New Delhi, Aug 13: Revered Shia cleric and vice president of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Kalbe Sadiq said the Muslim community has much to gain by revoking claim over the disputed 2.77 acre land in Ayodhya which houses the Babri Masjid. Also Read - Ayodhya Mosque to Look Like Mecca's Kaaba: Trust

Citing the Islamic theology, Maulana Sadiq argued that the religion teaches its believers to inculcate the norm of giving, rather than claiming. “By giving away a piece of land, the community can win millions of hearts,” he said while speaking to TOI, further adding that such a generous step would boost the Hindu-Muslim ties across the nation. Also Read - Babri Masjid Demolition Case: Verdict on September 30; All Accused Including Advani, Joshi Asked to Be Present in Court

While addressing a conclave on communal harmony and world peace in Mumbai on Sunday, Maulana Sadiq appealed the Muslim community to approach the issue of Ayodhya land dispute with an ‘open-mind’. Also Read - Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray no More Welcome in Ayodhya, Say Saints & VHP After Kangana Episode

Reiterating that Supreme Court is the ultimate authority to decide who is the rightful claimant, the senior AIMPLB member said Muslims should be prepared to welcome the judicial verdict “even it goes against the community”.

The remarks of Maulana Sadiq assume significance, coming in the backdrop of the stance exhibited by Uttar Pradesh’s Shia Waqf Board before the apex court in the ongoing Ayodhya land dispute case.

In the affidavit submitted before the top court on August 9, the board said the Babri mosque could be shifted away from the “revered place of birth of Maryada Purushottam Sri Ram”, and relocated to the nearby Muslim-dominated locality.

The Babri Masjid Action Committee, however, expressed apprehensions against the stand of UP Shia Waqf Board. Zafaryab Jilani, the convenor of the forum, said the views exhibited by the Shia body are not in accordance with the Shariah, which prevents the donation, relocation or demolition of any building which has been designated as a mosque.

On Maulana Sadiq’s statement, Jilani said the views stated by the top Shia cleric are “his personal” and do not reflect the official stance of the AIMPLB.

On Friday, the Supreme Court stated that it would initiate the final set of hearing in the land dispute case from December 5, with no adjournments. The case would be heard by a three-member bench comprising of Justices Dipak Misra, Abdul Nazeer and Ashok Bhushan.

The court also provided a 12-week period to the UP government for translating all historical documents and oral evidences in Hindi and Urdu.