By Ranjan Solomon
Yesterday was the International Day to Combat Islamaphobia.
Muslims have been subjected to violence for decades and recent political events around the world have heightened the trend. The phenomenon has grown by huge quantum in recent decades. Hence, the day must be commemorated with a profound desire to alter patterns of exclusion and oppression Muslims are subject to, especially when they are in a minority.
India with its large number of Muslims, and an antagonistic and fast-emerging Hindutva right wing mass base, ranks as one of the world’s largest Muslim baiters. Of 14% of India’s populace, Muslims are the largest religious minority, with around 200 million individuals. Anti-Muslim hate speech rose by 62% in the second half of 2023, averaging almost one incident per day, according to Washington-based research.
Contemporary Hindu nationalism cultivates exclusion, with surveys showing that 64% of Hindus believe being Hindu is crucial for Indian identity. Ninety percent of religion-based hate crimes between 2009 and 2019 occurred after the BJP party took power in 2014, with hate speech increasing nearly 500% from 2014 to 2018.BJP-led states witness 80% of hate speech gatherings targeting Muslims, with communal violence claiming over 10,000 lives since 1950.Cow protection mobs, predominantly in BJP-governed states, caused at least 44 deaths and 280 injuries between 2015 and 2018.
Among the largest incidents in post-partition India include the large-scale killing of Muslims following the Operation Polo in Hyderabad, 1969 Gujarat riots, 1984 Bhiwandi riot, 1985 Gujarat riots, 1989 Bhagalpur violence, Bombay riots, Nellie in 1983 and Gujarat riot in 2002 and 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. Since there have been innumerable small-scale acts of violence spread in various parts of the country as in Sanvordem-Curchorem, Goa where Hindu mobs attacked Hindus over an illegal mosque. That mosque was awaiting approval by relevant authorities for endless years.
Recent violence, like the 2023 Nuh clashes, led to 7 deaths and over 70 injuries, highlighting ongoing tensions.This took place when on 31 July 2023; communal violence erupted in the Nuh district of Haryana between Muslims and Hindus during an annual Brajmandal Yatra pilgrimage. Seventy-nine percent of Indian Muslims fear furthr violence and government persecution, hindering their economic and social participation.India’s situation stands out globally due to its significant Muslim population and the severity of violence, prompting attention from organizations like the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Colonialism and Communalism proved to be a deadly cocktail in fomenting communal hatred.
British colonial rule exploited and exacerbated existing communal tensions, creating a divisive legacy that continues to impact Indian society today. The British employed a “divide and rule” policy, fostering communal divisions to maintain control and undermine Indian unity. They introduced communal representation in legislative councils, reinforcing separate identities and interests. The British census and classification systems categorized Indians into rigid communal categories, solidifying differences.
Colonial policies deepened the Hindu-Muslim divide, creating an environment of mistrust and hostility. Communal tensions led to sectarian violence, including the devastating Partition riots.
The colonial legacy of communalism has contributed to ongoing intolerance and violence in India. Violence against Muslims in India is an issue rooted in historical tensions and political ideologies. This violence encompasses various forms, including communal riots, targeted attacks, and spontaneous assaults. Historical factors dating back to the Partition of British India in 1947 with unresolved territorial disputes, have contributed to ongoing hostilities. Hindu nationalism, propagated by groups like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has exacerbated religious divisions, with policies and rhetoric marginalizing Muslims and promoting a Hindu majoritarian agenda. The failure of law enforcement and justice systems to address violence against Muslims further creates social insecurity. Consequently, Muslims in India face economic and social exclusion, loss of life and injury, and destruction of property. Therefore, best practices include implementing comprehensive measures to address religion and political ideologies. Initiatives such as peace education programs are important in creating understanding among diverse communities.
Moving towards the future, it is imperative that Indians must decolonize their minds. Indians must acknowledge and learn from their shared histories, rather than perpetuating divisive narratives. Encouraging interfaith dialogue and understanding can help break down communal barriers. India needs to foster an inclusive nationalism that celebrates diversity and promotes equality, rather than perpetuating communal divisions. This obliges the people to acknowledge the complex relationship between colonialism and communalism. It would go a long way towards a more inclusive and harmonious society.
In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating March 15th as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. The day aims to raise awareness about Islamophobia and promote tolerance, understanding, and inclusion of Muslim communities worldwide. Teachers must be taught to learn about Islam, its history, and its teachings and teach respectful and open dialogue with Muslim friends, colleagues, or neighbors. The community at large needs to foster initiatives to support Muslim communities and organizations working to promote inclusivity and combat Islamophobia. Islamophobia has had a devastating impact on Muslim communities, affecting their social, economic, and psychological well-being.
UN Resolution 76/254 urged countries to promote understanding and awareness of Islamophobia and its impact on Muslim communities. The resolution also encouraged governments, institutions, and individuals to take concrete actions to combat Islamophobia.
It called for fostering Foster inclusion, tolerance, and respect for diversity, promoting a more just and equitable society for all.
In relation to Islamophobia, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can take several steps:
First, it must acknowledge the existence and harm caused by Islamophobia in India and globally. Secondly, it should publicly condemn hate speech, violence, and discrimination against Muslims and other minority communities.Thirdly, it must promote Inclusion and Understanding in interfaith dialogue initiatives to promote mutual understanding and respect by dispelling misconceptions and stereotypes about Islam and Muslims. Of utmost importance Develop and implement policies that promote inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their religion or background.
Government must thoroughly investigate hate crimes and prosecute hate crimes and violence against Muslims and other minority communities. It must delete discrimination in education and employment and, instead, discrimination against Muslims in education, employment, and other areas. The media must play a crucial role to encourage diverse representation of Muslims and other minority communities in media to break stereotypes. By taking these steps, the BJP can help combat Islamophobia, promote inclusivity, and build trust with Muslim communities in India.
Other important steps can be to support the growing trend of interfaith marriages in India, particularly among Hindus and Muslims. Interfaith couples often face significant challenges, including social ostracism, family opposition, and legal hurdles. The government tends to join the confusion that emanates by referring to these marriages as ‘love jihad’ which is not just wrong but adds to the stresses and strains of communal relationships. It should, rather, incentivize such marriages, because it goes a long way towards national integration. The Special Marriage Act, 1954, provides a civil marriage option for interfaith couples tends to be snared in bureaucratic machinations.
In March 2024, the Uttarakhand government introduced the Uniform Civil Code, which aims to provide a common framework for personal laws, including marriage and inheritance. There have been several high-profile interfaith marriages in India, including the recent marriage of actor Sonakshi Sinha to Zaheer Iqbal. All such initiatives require public discourse at community level.
There is also need to see how Christians also practice discrimination towards Muslims as in Goa. By denying Muslims a burial space for nearly 32 years, they have indulged in brutal injustice and social discrimination. Prolonged injustice and discrimination must lead to punishment only because hate creates false boundaries.
All major religions, including Hinduism and Islam, emphasize the importance of love, compassion, and kindness towards all human beings. Respect for different beliefs, cultures, and traditions are essential for fostering a sense of shared humanity. The principles of equality and justice are fundamental to promoting human dignity and well-being, regardless of religious affiliation.
Sharing and learning about different cultures, traditions, and customs can enrich our lives and promote cross-cultural understanding. So also, collaborating on community service projects and initiatives can help build bridges between people of different faiths and backgrounds.
As children of one God, we are all part of a shared human family. By embracing our common humanity, we can work towards a brighter future, where love, compassion, and understanding prevail. Some tenets we are obliged to pursue must include:
– Every individual is treated with dignity and respect
– Differences are celebrated, not feared
– Love and compassion guide our actions
Together, we can make a difference and create a more harmonious, inclusive, and compassionate world and affirm a common humanity.
Ranjan Solomon is a political commentator
16 March 2025
Source: countercurrents.org