In a significant development in the district of Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh a Muslim family has done ghar wapsi after they took the decision to renounce Islam and ‘return home’ to Sanatan Dharma. This case of ‘Ghar Wapsi’ originates from the village of Rajpur Kyotana, situated in the Reusa development block under the jurisdiction of Reusa police station, in Biswan tehsil.
Lal Mohammad, a resident of Rajpur Kyotana, along with his wife Gulshan and sons Sameer and Shaan Mohammad, officially did ghar wapsi and embraced Sanatana Dharma, leaving behind their Islamic faith. The family had been increasingly drawn towards Sanatana Dharma through their participation in various religious activities within the village, such as Katha (religious discourses), Bhagwat (a sacred Hindu text), and Kirtans (devotional songs).
According to Lal Mohammad, these religious experiences had a profound impact on their beliefs, leading them to consider returning to their ancestral faith. “We used to attend Katha, Bhagwat, and Kirtans regularly, and during this time, we developed a deep inclination towards Sanatana Dharma,” said Lal Mohammad.
The decision to do ghar wapsi was not met without resistance. Upon learning of their intention to adopt Sanatan Dharma and do ghar wapsi, members of the local Muslim community strongly opposed the move. Lal Mohammad recounted how their house was surrounded by wires, and the family was taken hostage in an attempt to prevent their conversion. “When our community found out, they protested vehemently and even threatened us. They surrounded our house and took us hostage,” he explained.
In response to this hostile environment, Lal Mohammad sought the assistance of local Hindu organisations in Reusa block. These organisations provided the necessary support and guidance for the family’s ‘Ghar Wapsi.’
With the support of these Hindu organisations, Lal Mohammad and his family proceeded to Biswan Tehsil. There, they submitted an affidavit before higher officials, formally declaring their Ghar Vapsi to Sanatana Dharma. The family completed the necessary formalities and rituals to mark their return to Hinduism and do ghar wapsi.
Following their Ghar Wapsi, Lal Mohammad adopted the new name Ramlal. His wife, Gulshan, took the name Aarti Devi. Their sons, Shaan Mohammad and Sameer, were renamed Shashikant and Luvkush, respectively.
This incident of ghar wapsi highlights the growing trend of individuals and families in India exploring and sometimes returning to their ancestral faiths. It underscores the enduring appeal and significance of Sanatana Dharma in contemporary society.
