Delhi has long been a centre not just of politics and power, but also of culture, history, and worship.
In the lanes of Old Delhi, centuries-old mosques, dargahs, and historic buildings bear witness to the past. Among these, the Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque near Turkman Gate has recently made headlines due to actions taken to remove alleged illegal encroachments in its vicinity.
The demolition drive around the mosque turned tense when some individuals opposed the operation.
Police acted entirely within legal boundaries. However, some people on site attempted to disrupt the proceedings, which escalated tensions.
Madhu Verma, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Zone, said that officials held meetings with the Peace Committee, Civil Defence Committee, and mosque authorities before the operation.
They informed everyone that the demolition was fully legal and must not be portrayed as a religious issue. Police have arrested five people in connection with the violence.
Authorities are using CCTV footage and viral social media videos to identify suspects while continuing investigations under multiple legal provisions.
A Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) official confirmed that the operation did not damage the mosque.
The MCD deployed approximately 30 bulldozers, 50 dumpers, and over 300 personnel, carrying out the operation overnight under Delhi High Court orders.
The mosque’s administrative committee approached the Delhi High Court after the MCD marked alleged encroachments on 1 January and carried out demolition on 7 January.
While the committee did not oppose the removal of encroachments, it sought court protection for a graveyard adjacent to the mosque, which falls outside the 0.195-acre limit defined by the MCD.
Historical Background
The Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque dates back to the Mughal era, particularly the 18th century. Historians note that it was not built under royal decree, but emerged to serve the religious needs of the local Muslim population.
Located in a historic residential and market area of Old Delhi, the mosque has served as more than a place of prayer; it has also been a hub for social interaction and religious education.
The mosque reflects Mughal architectural simplicity: limited use of red stone and lime, small domes and plain minarets, and a large courtyard for communal prayers.
For centuries, the mosque has hosted daily prayers, Jumma, and Ramadan rituals. Local beliefs hold that prayers offered here are particularly efficacious, making it a site of peace and blessing.
Both Hindu and Muslim communities actively participate in celebrating the annual Urs of Hazrat Shah Faiz-e-Ilahi.
Like many heritage structures in Delhi, the mosque faces threats from urban expansion and neglect. While local efforts have preserved much of its structure, experts stress the urgent need for official heritage protection.
The Delhi Waqf Board currently manages the mosque’s property and maintenance, while a local committee handles its daily operations.
From the 1857 uprising to the Partition of 1947, Faiz-e-Ilahi Mosque has witnessed Delhi’s historical upheavals, providing spiritual solace in difficult times.
Today, authorities and communities must carefully balance legal enforcement, heritage preservation, and religious sentiments at the mosque.
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