Regarding this (topic) Qudratullah Shahab wrote in his book “Shahab Nama” :

After the fall of Muslim governance, not only the names of towns and cities were changed but also the conditions of Muslims in Barhampur were horrific. A village surrounded by high mountains and thick forests was inhabited by about 20- 25 Muslim families. Their life style was so much ingrained by Hindu tradition that they used to keep names like Romaish Ali, Safdar Panday, Mahmoud Mahnti,Kulsum Devi and Parbhadi. In the village was a small shanty mosque and its doors were usually locked. Every Thursday evening, after taking shower, people would lit up Diya (oil lamp) and would kiss the lock of the Mosque’s door so as to pay respect which was also the fulfillment of their obligation for the entire week.

Every 2-3 months, a Maulvi Saheb would come to the village, unlock the Mosque and would bring the mosque alive for a short span of time. During this time duration, Maulvi sahib would offer prayers at the grave of deceased Muslim, he would give Adhan to the new born babies, if there were any marriages that were intended- he would perform their Nikah. Maulvi sahib would write a taweez(amulet) for a sick, and he would recite Takbeer on the knifes in advance so that those knifes could be used to slaughter animals until his next visit. This way through the blessing of this Maulvi sahib, the relationship of the Deen-e-Islam of these villagers was loosely connected.

Witnessing the state of this village of Barhampur Ganjam reverence in my heart for the “Mulla” was evoked. There was a time when words like “Mulla” and “Maulvi” were titles of knowledge and dignity. However, due to the Western system imposed by Imperialism and as our education and tradition was westernized, the dignity of “Mulla” and “Maulvi” vaporized. Slowly and gradually these words were transformed into something humiliating. Bearded men and illiterate people were called “Mulla” in jokes. Religious minded people in colleges, universities and offices, were ridiculed by being called “Maulvi.” The Imams of Masajid were labeled Jumerati, Shaberati, Eidi, Baqr Eidi, and the Reciters of Fatiha/ Durood and bread breakers.

People enjoying the comfort of cool air in the scorching summer, pay no regard to those who sacrifice their comfort and give Dhur Adhan with punctuality in that same circumstances!

In the same way, people give no regard to those who leave the warmth of their house only to give Fajr Adhan with punctuality in Winter!

Day or Night, Storm or Flood, Peace or War, near or far, regardless of time in every city, every ally, in every area- big or small, Masajid- constructed or not, have been kept alive through the dedication and hardship of a “Mulla” who survived on charity, got educated yet got humiliated by everyone. He left his family in a far area only to keep a Mosque alive, without the help of any organization, fund, or movement. Who else was and is there to take such responsibility?

Despite of the growing indifferent environment, foreigner’s enmity, and society’s ruthlessness, he did not under go transformation. Instead, he retained his external appearance. With his steadfastness he lit the candle of Deen and kept alive the spark of it.

Like the village of Barhampur Ganjam, where the spark of the Deen was extinguished, “Mulla” collected the ashes of Deen and preserved it against the blowing wind. It is the grace of “Mulla” that through out the cultural onslaught, at least Muslims by name were remained loosely connected to the Deen. South Asian Muslims, especially Muslims of Pakistan cannot deny this great Ihs’a’an of “Mulla” that he never relieved himself from this obligation. This has helped shape his identity and kept it intact to its origins and roots from time to time in one way or another.