MANGALURU: In a rare and meaningful gesture aimed at promoting interfaith harmony and dispelling misconceptions, the Kudroli Jamia Masjid opened its doors to people of all faiths as part of a unique “Sarvajanika Masidi Darshana” (public mosque visit) programme on Sunday.
Organized by the Kudroli Masjid Management Committee in collaboration with Muslim Aikyata Vedike (MAV), Kudroli, and Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Mangaluru, the event was designed to foster mutual respect, educate non-Muslims about Islamic practices, and encourage open dialogue.
Visitors from diverse religious backgrounds were warmly welcomed into the century-old mosque—renovated in 2013—with hospitality that included dates, watermelon juice, snacks, tea, lunch, Islamic literature, and perfume gifts. Attendees were offered the chance to freely explore the mosque premises, including its prayer areas, upper floors, and heritage sections, while capturing photos and engaging in thoughtful discussions.
The event featured informative exhibits such as Quranic messages, prophetic teachings, translations of the Quran in various languages, and video presentations highlighting the mosque’s history and architecture. Volunteers and religious scholars answered questions on namaz (prayer), azan (call to prayer), mosque etiquette, and the roles of different Jamaats (congregations).
This landmark initiative was widely appreciated by the visitors as a powerful step toward building bridges between communities through openness, education, and mutual respect.
Speaking at the public meeting, Lakshmisha Gabladka, member of the Dakshina Kannada District Dharmika Parishad, reflected on the spiritual depth of the initiative, saying, “When we close our eyes in prayer, our inner eye remains open. This visit helps people see with that inner vision.”
Fr. Valerian D’Souza of Holy Rosary Church praised the event as a God-inspired step towards unity. “Temples, mosques, and churches all preach love. We must continue to take such steps to understand one another and live peacefully.”
KS Mohammed Masood, former Chairman of the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, presided over the gathering. Ishaq Puttur, President of JIH (Mangaluru South), shared the Prophet’s message of peace and brotherhood.
Also present were Kudroli Khazi Mufti Sheikh Mutahhar Hussein Khasmi, MLC Ivan D’Souza, and community leaders from various religious and cultural organizations, including the Kudroli Gokarnanatha Temple, Buntara Sangha, UAE Mogaveera Sangha, and others.