims.

Led by determined Buta Singh, the villagers, mostly Sikhs, of Kutba Bamaniya embarked on a mission to not only restore the mosque’s physical structure but also to preserve the legacy it represents. The mosque, a witness to India's history, has become a beacon of unity.

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Singh said non-Muslims used to maintain this mosque in the past, even though it had fallen into disuse after the partition of India in 1947 that led to the creation of Muslim-majority Pakistan and a Hindu-dominated India.

"We previously installed the Granth Sahib (the Holy book of Sikhs) in the village gurudwara. Later, when a decision was made to restore the mosque, members of the Sikh community wholeheartedly supported the Muslims in this endeavor,” said Buta Singh. “Our village residents coexist in complete harmony and tranquillity, rejoicing in each other's religious festivals.”

Preserving the past: The scar of partition

The partition of India left behind scars that impacted religious sites across the region. The abandonment and damage of numerous sacred places was a painful reminder of the violence that accompanied the partition. However, efforts to restore and rebuild these sites emerged over time, driven by a collective desire to heal wounds and promote harmony.

Efforts to restore religious sites damaged nearly seven decades ago have been ongoing. Communities, governments and organizations have come together to preserve cultural heritage and foster reconciliation. The restoration of temples, mosques and gurudwaras by diverse religious groups exemplifies the power of unity amid diversity.

The picturesque village of Kutba Bamaniya, for example, has a unique story to tell. While Muslims had migrated to Pakistan during the partition, a few families remained behind. The decision to restore the mosque was not merely an act of rebuilding — but a gesture to reclaim shared history and reaffirm unity.

“Our village sets a global example of unity,” said Buta Singh, aptly capturing the sentiment.

Amrinder Pal Singh, who lives in Kutba Bamaniya, said the village stands as a beacon of love and that its people’s shared history endures.

“The mosque's construction was a collaborative endeavor, reflecting the spirit of all communities involved,” he said. “We urge the people of Punjab and India to emulate our communal harmony. Regrettably, we haven't received government support. The creation of both the gurdwara and the mosque was solely through our collective efforts.”

Championing unity: Beyond religious boundaries

Both the Indian and Pakistani governments have occasionally taken steps to restore and preserve religious places affected by partition. They have allocated funds for the maintenance and renovation of historically significant religious sites.

But local communities residing near damaged religious places have often taken it upon themselves to restore and maintain these sites. This includes Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and other religious groups collaborating to rebuild and preserve shared heritage. Interfaith groups have come together to restore and maintain religious places.

These initiatives emphasize unity and cooperation among different religious communities. The restoration of the mosque is like reclaiming a piece of their heritage. People of all communities are coming together to maintain it.

"The mosque in our village predated the partition, but sadly, it was closed post-partition,” said Mohammad Mursalin, a resident of Kutba Bamaniya. “The Sikhs in the village took the initiative to construct a gurudwara initially. Later, responding to the request of the Muslim community, they built a mosque and handed it over to us. Before this, our village lacked a mosque. We observe five daily prayers in the mosque and coexist harmoniously in our community.”

He added: “This illustration of love and unity should resonate throughout the nation. People must unite, sharing both joy and sorrow, as we do in our village.”

In the Barnala villages, during special occasions, the unity of people shines brighter. They stand together no matter the faith they follow. In a state that has witnessed a significant drop in the Muslim population — from over 40% during India’s independence to less than 2% — villagers are channeling their generosity to rebuild bridges and abandoned places of worship.

Over 165 mosques have been rejuvenated in recent years, each telling a story of unity and collaboration.

"This kind of brotherhood should prevail across India. Love must be nurtured, and animosity must dissolve,” Mursalin said. “Humanity’s values should take precedence, and compassion towards one another should prevail. All religions emphasize love; none advocate hate. This village mosque is not an isolated instance — over 30 mosques have been revived, echoing the same message of unity and harmony. Although our Muslim community is small, we coexist harmoniously with our Sikh counterparts. The bond between our two communities mirrors the camaraderie of the times of the Sikh gurus.”

From Kutba Bamaniya to the village of Bakhatgarh in Barnala, stories of unity continue to shine. Amandeep Singh, a Sikh, donated land for a mosque when he realized his Muslim friends had to travel far for prayers. His act of kindness has transcended religious barriers, reflecting a spirit of shared humanity that refuses to be confined by labels.

“With a modest family and a 2,000-square-feet plot, we made the decision to donate the land,” Singh said. “Learning that Muslims in our vicinity lacked a proper space for prayers and mosque construction, we reached out to them and contributed the land. Thus, the ‘Noorani’ Mosque came into being.”

Singh’s gesture resonated with the entire village, igniting a collective effort to build the mosque. Standing united and transcending religious boundaries, they say kindness is their common thread. Restoring these mosques isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about resurrecting shared humanity.

“I firmly believe in the equality of all; no religion holds greater importance over another,” Singh said. “Having visited Pakistan, I've experienced heart-warming affection from the people. Regardless of media portrayal or government statements, my sentiment towards people remains warm. I adhere to a secular ideology.”

Jaswinder Kaur, an elderly Sikh woman from the village, agreed.

“We are overjoyed with our son Amandeep's decision to donate land for the mosque’s construction to our Muslim brothers in the village,” she said. “He has brought pride to his father and our family. Muslims and Sikhs coexist like family here.”

She added: “In the past, Muslims in our village faced hardships due to the lack of a proper space for prayers, affecting their women's ability to attend prayers. We commend the noble action of our village’s esteemed son. This exemplary act should serve as a model for other parts of Punjab as well.”

Back in Barnala, a Hindu family also contributed land for the construction of Aman Masjid. This village embodies the true spirit of coexistence. The mosque, temple and Sikh temple stand side by side, reflecting shared values..

“In 2015, my grandfather initiated the construction of this temple with the support of the villagers,” said Manpreet Sharma, a local Hindu resident. “Surprisingly, Muslims also participated actively in the temple's construction. During this time, some Muslims approached my uncle, expressing their need for a mosque, and inquired whether the Hindu community could provide some land for it. Following discussions among the Hindus, we decided to grant the Muslims a piece of land to construct their mosque.”

These villages are not just places — they are symbols of harmony. In a nation where divisions sometimes overshadow unity, these villages shine as beacons of hope.

“The entire village came together to build this mosque, collectively contributing $15,000 towards its construction,” said Chirag Khan, a farmer. “People from all religious backgrounds — Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs — actively participated in making this mosque a reality. Villagers joined forces as laborers, working hand in hand for its completion. Our unity knows no bounds. We celebrate (the Hindu festival) Diwali jointly at the local gurudwara, mosque and temple, truly exemplifying the essence of togetherness in our community.”

From division to hope

Every stroke of paint and every brick laid in these rejuvenated places of worship speaks volumes about unity and shared values.

These villages are not just rebuilding physical structures; they are resurrecting a collective spirit that refuses to bow to division.

As special occasions unite the villages of Barnala, the shared celebration of religious festivals has become a testament to the bond that transcends faith. In a state where religious demographics have evolved significantly, these villages demonstrate that unity is not just a concept but a lived reality.

"We, as a small Muslim community, reside here in perfect harmony with our fellow community members,” said Najam Khan, a local resident and practicing Muslim. “We enjoy seamless coexistence, with no issues whatsoever. All religious festivals are joyfully celebrated together.”

Zaffar Iqbal is a journalist based in Kashmir, India. He has reported for 18 years on armed encounters, environmental issues, crime, politics, culture and human rights. He’s formerly the bureau chief of Jammu-Kashmir for NDTV.