Patna
Invisible Muslim
There is an increasing sense of polarization between Hindus and Muslims, exacerbated by events like communal riots, lynching over cow protection, and inflammatory speeches by certain political figures.
Muslim leadership in India has its roots in the Mughal era, and it made significant contributions to India’s cultural and political landscape. During the British colonial period, leaders like Sir Syed Ahmed Khan played crucial roles in advocating for the rights and education of Muslims. After 1947, prominent Muslim leaders included Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and an influential figure in the Indian National Congress. He worked for Hindu-Muslim unity and was a key figure in the freedom movement.
In today’s India, Muslim leaders are found in various political parties, including the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, and regional parties like the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). Leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi of AIMIM have emerged as vocal advocates for Muslim issues. Unlike earlier, the Muslim leadership also extends to civil society, with organizations like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind playing significant roles in advocating for community rights and addressing social issues. However, despite being about 14% of the population, Muslims are often underrepresented in political positions and government jobs. In addition, many other problems exist, such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate access to healthcare facilities.
The common tension among them is the periodic communal riots and instances of mob violence, particularly cow-related lynchings, which have heightened the sense of insecurity among Muslims. In this context, Hindutva is an ideology seeking to establish the hegemony of Hindus and the Hindu way of life. It was popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the early 20th century. It emphasizes the cultural unity of India as a Hindu nation and advocates for promoting Hindu values and culture in the socio-political sphere.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is the principal organization promoting Hindutva. Its affiliates, collectively known as the Sangh Parivar, include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and Bajrang Dal. Under the leadership of figures like Narendra Modi, the party has gained significant political power, including forming the central government successively twice. At the same time, the results of the 18th Lok Sabha are scheduled to come in the first week of June 2024. Hindutva politics has often been accused of marginalizing Muslims, portraying them as outsiders or a threat to Hindu culture.
As a result, the communal polarization has increased, with Hindutva rhetoric contributing to a more divided society along religious lines. In these circumstances, Muslim leaders often find themselves defending their community’s rights and identity in the face of rising Hindutva influence.
Muslim Leadership at a Glance
Muslim leadership in India exhibits several distinct features that reflect the community’s diverse and multifaceted nature. Its leaders are spread across various national and regional political parties. They are found in the Indian National Congress, Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, and regional parties like the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM). Institutions like Darul Uloom Deoband and organizations like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind also play a crucial role. They provide religious guidance and take stances on socio-political issues from an Islamic perspective. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) addresses issues related to the personal laws of Muslims, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, advocating for their protection and proper implementation.
The complex relationship between Muslims and Hindutva in present-day India is marked by significant tension and complication.
At the grassroots level, community leaders, often imams or heads of local organizations, play significant roles in addressing regional issues, mobilizing support, and providing leadership in community matters. Though traditionally underrepresented, women like Syeda Hameed and others are emerging as influential voices advocating for women’s rights and broader community issues. Younger leaders increasingly participate in social media campaigns, protests, and movements to address contemporary problems, such as citizenship rights, anti-discrimination, and communal harmony.
Some Muslim leaders actively participate in interfaith dialogues and initiatives to promote communal harmony and mutual understanding, while leaders like Dr. Zakir Naik advocate for a secular and inclusive approach to politics and society, emphasizing the constitutional rights of all citizens. Even today, Muslim leaders in India often navigate the complexities of communal tensions and security concerns, advocating for protection and justice for the community. Thus, the Muslim leadership in India is characterized by its diversity, spanning political, religious, social, and cultural domains.
Leaders address various issues, from advocacy and representation to social welfare and interfaith harmony. Despite facing challenges, they continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the Muslim community in India.
The Way Forward
The complex relationship between Muslims and Hindutva in present-day India is marked by significant tension and complication. It reflects broader socio-political developments and has profound implications for the country’s secular fabric and communal harmony. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has solidified its political dominance, promoting an agenda closely aligned with Hindutva ideology. The party often employs rhetoric that appeals to Hindu nationalist sentiments. On the other hand, Muslim political representation remains limited. Parties like the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) seek to represent Muslim interests but face challenges in a polarized political environment. This apart, there is an increasing sense of polarization between Hindus and Muslims, exacerbated by events like communal riots, lynchings over cow protection, and inflammatory speeches by certain political figures.
Hindutva promotes the idea of India as fundamentally a Hindu nation, leading to cultural initiatives that seek to “reclaim” India’s Hindu heritage. This often involves rewriting history, renaming places, and emphasizing Hindu festivals and rituals. Legislative and policy changes, e.g., the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), which aims to identify illegal immigrants, have created fear in the Muslim community disproportionately when looked at combined. However, the CAA and the NRC sparked widespread protests across the country, with significant participation from the Muslim community. These protests highlighted issues of citizenship, identity, and secularism. In another development, several BJP-ruled states have passed or proposed laws to prevent religious conversions, which they claim are forced or fraudulent. These laws are seen by many as targeting Muslim and Christian communities. Muslims often face discrimination in housing, employment, and education.
There have been numerous instances of mob violence, including lynchings, targeting Muslims over allegations of cow slaughter or interfaith relationships. The relationship between Muslims and Hindutva in present-day India is complex and fraught with challenges. It seeks to promote a Hindu-centric vision of India, which often results in the marginalization of Muslims and other minorities. Efforts by civil society, political leaders, and grassroots activists continue to advocate for the protection of secular values and the rights of all citizens.
The writer is Professor and Head of the Department of Political Science as well as Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences at the Bhupendra Narayan Mandal University in Madhepura, Bihar. He can be reached at rajkumarsinghpg@gmail.com
NBP joins hands with TouchPoint
AI Film Festival Highlights Cinema’s Future
Author Alice Munro dies
An All-star Studded Affair
HBL and Agrilift to Digitize Agriculture Sector
India-Iran port deal to face U.S. sanctions
Pakistan joins the UNSC for the eighth time
Brahvi poet Mir Ulfat passes away
Palestinian Journalists Win International Award
Congress lashes out at Modi
Google to introduce AI-generated answers
U.S. warned India if it attacks Pakistan
Clashes break out over poppy crop clearing
Pakistan’s 3D film set for Cannes Film Festival
Thailand celebrates return of looted statues from U.S.
Missing Bangladeshi lawmaker found murdered in India
European trio recognises Palestinian statehood
Leave a Reply