Salafism and Violence in Indian Context

By Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam 6 September 2024 Unlike Many Other Parts Of The World, Indian Salafists, By And Large, Disavow Violence Due To Their Long History In India And The Country's Democratic Charter. Main Points: 1. Salafist vs. Ahle Hadeeth: The terms are used often synonymously; however, Ahle Hadeeth is a term depicting a South Asian Islamic movement that resembles Salafism. 2. Indian Salafists are predominantly peaceful and seek legal ways of airing their grievances, thus challenging the global equation of Salafism with extremism. ------- The introduction sets the stage for wider understanding by bringing in the importance of understanding Salafism in India, a country where it has been present since time immemorable. The article further argues that, generally, Indian Salafists do not support violence and terrorism, unlike their brethren elsewhere. It is not only because such a stance emanates from the religious texts but also because India's democratic framework makes it possible to put across any grouse peacefully. Terminology: Salafist vs. Ahle Hadeeth The article speaks to the difference between Salafists and the Ahle Hadeeth movement in South Asia. Those terms are usually thought to be used interchangeably, especially in India, but nuances subsist in their ideological practices. Salafism relates to a broader movement in emulating the practices of the first three generations of Muslims. The usage of the term "Ahle Hadeeth," however, has been more commons in the Indian context for the same reason-the fact that it had been associated with the Urdu-speaking Muslim community. Indeed, the article identifies this as an important differentiation one should make with regard to the local manifestations of Salafism. Salafism, Wahhabism, and Terrorism in India While this section explores the popular associations of Wahhabism with extremism, mentioning that Wahhabism existed in India from the 19th century is done simultaneously. Not all Indian Salafists are Wahhabis, and most of them also disagree with the extremist ideologies. The article also touches on media reporting, where it considers Salafism to be directly related to terrorism, which adds more misconceptions to the movement. History of Salafism in India Salafism in India has a somewhat blurred history, with the north and south in two different trajectories of Salafist histories. In North India, it was during the 18th century that the Ahle Hadeeth movement gained momentum with influences from scholars like Shah Waliullah Dehlawi; after gaining financial support from Saudi Arabia, it started disseminating further. In South India, the Kerala Nadwatul Mujahideen emerged as one of the most talked-about Salafist organizations. Both have been engaged for many years in a high level of educational and religious activity, but political issues-most of all as it involves violence-have been excluded from the practice of both. Salafism and Terrorism in India This section tries to explain the stands taken by major Salafist organizations like Markaz Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth Hind and Kerala Nadwatul Mujahideen. Such organizations have strongly condemned terrorism, especialy targeting groups like ISIS. The Salafist scholars maintain that acts of terrorism run against Islamic tenets and uphold the message of peace and legality. The MJAH has issued fatwas against terrorism and has been nationally isolating itself from violent extremist groups. Explaining the Salafist Position of Non-Violence A number of factors explain why Indian Salafists abjure violence. Firstly, Salafists are a minority within the already small Muslim population in India. This is a recipe for caution with the aim of self-preservation. Equally, many Salafists have opposed the partition of India, finding common cause with a pantheon of nationalist figures like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Their observation of democratic participation is also indicative of the position that, in a country where religious freedom is protected, violence need not be employed. The influence of the external Gulf nations, notably Saudi Arabia, has bolstered this anti-violence position. Conclusion It concludes that the Indian Salafists have uninterruptedly rejected violence and terrorism. The said attitude of their contribution to religious beliefs, historical experiences, and political pragmatism garners reason. While many in the world may connect Salafism with extremism, the case of India shows that Salafist organizations can be peaceful and may even raise their voices against terrorism with much force. This article on Indian Salafism no doubt contributes to the broad understanding of Islam in India and challenges the simplistic association of Salafism with violence. In fact, through the analysis of their speeches, fatwa, and actions, it is proven that Indian Salafists publicly preach for peace and demoralize terrorism ----- A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance journalist. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-terrorism-jihad/salafism-violence-indian-context/d/133137 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