Festivity and gaiety marked the coronation of the fourteenth Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid in the capital. Imam Syed Ahmed Bhukhari anointed his son Shaban Bhukari as the Nabi Imam, his deputy of the Mughal relics.
Thousands of Muslims gathered at the Jama Masjid premise to see the anointment of Shahi Imam, now the deputy Imam. A cross section of the people who witness the coronation, felt that the family could best look after the historical mosque and should stay confined to religious discourse rather than getting involved in active politics.
The Imams of Jama Masjid had supported various political groups from time to time. But their appeal has not benefited the political groups.
"The Muslim voter is very wise. He will listen to the Imam, but will vote wherever he feels is best for him," said Dr Mansoor Alam, General Secretary, All India Milli Council. Alam also feel that the larger than life appeal of the Shahi Imam is a media and political projection, but has little significance in the community.
The editor of the Milli Gazette, Zaafrul Islam Khan also added that the Muslim do not vote on the appeal of the Shahi Imam. "The Imams of Jama Masjid in the past have shared dais with leaders of Samajwadi Party, Janta Dal, BJP and the Congress. The voters do not vote on the appeal of the high priest," said Khan. Khan is also the president of All India Muslim Majlis-E- Mushawarat.
Khan also said that more than the Bhukari family, it is the podium of the pulpit of the shrine that is more important. "Every Friday, the Imam addresses the gathering of about ten thousand people, Besides the religious address, he uses the pulpit to make political speeches," added Khan.
For those gathered to witness the ceremony, it was a historical movement. "I was a young boy, when Syed Ahmed Bhukari was taking charge. I am happy to see his son now taking over," said Md Ziya a shop owner right outside Jama Masjid.
The entire walled city wore a festive look. Illuminated lanes and food stalls buzzing with people said that it was their historic day.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}