Khairuddin Mosque has a rare supporter in Amritsar

Against all odds, Sardar Bajinder Singh continues to serve Muslim worshipers

LAHORE: With animosity against Muslims growing in India, it is rare to find an ally. One such individual is Sardar Bajinder Singh. Against all odds, he has been serving as a volunteer at the Khairuddin Mosque.

Better known as Jama Masjid, the Khairuddin Mosque is nestled in the heart of Amritsar, which is roughly 29 kilometres away from the Wagah border that divides India and Pakistan.

Singh’s journey started four decades ago.  A greengrocer, Singh, has spent much of his life near the 18th-century mosque, helping Muslim worshipers.  “I’m passionate about helping my Muslim brothers at their place of worship,” said the 62-year-old man.

Singh is so dedicated he never leaves town. And, if, for some reason he does, he makes sure his son takes care of his responsibilities at the mosque. “I can’t imagine staying away from the mosque for too long,” said Singh.

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The service at the mosque, he said, has been part of his life since the 1980s.  “I’ve dedicated a major portion of my life to this service,” Singh claimed.   During his time at the mosque, Singh ensures that the worshipers are comfortable. “I take care of their shoes outside while they are offering their prayers inside,” said Singh.

According to his family, not a day goes by without him visiting the mosque.  The faithful at the mosque, know him as Bhaji (brother). On days when Singh is unable to visit the mosque, his sons fill in for him. “My sons, Baldev Singh and Varinder Singh, fill in for me if I’m out of town or unable to be there for the Friday prayers,” said Singh, who is also known as Sardarji by worshipers at the Khairuddin Mosque.

On Fridays, Bajinder Singh is not even seen at the marker where he owns a vegetable shop.  Religiously, each Friday, Singh claimed, he closes his shop so he can be at the mosque.

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When asked what does he get out of this service, Singh said, I find peace in serving my Muslim brothers. “I don’t ask for anything. In return, the worshipers offer kindness and love to me,” he said.

Singh is not the only non-Muslim who serves at the mosque.  Ajay Kumar Mahajan, a shop keeper across the mosque, is responsible for its security. “I make sure mosque is safe and protected between 9am and 9pm each day,” said Mahajan.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2020.