– Maaz Ahmed Javed (M.Tech. AMU)
According to the recent news, the anti-Muslim activities in some areas of Uttar Kashi district of Uttarakhand province have forced the Muslim residents who have been living there for years to migrate. In the month of May, two persons, one of whom was a Muslim, were arrested for abducting a girl in Purola, Uttar Kashi. Although no crime is small, Hindutva organizations gave this seemingly ordinary crime a communal color of “Love Jihad” and started a game of poisoning against Muslims. According to the news, signs were placed on the shops and houses of the Muslims in the area and a message was given to them to leave the area by a certain date. It was also claimed by the extremist Hindus that the Muslims living in Uttarkashi are systematically destroying the atmosphere of “Dev Bhoomi” through “Love Jihad”, so we should evict these Muslims from here to their own areas.
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Communal mob in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
The media also took full part in this anti-Muslim propaganda. As a result, Muslims had to face financial loss. So the situation has become so difficult for the Muslims that about forty Muslim families have left Porula and settled in other areas. And those who are living there are also suffering from fear and panic. This case is not unique. India has a long history of communal violence against Muslims. And in many of these cases, Muslims have to migrate from their areas and settle in other Muslim-majority areas. According to an estimate, the number of such people in India is in millions, in which the majority are Muslims. The position of Muslims in the social and economic fabric of North India is such that Muslims have to settle in other cities for livelihood. This displacement puts them in a vulnerable position in the society. And they become easy fodder for anti-social and communal elements.
Now the question is, what does the Hindutva brigade want to do by further weakening such weak sections who are not a threat to anyone? That every section of Muslims should be harassed in different ways so that even a low Islamic identity cannot remain in this country. And forced by the circumstances, the Muslims should completely adapt to the Hindu color. Although this destination of Hindutva brigade still seems far away, but the country is moving towards it very fast. In these situations, what should Muslims and especially the victims do?
Muslims’ shops were marked and boycotted. As a result they suffered financial losses
First of all we must decide our priorities. It is important for a Muslim to save his faith and his identity before material and worldly development. Because if we are deprived of these basic things, then our very existence will be questioned. We are grateful to Allah Almighty that despite the harshness of the situation, Muslims rarely abandon their religion under the pressure of the situation. And this is what irritates opponents. We have to prepare from now to keep this situation intact. Therefore, it is necessary to have a correct understanding of the situation among the general Muslims. It is important to tell them that this trial is coming to you because of your most precious belonging, the religion of Islam. Your enemy knows that this religion can give you success in both the worlds. Therefore, you should also understand this and develop a conscious and practical commitment to this religion, not just conventionally. This religion requires you that no matter how tough the situation, you do not give up your identity and culture. In this context, an important thing is to avoid migration for livelihood to a great extent. Alternative means of livelihood should be provided in every area through systemic efforts. So that the people of their area can work with strength for the welfare of the society and the nation. In this way, a mixed consciousness will also be awakened within us, and we will be able to become a strong force. However, it is possible that many people are forced by circumstances to migrate for livelihood. Such people should try to settle in Muslim communities wherever they go so that they can be with them in difficult situations.
Also, those who are being tested because of their Islamic identity should keep the example of the Companions of the Cave (Ashaab e kahf) in front of them. Companions of the Cave were also tried because of the religion of Islam, but they took iron from a big kingdom on the basis of religious honor and then did not deviate from their position. As a result, they had to take shelter in a cave, where they slept for three hundred years after completely emigrating from the worldly life and its thoughts. Whenever we are tested for the sake of religion, let us understand that if we have to fight to save the wealth of faith, we will fight and if we have to migrate for it, we will also do it. That is why Mujahid and Muhajir have a great place in the sight of Allah. He says: “Those who emigrated for the sake of Allah after suffering oppression, We will give them a good abode in this world, and the reward in the Hereafter is great.”( 16:41) To go from one place to another i.e. to migrate is a cause of great grace in the sight of Allah and this is also the Sunnah of the Prophet. May Allah grant us the opportunity to revive this holy Sunnah. Ameen.
