Hindu Extremism and Muslim Reaction!

By Dr. Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmad, Tr. New Age Islam Translated into English by New Age Islam In his article, Hindu Extremism and Muslim Reaction, Dr. Khwaja Iftikhar Ahmad revisits a critical issue in Indian society, highlighting the complex dynamics between Hindu extremism and the Muslim response. Originally published in 1999, the article reflects on the growing tensions during the BJP government's tenure in Uttar Pradesh, especially with the imposition of Vande Mataram and Saraswati Vandana in schools. Dr. Ahmad explores the theological, social, and political implications of such mandates, stressing the need for Muslims to approach these challenges with wisdom and foresight. He further critiques the divisive tactics of political forces and calls for a strong, united Muslim leadership to navigate the difficulties ahead. Main Points 1. Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges 2. Theological Dilemmas and National Symbols 3. Political Exploitation of Religious Sentiments 4. The Role of Leadership and Strategic Vision ---- The past is always connected to the present, and the present shapes the future. In this context, I am revisiting the above title 25 years later, republishing some excerpts and annotations for reflection. Nations often hold their intellectual class accountable, lamenting that timely guidance could have averted unfortunate outcomes. Today, I dare to address a similar issue for the third time. The article "Hindu Extremism and Muslim Reaction" was first published in several Urdu newspapers on January 12, 1999. During the tenure of Kalyan Singh’s BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, the mosque-temple controversy peaked. The government mandated the singing of Vande Mataram and Saraswati Vandana in all state educational institutions. A Muslim reaction, presented as a fatwa, emerged in this context. Here is what I wrote back then: “The Kalyan Singh government in Uttar Pradesh issued an order mandating the singing of Vande Mataram and Saraswati Vandana in all educational institutions. In response, a fatwa was issued urging Muslim parents to withdraw their children from government schools, viewing this as a matter of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and Tawhid (the oneness of Allah). In Islam, knowingly associating partners with Allah is tantamount to disbelief and shirk, which may require renewal of faith and marriage. The belief is clear, but my question is: What is the stance on our national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, which includes the words Bharat Bhagya Vidhata? In Hindi, Vidhata is synonymous with God, and here, Bharat (India) is given the status of the Creator. How do we reconcile this? The proceedings of state assemblies and central legislative bodies begin and end with Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram. On the borders, when Indian soldiers, regardless of their religion, sacrifice their lives for the country’s safety, Vande Mataram or its tune is often sung. Similarly, Saraswati, regarded by Hindus as the goddess of knowledge, is worshipped with hymns and Bhajans, considered acts of virtue and devotion. Educational, cultural, and literary programs often begin with the lighting of a lamp under an image of Saraswati. Government schools start their day with this Vandana. The majority of their beliefs, rituals, and customs are inherently rooted in shirk and disbelief. What options does a Muslim have in this context? Wage jihad against the majority? Migrate to a Darul-Islam, which doesn’t exist? Or demand another partition, leading to a fate similar to today’s 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan'? If such fatwas become widespread, remember that every verse of the Qur’an denouncing shirk and idolatry will be scrutinized. You may provide context, but no one will listen. The result will be endless disputes between the majority and Indian Muslims, as we see today. Moving forward, when Muslims wake the majority from slumber with the call to prayer, declaring, 'There is no god but Allah,' the direct implication is that their 33 crore deities are false, their worship a grave sin leading to hellfire. If someone files a petition in the Supreme Court, arguing against this practice, what will you do? How will you prove in court that the Qur’an is the word of Allah? Such fatwas complicate matters and create conflicts that are impossible to resolve. Your beliefs may be valid, but others will present psychological, social, and political implications, and argue public order and communal harmony. There is a need for prudence and wisdom in such matters. Those orchestrating these controversies often aim to challenge personal laws, target the Muslim family system, and sow discord among Muslim women by promoting gender equality issues. They provoke Muslim sentiments to elicit reactions that fuel Hindu extremism. Today, coalition governments make legislation difficult, but the political landscape could shift tomorrow. Laws that seem impossible now might become reality (as seen with the triple Talaq legislation). Where do you stand? Before independence, organizations like the Hindu Mahasabha and RSS existed, promoting the concept of a Hindu nation, Hindutva, and cultural nationalism. Their mission has been unwavering, with millions indoctrinated, thousands of branches active nationwide, and secularism inadvertently facilitating the dominance of Hindu traditions at official levels. No leader or party will stand with you against Vande Mataram, Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, or Saraswati Vandana. TV shows like Mahabharat, Ramayana, and Jai Hanuman are products of secular politics. The normalization of idol worship, Saraswati rituals, and Hindu practices among Muslims is already here, facilitated by Muslim politicians and secular allies. Fatwas and reactionary statements only deepen the divide between the majority and Muslims, complicating the lives of ordinary Muslims while empowering Hindu extremists. Do we ever consider the implications of such moves for the 20 crore Muslims of India? The degradation of Muslim leadership, vision, and strategy has left the community vulnerable. Remember, decline is not imposed by adversaries; it is self-inflicted through ignorance and lack of foresight. Addressing issues superficially without planning for the future leads to irreversible damage. What are our priorities? Without leadership, vision, wisdom, or action, we are left with internal criticism and accusations. The decline is the result of our own mistakes, not external forces. It’s time to reflect and act wisely.” ----- Courtesy for Urdu article: Urdu Inquilab newspaper, New Delhi, January 3, 2025 URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-politics/hindu-extremism-muslim-reaction/d/134249 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