The Unyielding Stance against Terrorism: A Unified Fight beyond Religion

By New Age Islam Staff Writer 7 January 2025 The Kumbh Mela Bomb Threat: Exposing the Manipulation of Religious Identities Main Points: 1. Terrorism Knows No Religion: A Global Challenge Beyond Boundaries 2. The Distortion of Religious Teachings: Terrorism Is a Tool for Personal Agendas 3. Islam's Core Message: Peace, Tolerance, and the Sanctity of Life 4. Hinduism's Teachings on Non-Violence: A Call for Peace and Harmony 5. The Universal Battle Against Terrorism: Uniting Communities for Justice 6. Justice Over Identity: How the Arrest of Ayush Jaiswal Highlights the Need for Unity ------ Bihar Man Ayush Jaiswal Arrested For Bomb Threat To Kumbh Mela Using Fake Identity As ‘Nasir Pathan’ ----- Terrorism, often associated with extremist ideologies, poses a threat to humanity, peace, and stability. It is an act of violence intended to instil fear and propagate agendas through terror and destruction. However, a crucial truth is that terrorism has no religion. Whether committed by an individual claiming to be a Muslim, a Hindu, or anyone else, terrorism is a crime against humanity that transcends religious boundaries. The recent arrest of Ayush Kumar Jaiswal, a man from Bihar, for making a bomb threat during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj under the false identity of "Nasir Pathan," serves as a stark reminder of this fact. The Kumbh Mela Bomb Threat Incident: A Case of False Identity and Religious Manipulation On December 31, 2023, Ayush Jaiswal, using the alias "Nasir Pathan," posted a bomb threat targeting the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in India, held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This threat sparked immediate action by the authorities. The Uttar Pradesh and Bhawanipur Police swiftly apprehended him. Ayush had attempted to disguise his true identity by using a Muslim name, "Nasir Pathan," but was quickly exposed for the criminal he was. The police not only arrested him but also launched an investigation into his potential connections, including a trip he made to Nepal after the threat was posted. What is significant about this case is that it highlights an important point: terrorism can be propagated under any guise—be it Islamic, Hindu, Christianity, or otherwise. The identity of the perpetrator is irrelevant when it comes to justice. The truth is that terrorism is not a reflection of any religion but is a tactic employed by individuals driven by personal motives or affiliations with extremist groups, regardless of their religious background. Terrorism Has No Religion: The Larger Truth While it's undeniable that some terrorist groups and individuals may exploit religious ideologies to justify violence, it is equally important to recognize that terrorism does not belong to any religion. Terrorism is about the violent pursuit of a particular political or ideological agenda, often cloaked in religious rhetoric. Whether it’s Islamic, Hindu, or any other form of extremism, terrorism is a global challenge that demands a united front. The arrest of Ayush Jaiswal proves that religious identity is often manipulated for nefarious purposes. Terrorists and extremists of all kinds, whether self-proclaimed followers of Islam or Hinduism, distort religious teachings to suit their violent agendas. However, their actions are not a reflection of the core tenets of the religions they claim to represent. Islam: A Religion of Peace and Tolerance Islam, at its heart, advocates for peace, tolerance, and justice. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, emphasizes the sanctity of life and condemns all forms of violence against innocents. One of the most well-known verses from the Quran is: "Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely." (Quran 5:32) This verse underscores the high value Islam places on human life and the sanctity of peace. The religion teaches that violence is only justifiable in very specific circumstances, such as self-defence or the defence of others, and even then, it must be done with great restraint and proportionality. The example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further affirms Islam’s commitment to peace. Despite facing extreme persecution during the early years of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) never resorted to violence except when it was absolutely necessary for self-defence. He consistently preached forgiveness and compassion, saying, “The strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls himself when angered.” (Sahih al-Bukhari) In recent years, many Muslim leaders and scholars have spoken out against terrorism, condemning it as incompatible with the teachings of Islam. Groups like the Council of Islamic Ideology and Al-Azhar University in Egypt have issued fatwas (religious decrees) explicitly denouncing terrorism in all its forms, reinforcing the message that terrorism is a corruption of Islam’s true message. Hinduism: A Religion of Non-Violence and Compassion Hinduism, one of the world’s oldest religions, is equally clear in its teachings about non-violence (Ahimsa) and peace. The concept of Ahimsa is central to Hindu philosophy and stresses the importance of living in harmony with all living beings. The famous Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, teaches that true warriors fight not for personal glory or power but for righteousness and justice. The battle described in the Gita is symbolic of the inner conflict every individual must face between good and evil. Karamchand Gandhi, one of the most influential figures in modern Indian history, championed the principle of Ahimsa and used it as a powerful tool for social and political change. He strongly believed in non-violence as a means to resist oppression, stating, “An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.” Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful resistance has been a beacon of light for many around the world, demonstrating that violence is never the answer, and that peace and understanding are the paths to justice. While Hinduism itself does not support violent extremism, there have been instances where certain individuals or groups have sought to justify violence in the name of protecting Hinduism. These instances, however, are a distortion of the religion's core teachings. Many Hindu leaders and scholars continue to emphasize the importance of peace, tolerance, and co-existence with others, regardless of religious or cultural backgrounds. The Universal Fight against Terrorism The arrest of Ayush Jaiswal is a reminder that terrorism has no religion—it is simply a tool used by those with destructive motives, irrespective of their religious affiliation. The actions of this individual, who sought to cause harm under a false identity, reinforce the need for all communities to unite against violence and extremism. Both Islam and Hinduism, despite being at the centre of several global conflicts, offer profound teachings about peace, tolerance, and respect for life. The key takeaway here is that terrorism, regardless of the label used to justify it, is a crime that must be opposed by all people of good will—Muslims, Hindus, and others alike. By emphasizing these shared values and working together, we can build a more peaceful and just world, free from the scourge of terrorism. As the Indian police continue to demonstrate, the fight against terrorism transcends religious lines—it is a matter of justice and humanity. We must remember that no matter the identity of the perpetrator, terrorism is a threat to all of us, and it will never be tolerated. 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