The Challenges Facing Muslims in India and Their Solutions: A Thoughtful and Practical Guide

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 18 October 2025 India: the soil of faithfulness, the garden blooming with civilization, the cradle of colourful traditions, whose air is mingled with the sacrifices of many nations, and whose dust resounds with the echoes of history at every step. In the beautiful story of this beloved homeland, there is a chapter that shines with the blood, sweat, knowledge, wisdom, and self-sacrifice of the Muslims. The Muslims did not look upon this land merely as a place to live; they considered it their spiritual homeland. They watered its streets with their prayers and decorated its courtyards with the colours of their culture. In its centres of learning, their pens spoke; in the mosques and places of worship, their souls bowed; and in its marketplaces, the fragrance of their honesty spread in every direction. But this story is not only about progress and creation. When the dark shadow of slavery fell upon this land, it was the burning faith of the believers that became lamps tearing through the night. Whether it was the War of Independence of 1857 or the disciplined ranks of eagle-hearted leaders that came after, at every turn, the matchless sacrifices, leadership, and love for freedom of the Muslims appeared as a glorious chapter of history. It was from the light of their resolve that the dawn of freedom was born. The redness of their blood became the sindoor adorning the forehead of the homeland. On their tongues was takbīr (Allāhu Akbar), in their hearts the flame of loyalty, and in their hands the flag of truth! But today...! The mood of time has changed, and the face of circumstances is creased with worries and questions. Today’s era has brought for Muslims a new season of trials, storms that inflame passions, attacks on religious identity, shadows of injustice, and the burning of sectarian fires. Yet even in such a time, victorious is the one who takes patience as his shield, law as his lamp, and wisdom as his guide. Now is the moment when Muslims must not speak with mere reaction, but with awareness, reflection, and reason. They must speak their truth under the shade of the Constitution, guard their identity, and not allow the threads of national unity and integrity to break. This country is ours, and we are its faithful sons. If history bears witness to our glorious past, then our character can still build our present and illuminate our future. The Present Situation and the Conduct of Muslims Today’s India is that beloved land on whose forehead the moon of civilization has shone for centuries. It is the land where Islam spread like a garden and filled the air with fragrance. It is the land where different nations joined together in the bond of brotherhood and gave the world a message of peace and safety that time could never fade. This was a place where hearts were close and minds were united. But today the sky of this same land is covered with dark clouds of prejudice. From these clouds come flashes of hatred. In their winds, plans are being made to put out the lamps of love. It feels as if time has turned its face away. The India that once brought hearts together now seems to be turning into a mirror of broken dreams because of the mischief of a few hands. On one side, tall buildings of progress touch the sky. On the other side, the life of Muslims is covered with fear, blame, and trials. Every moment brings a new question. Every day opens the door to a new test. Sometimes an innocent and helpless person loses his breath in the cruelty of mobs and lynching. Sometimes the emotions of love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) and for Islam are provoked to spread fire in hearts. Sometimes the respect of shrines and sacred places is violated, and the peaceful air turns red with pain. Souls are wounded, hearts bleed, and the peace that once marked this land seems to have left it. All this is happening in an environment poisoned by the careless and provocative attitude of some media outlets. It is sad that the media, which should stand for truth, peace, and justice, often runs after excitement and noise. It plays with the feelings of religion and treats them like a game. Sensitive matters of Muslims and Hindus are presented without care. As a result, minds have become disturbed, and people on the streets have started looking at one another with doubt and hatred. In today’s world, social media is no longer just a means of expression. It has become a powerful tool for shaping thoughts, stirring emotions, and directing ideologies. Sadly, on this very platform, mischief-makers have spread their web of evil intentions. Every day they devise new tricks and leave no effort undone in poisoning the atmosphere. Their words drip with hatred. Unjust criticism of religions, insults to beliefs, and sectarian slurs have become common. Every statement is twisted and presented in a way that ignites anger, wounds hearts, and pushes society deeper into violence and hatred. It is a situation where words have become more dangerous than bullets, where truth is silenced, and the noise of chaos rises above all. It feels as though the doors of hearts have closed and tongues are soaked in venom. This is not only a sign of social decline but also a reflection of moral and intellectual bankruptcy. In such a turbulent and sensitive time, the greatest test for Muslims is to avoid being swept away by emotion and to remain steady in the boat of reason and wisdom. The great teachings of Islam remind us that patience, justice, tolerance, and respect for law are the pillars upon which the honour and dignity of nations stand. As long as the air of the country carries the scent of the Constitution, as long as the shade of law exists, and as long as the door to truth remains open, Muslims must keep every step within the bounds of the law. This is the light of Islam, and this is the path of sound reason. Turning to the courts, presenting one’s case with evidence and dignity, and standing firm against injustice through legal means are all peaceful weapons through which believers can protect themselves and even change the course of history. And if, by any chance, it ever seems that the eyes of “the goddess” of justice are veiled, and disappointment begins to appear even at the door of law, then the heart must not sink into the darkness of despair. Hopelessness is not the way of the Muslims. If the courts remain silent, the doors of the True Owner of the heavens and the earth are still open. If the law grows weary, the power of prayer remains. If mankind turns unfaithful, the Lord of Justice is always awake. Even in such times, patience, wisdom, and action must never be abandoned. The pages of history should one day bear witness that Muslims were not only the oppressed but also those on whose side truth and justice stood firm. They may have been without worldly means before tyranny, but they were lofty in character, graceful in conduct, and steadfast on the path of truth. Remember, the most powerful truth is the one spoken softly, with dignity, in the language of law, and strengthened by the spirit of prayer. We must build a society where our patience stands as testimony, our wisdom as proof, and our actions as the title of history. The Strategy: Reform, Not Reaction For Muslims, the greatest wisdom is never to choose the path of revenge or narrow-mindedness in response to provocation or injustice. In every moment of opposition, they should keep the flame of forgiveness alive in their hearts and never let the light of good character fade. This moral strength is what raises a person above material defeat. If any troublemaker spreads the fire of injustice, it does not mean that we should follow the same blind path. The life of the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) is the living proof of this principle. Even in the most difficult times, he upheld patience, forbearance, and the highest standard of character. His blessed life is filled with shining examples of forgiveness and mercy, which mark the peak of faith and humanity. The Quran says: وَإِذَا خَاطَبَهُمُ الْجَاهِلُونَ قَالُوا سَلَامًا “And when the ignorant address them, they respond with words of peace.” (Surah Furqan, Verse 63) This verse teaches us that wisdom, patience, and kindness are the true paths that soften hearts and calm the fierce winds of hatred. Such an approach is the proof of Muslims’ nobility, culture, and moral excellence. It is the light that leads toward personal and collective reform. No matter how cruel the enemy may become, no matter how weak or defenceless Muslims may appear, their response must always be spoken in the language of patience and love, so that the victory of truth and justice may shine brightly in the pages of history. Education and Training: The Bright Key to Progress One of the deepest reasons for the backwardness of Muslims is the lack of education. This is not only the absence of book knowledge but also the distance from religious and moral teachings, which has hollowed out our society from within. Today’s youth are not behind in learning subjects like mathematics, science, and modern technology such as machines, chat, and artificial intelligence, yet there is a great shortage of human values and ethics. This problem is not limited to any one religion or class. It is a widespread issue affecting everyone. Within homes, respect for parents, honour for elders, and basic moral values are fading. The true purpose of khānqāhs and religious schools is the purification of the soul and practical training in repentance and seeking forgiveness. Sadly, many of these places today have been reduced to musical gatherings, qawwalis lacking true spirituality, where instead of nurturing the soul, only superficial emotions are displayed. The real spirit of religion, which lies in building character and elevating morals, has been largely forgotten. The magic of education is the light that refines an individual’s character and shapes the destiny of a nation. From schools to universities, full and effective participation of Muslims is the greatest need of the time. Education is the light that dispels darkness, strengthens the economy, awakens political awareness, and removes social corruption to create an atmosphere of harmony. Therefore, Muslims must embrace this sacred path of education, not only in academic knowledge but also in moral and religious training. This will ignite the lamp of enlightenment, wisdom, and progress in every heart, allowing the nation to recognize its true potential and reach the heights of success in every field. Unity and Harmony: The Strong Foundation of a Nation It is a bitter truth that our community is divided into many Muslim sects and schools of thought. Yet, in the name of Islam and as Muslims, there are countless shared issues that require our attention. To address these challenges, we must cultivate unity and solidarity in our ranks, a strength capable of blending every difference into light. Setting aside personal grudges and self-interest, reviving the concept of a united Ummah is the greatest need of the time. Allāh the Almighty has given us a clear command in the Qur’ān: وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا "Hold firmly to the rope of Allāh all together and do not become divided." (Surah Aal-e-Imraan, Verse 103) This verse reminds us that if we make Allāh’s path and His commands our guidance, then this rope will keep us safe in the storms of life. It will bind us together into a strong chain where no barrier of disagreement or wall of division can exist. Patience, Prayer, and Self-Reflection: The Timeless Pillars of Success When storms of hardship rise in the crowd of the world, and even the legal path for justice is filled with obstacles, we must not let the shadow of despair fall upon our hearts. Instead, we should hold fast to the light of patience and the embrace of prayer. The Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) consistently advised the Ummah that patience is a treasure accompanied by the special nearness and help of Allāh, as the Qur’an affirms: اِنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِيْنَ "Indeed, Allāh is with those who are patient." (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 153) Yet patience is only one aspect. The other essential pillar is self-reflection. We must constantly examine our own souls to see where we have fulfilled our responsibilities and where our shortcomings, inaction, deviation from religion, moral decline, and distance from education have created weakness. This self-awareness acts as a mirror, revealing our faults and guiding us toward reform. Until we scrutinize our actions carefully and strive sincerely to improve from the depths of our hearts, any expectation of positive change in the outside world will remain futile. The secret of success is wrapped in the cloak of patience, illuminated by the power of prayer, and made manifest through the light of self-reflection. Morality and Character: The Greatest Strength and Brightest Legacy The greatest power of Muslims lies hidden in the beauty of their character. The light of honesty, the sword of justice, the strength of integrity, the gentle breeze of patience, the depth of sincerity, and the graceful habits of good conduct are the ornaments that not only soften the hearts of enemies but also strengthen the pillars of respect and dignity in society. Every chapter of the life of the Prophet of Mercy (peace be upon him) teaches us that gentleness, love, and good character are the most effective tools to win hearts. When a person speaks with the pearls of love, the pearls of patience, and the adornment of ethics, not only do enemies soften, but one also sees oneself as a person of great stature. Morality and character are the bright lamps whose light dispels all darkness in the world. They are the legacy passed down from generation to generation with pride. Therefore, we must illuminate every aspect of our lives with this light, for it is the greatest strength that can lead us to the heights of success in this world and the hereafter. Economy and Self-Reliance: The Strong Pillar of a Nation’s Survival The dark veil of poverty, the bitter wind of unemployment, and the burden of economic difficulties are the deep roots of the plight of Muslims that must be removed. A strong nation is built only when every individual stands firm on the pillar of self-reliance. Muslims should not only develop their businesses but also acquire professional skills and expertise in new and modern fields of technology and employment. This will enable them to become self-sufficient and independent in the economic sphere. Sacred Islamic principles such as zakāt, sadaqah, and waqf must not be treated merely as rituals, but put into active practice, so that our community can become a strong fortress in terms of economic stability. This path of self-reliance is what removes the shadows of poverty, ends unemployment, and gives every individual the courage to live with dignity. Economic strength is the lamp that leads a nation out of darkness and guides it along the bright paths of progress and prosperity. Safeguarding the Nation’s Integrity: The Prudence of Love for the Homeland Let it be engraved on every Muslim’s conscience like ink on a pen that harming the integrity of the country is both unlawful and immoral. It is already, Alhamdulillah, their present situation in India that they have always cared for that and worked in the interests of their country, but here we are talking in face of the opposition that we need to be more careful for protecting the integrity of our land. Love of the homeland is part of human nature. Respect for the constitution and the law and placing the common good first are non-transferable duties of every believer. When one raises a voice against injustice or oppression it must be raised within the constitution. It must be peaceful and dignified. In such conduct lie wisdom, honour, and true impact. Responding to violence, hatred, or illegal acts in the same spirit harms not only individuals but also weakens the Ummah from within. It gives room for those who oppose the nation to celebrate. Sadly, at times unrelated or malicious elements infiltrate protests and disturb public order. For this reason every protest must be examined carefully. Leadership must be steady and strategy must be cautious. Protest is effective when it is serious, organised, and purposeful. Hearts must burn with the desire for reform while hands remain within the law. Taking refuge in the constitution, using judicial avenues, and protecting peaceful protest are the paths by which we can restore our rights. These are also the means to preserve the nation’s safety and unity. When we protect the dignity of the homeland our demands gain strength. Then they will be presented with honour and recorded on the pages of history. Conclusion: Wisdom in Action, Not in Emotion The greatest challenge facing Muslims in today’s India is not what is said or done against them, but how they respond. The need of the hour is to walk not in the storms of emotion, but in the light of reason, under the rain of wisdom, and on the ground of unity and integrity. It must be kept in mind that in the present era, Muslims face multiple challenges. One challenge has been the extremist and radical individuals who misuse Islam for violent and terror-related activities, often inspired by ideologies similar to the Kharijites or aligned with anti-Islamic agendas. These actions have repeatedly forced the broader Muslim community to defend their faith on ideological grounds and face harsh and unjust criticism, sometimes even from neighbours who once trusted them. Alhamdulillah, at the international level, awareness has increased, and most people now understand that only a very small group of ‘Muslims’ commits such acts in the name of Islam and Jihad. Yet a more significant challenge today comes from those who harbour anti-Islamic sentiments, fanaticism, or grudges against Muslims, or who seek to keep Muslims marginalized or treated as second-class citizens. They deliberately create situations that target or disturb Muslims from multiple angles. In response, if Muslims raise their voices for justice, they are often wrongly labelled as ‘Jihadis’ or criticised as ‘extremists’ or ‘dangaais’. Therefore, the time demands great caution. Muslims must ensure that their voices, while asserting their rights, are expressed in a manner that leaves no room for anyone to falsely accuse them of being ‘Jihadis,’ rioters, or troublemakers. If we make education our guiding principle, morality our identity, the law our shield, and prayer our strength, we can not only rise above the whirlpools of problems but also become a shining pillar in the building of our beloved homeland. This is the moment for every Muslim to examine oneself and to reflect the noble life of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in both individual and collective conduct. We must shape our character in the light of the Quran and the fragrance of the Sunnah so that the world can see: these are the people who stand as lamps of patience and forbearance even in the storms of trials. Honour and dignity, patience and steadfastness, wisdom and insight; these are the assets under whose shade nations survive. If we safeguard these treasures today, future generations will not only remember us but will also find their path illuminated by our light. ---- Urdu Article: The Challenges Facing Muslims in India and Their Solutions: A Thoughtful and Practical Guide ہندوستان میں مسلمانوں کے مسائل اور ان کا حل: ایک فکری و عملی رہنمائی ---- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a Sufi background and English-Arabic-Urdu Translator. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-society/challenges-muslims-india-solutions/d/137296 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