A Collective Approach to Counter Islamophobia in India

By Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi, New Age Islam 7 October 2025 Abstract: Islamophobia in India is growing because of misunderstandings, biased media, and political motives. To stop it, Muslims must show Islam’s real message through peace, good character, and justice. Education and research should be used to answer false claims about Islam. Legal actions are also needed against hate speech and discrimination. Interfaith dialogues can build trust and harmony among people of different religions. The media and youth play a key role in spreading truth and positivity. In short, only through knowledge, ethics, law, and cooperation can India overcome Islamophobia and create peace and unity in society. Main Points: 1. Islamophobia stems from bias, misinformation, and Orientalist-influenced writings. 2. Disrespecting religion destroys social harmony and moral responsibility. 3. Scholarly and legal responses outweigh emotional protests and outrage. 4. Muslims must uphold ethics, research, and rational defense of Islam. 5. Collective societal effort ensures peace, coexistence, and mutual respect. ----- It is natural for human thought to have different perspectives. However, if such intellectual differences are constructive, their outcomes will certainly be positive. But if disagreements are driven by personal interest, bias, or misconduct, their consequences will inevitably be disappointing and harmful to society. Keeping this principle in mind, we need to analyse our society and the thinkers within it with utmost seriousness and honesty. Every day, through newspapers, TV channels, and social media, we are exposed to modern ideas and imaginations. But how many of these discussions truly guide our society towards correct thinking and logical reasoning? Sadly, debates on television and individual or collective opinions circulated on social media now mostly reflect hatred, violence, or personal agendas. As a result, the positive guidance and constructive thought that society should receive is not reaching people. Books, debates, or news items—whether biased or opinion-based—often harm human relationships and social cohesion. Similarly, disrespecting any religion or making derogatory remarks about its sacred personalities is not only a severe legal and moral offence, but it also increases unrest and anxiety in society. For any society to promote harmony and mutual respect, it is essential to strictly avoid ideas, reports, or discussions that may fuel hatred. This raises the question: why do people repeatedly commit acts of disrespect against the honour of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? A closer look reveals that many people were influenced by Orientalist writings that aimed to spread anti-Islamic bias. Individuals acted on these ideas, sometimes repeatedly, due to this influence. For example, Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasrin wrote The Satanic Verses and Lajja respectively, which sought to deliberately offend the Prophet’s honour. The most pressing need today is to evaluate whether our responses to Orientalist objections and doubts about Islam are sufficient, or whether we need to review them. In my view, the universal message of Islam has been restricted within sectarian boundaries. While there are capable individuals, they often remain confined within their sectarian frameworks and are unwilling to step out to undertake serious work. Scholarly literature about Islam in the West has already been produced. Yet, today, many institutions and individuals still aim to create doubts about Islam among society and mislead people away from its true teachings. Despite this, many acknowledge Islam as a truthful and peaceful religion. Considering both perspectives, we must move forward. Unfortunately, our usual tendency is to rely on traditional or hearsay beliefs rather than research and careful analysis, which creates numerous problems. Therefore, before forming an opinion, making a decision, or launching any initiative, it is necessary to fully examine the context, background, consequences, and contributing factors. Any act of disrespect towards the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is inherently condemnable and deserves criticism. But the question arises: how should such incidents be addressed? Many believe that public protests are the solution. However, legal and judicial measures, along with scholarly responses, are equally necessary. For instance, when William Muir wrote The Life of Muhammad, offending the Prophet, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan of Aligarh Muslim University responded with Khutbat-e-Ahmadiyah, a scholarly and incisive rebuttal. Sir Syed’s response demonstrates the importance of addressing challenges academically rather than merely through protests. Today, once again, the Prophet’s honour has been insulted. This presents an opportunity to respond to objections and criticisms with scholarly research that leaves opponents speechless and resolves their doubts scientifically. A significant reason for misunderstandings about Islam among fellow citizens is our own behaviour and ethics, which are often scattered and inconsistent. Historically, writings such as Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s Satyarth Prakash, which criticised Islam and other religions, also contributed to misconceptions. Today, the growing influence of Islamophobia in India continues to generate misunderstandings about Islam. Many debates, TV programmes, and even religious leaders or scholars have intentionally or unintentionally contributed to spreading Islamophobia. Ultimately, we must uphold our own character, conduct, and ethics with dignity and peace. Simultaneously, we must monitor objectionable acts, doubts, and criticisms and respond to them through scholarly and research-based methods, along with legal action when required. This approach is consistent with our traditions and ethics. To counter the increasing effects of Islamophobia in India, all sections of society must actively participate. If Islamophobia is allowed to strengthen its roots, its consequences will undoubtedly be harmful. When the entire Indian society collectively prevents actions that create fear, resentment, or mistrust among communities, it will cultivate a strong environment of mutual respect, coexistence, and national harmony. ----- Dr. Zafar Darik Qasmi is an author and a New Age Islam Regular Columnist URL: https://www.newageislam.com/muslims-islamophobia/collective-counter-islamophobia-india/d/137131 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism