As muslims around the world gather together to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr this weekend, it isnât quite the same for many families, who could celebrate by going out together and visiting their local mosques. Fortunately, a group of Sikh volunteers have stepped up to help support their muslim neighbours by carrying out a coordinating sanitisation effort across Delhiâs Jama Masjid.

Sikhs sanitise Jama Masjid in time for the festival.
EID MUBARAK ! pic.twitter.com/yopjR1GeDL

â Ashok Singh Garcha (@AshokSGarcha) May 23, 2020

Over 360 years old, the masjid was built by Shah Jahan and during pre-COVID times, saw a massive influx of tourists, pilgrims and local believers in Islam - holding upto 25,000 people at a time during massive religious observances such as Eid. 

© Reuters

The religious site is of great holy significance to Muslims and even houses a collection of relics of Muhammad â the Quran written on deerskin, a red beard-hair of the prophet, his sandals and his footprints embedded in a marble block.

Several users on social media shared the good work undertaken by the Sikh community, and their appreciation for a selfless cause that looked past religious differences.

We dont need to remind ourselves of humanity which is India's hallmark and reason for our secular existence since centuries. Eid Mubarak to every one from all of us
Pic 1- Sikhs sanitize Jama Masjid
Pic 2- Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board provide Sehri and Iftari to Muslims pic.twitter.com/kGYMXAN2q8

â Monica Jasuja (@jasuja) May 24, 2020

Today in Jama Masjid, our Sikh brothers sanitize the entire mosque to double the joy of Eid. All religions are made for the welfare of humanity. The time has come to fulfill the purpose for which God has sent us on earth.@mssirsa @TajinderBagga @rpsinghkhalsa @tarunchughbjp pic.twitter.com/DJCqUHNGGd

â Real Deepak Kapur⢠(@realkapur) May 24, 2020

Many continually praised the attitude of communal harmony displayed by the sanitisation volunteers.

A short tale of communal harmony: Sikhs sanitise Jama Masjid.

ð· @kawalpreetdu #sikh @Khalsa_Aid #communal #inspiring #COVID #CoronavirusIndia #lockdown #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/nslTlsdDmm

â The Indian (@Indiandotlive) May 24, 2020

Others appreciated the work done by the community, but noted the lack of female representation in the volunteer body.

Sikh community today sanitised Jama Masjid, Delhi. Long Live unity of minorities! Long Live unity of people! Women from the communities in the pictures would have made it more perfect. Pictures from @PDWKB pic.twitter.com/rcZf595y9S

â Kawalpreet Kaur (@kawalpreetdu) May 23, 2020

Even the journalist community of Delhi stepped in to share the goodwill.

Members of #Sikh community sanitised #JamaMasjid of #Delhi during the #lockdown today. Pictures via @PDWKB#Ramadan #RamzanTheMonthOfBlessings #Eid #humanity pic.twitter.com/XXvYDbBZKT

â Mahtab महताब ÙÛتاب (@MahtabNama) May 23, 2020

In a similar vein, the Hindu Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, near the city of Jammu has been serving sehri and iftar to around 500 quarantined Muslims. During tough times, itâs this kind of goodwill and communal harmony that keeps society going.

View the full article