11

Sep

  Muslims Have  Shown Resilience in  Face of Growing Challenges

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Sajida A Zubair

New Delhi | Wednesday | 11 September 2024

In recent years, Muslims worldwide have faced a variety of challenges, from rising Islamophobia in the West to conflicts in the Middle East. While no one can match the extraordinary resilience of Palestinians, Indian Muslims have shown remarkable patience and faith in the Indian Constitution. Despite growing social and political pressures, their steadfastness in maintaining non-violent resistance and adherence to democratic values is an inspiration.

India has long been celebrated for its unity in diversity—a nation rich in religious, linguistic, and cultural plurality. However, this vibrant diversity is now under threat as communal tensions and ideological divides intensify, testing the secular fabric of the country. The polarization risks eroding what it means to be Indian—a pluralist project that has historically held the nation together through respect for differences.

Under the influence of organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the political and social climate of India is being reshaped with an emphasis on making India a Hindu nation. This vision has increased pressure on the Muslim community, leading to heightened religious and communal tension.

India has seen a sharp rise in communal and inter-religious conflicts in recent years, with Muslims often bearing the brunt of these tensions. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), from 2017 to 2020, there were 2,076 cases of communal or religious riots. One of the worst incidents in recent memory is the 2020 Delhi riots, where 53 people lost their lives—34 of them Muslim. Hundreds were injured, and countless homes, shops, mosques, and businesses were destroyed.

 

Article at a Glance
 
Despite growing communal tensions and ideological divides, Indian Muslims have shown remarkable patience and faith in the Indian Constitution. They have maintained non-violent resistance and adherence to democratic values, even in the face of rising Islamophobia and targeted attacks.
The introduction of laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has created deep concerns within the community, but they have responded with peaceful protests and legal recourse. Indian Muslims continue to make significant contributions to society, and their determination to thrive in a hostile environment is a testament to their loyalty to the nation.
 Their response to oppression is a model for other marginalized communities worldwide, and a reminder that patience, faith, and resilience can triumph even in the face of adversity.

 

Mob lynchings in the name of cow protection have also seen a disturbing rise, especially between 2015 and 2019, with Muslims constituting the majority of the victims. States like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan have witnessed a surge in these violent incidents. In 2018 alone, there were 93 communal incidents, resulting in 11 deaths and 238 injuries. These figures are a grim reminder of the growing sectarian violence and targeted attacks on Muslims in India.

This divisive agenda, cloaked under the guise of nationalism, has repeatedly painted Muslims as "outsiders" despite their centuries-old presence on Indian soil. The inflammatory rhetoric has often been accompanied by calls for violence and discrimination, further exacerbating the situation.

The introduction of laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) has also created deep concerns within the Muslim community. These policies, viewed as discriminatory, have sparked nationwide protests, particularly from Muslims. Many fear losing their citizenship rights, especially in states like Assam, where the NRC process has already begun.

The anti-CAA-NRC protests saw massive participation, especially from Muslim women, who led peaceful demonstrations such as the iconic Shaheen Bagh sit-in in Delhi. Despite the peaceful nature of these protests, the response from authorities has often been brutal, with reports of police using live ammunition and pellet guns against protestors.

Further compounding the issue, recent legislation like the Waqf Amendment Bill aims to undermine the autonomy of Waqf properties, which are essential to the Muslim community's welfare. The passing of such laws, coupled with unchecked mob violence, has left Muslims feeling increasingly vulnerable in their own country.

Despite these challenges, Indian Muslims have shown incredible resilience. Rather than resorting to violence, they have remained committed to peaceful protests and legal recourse. The anti-CAA-NRC movement, for instance, became a symbol of non-violent resistance, with Muslims leading the charge. Muslim organizations have also turned to the courts, filing petitions against discriminatory laws in a bid to protect the secular character of the Indian Constitution.

Muslims continue to make significant contributions to Indian society, particularly in fields like education, healthcare, business, and the arts. Their determination not just to survive but to thrive in a hostile environment is a testament to their loyalty to the nation.

The resilience of Indian Muslims is deeply rooted in their faith. Islam teaches the virtue of patience, or "Sabr," which is central to Islamic belief. The Quran emphasizes the importance of patience during difficult times, as seen in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), where Allah says: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." This principle has given Muslims strength throughout history, allowing them to endure harsh treatment while maintaining their dignity.

Their response to oppression—through peaceful protests, seeking justice in the courts, and continuing to contribute positively to society—is a model for other marginalized communities worldwide. It is a reminder that patience, faith, and resilience can triumph even in the face of adversity.

While Indian Muslims have shown remarkable resilience, the ongoing crisis calls for a broader societal response. This is not just a Muslim issue; it is a test of India's secular and pluralist values. All Indians must come together to resist the forces of division and protect the rights of minorities. The secular fabric of the nation must be preserved, and it is up to the people to ensure that India remains a safe and just home for all its citizens.

Muslim leaders, educators, and civil society have a crucial role to play in fostering unity and dispelling the myths and prejudices that fuel hatred. By promoting tolerance and understanding, they can help build a future where every Indian, regardless of religion, feels safe and valued in their own country.

Indian Muslims, with their unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and peace, have set a powerful example. Their resilience in the face of growing challenges is a beacon of hope, not just for their community, but for the entire nation.

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