– Parvez Nadir
The past month—sacred and historically significant due to Muharram—has passed, leaving behind a message from Islamic history: a call for liberation from the slavery of the Pharaohs of our time. In the modern era, Pharaoh-like oppression manifests in various forms, enslaving not just bodies, but also thoughts and ideologies. While physical enslavement may be resisted and overcome through struggle, when minds and ideologies are enslaved, then every effort for freedom becomes futile, and no strategy proves effective against such bondage.
This same modern-day “Pharaoism” has given rise to many “Samaris” (deceivers), who, under the guise of peace and human rights, legitimize their oppression and exploitation. With their spellbinding deceit, they convince the world that these very oppressors are the real well-wishers of humanity. Despite seeing everything, the world seems helpless in the face of this enchantment.
The very Ummah that once shattered the magic of these Samaris and drowned Pharaohs in the river now appears to have forgotten the great message of Ashura. Today, this Ummah bows before the Pharaohs of our time. In the Karbala of Palestine, as our Hussaini brothers are martyred, the Muslim world plays the role of the people of Kufa. In this criminal negligence, the entire Muslim world is complicit, but the Arabs, in particular, display the most shamelessness and apathy.
Yet, the Palestinians, upholding the legacy of Hussain, have sworn to never bow their heads, even if it means sacrificing their lives. The real question is: Where is the so-called just and human rights–advocating global community? The very people who pass laws for animal protection, and declare heads of state as criminals under the guise of women’s rights violations—where are they now?
The Palestinians are the true successors of Imam Hussain
This is the double standard of the “honourable” world. Now take a look at the condition of the Muslim Ummah. Just last month, pilgrims from across the globe returned after the great pilgrimage to the Kaaba. During this spiritual gathering, they would have met Muslims from every country. But surely, no one from the sacred and blessed land of Gaza (Palestine) would have been seen among them? Did they remember Gaza, where innocent, crying children are dying from hunger?
Did the Imam of the Kaaba mention in his sermon the oppression faced by the people of Gaza and the inhumane behaviour of the tyrants? Did he at least try to awaken the conscience of Arab rulers? Did the pilgrims even remember the Palestinians in their prayers? But the world knows the truth: None of that happened.
As Iqbal poignantly asked:
“Zaireen-e-Kaaba se Iqbal yeh poochhe koi,
Kya haram ka tohfa Zamzam ke siwa kuch bhi nahi?”
(“Let someone ask the pilgrims of Kaaba—was Zamzam the only gift they brought from the Haram?”)
On another front, it appears that the blessed lands of the Levant (Syria and surrounding areas) are playing out the prophetic signs regarding the end times and the test of people’s faith. This sacred land is constantly subjected to rebellion and interference by the Pharaohs of this age. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“When the people of Shaam become corrupt, there will be no good left among you. A group from my Ummah will always remain victorious upon the truth. Those who abandon them will not harm them, until the Hour is established.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi: 2192, Sahih Ibn Majah: 10 – classified as authentic)
Now the question remains: Will the Ummah stand by the truth and achieve success in both this world and the Hereafter, or will it become part of the Dajjal’s faction and face humiliation in both realms?
Since we’re speaking of steadfastness on truth, it’s also necessary to assess the state of faith among Indian Muslims. Here, truth and falsehood are so mixed that distinguishing between them requires spiritual insight. It’s vital that we turn to Islam urgently and seek guidance from Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. Otherwise, the rising tide of anti-Muslim actions, apostasy, and ignorance of Islamic history will leave a sea of Muslims disgraced at the hands of idol worshipers.
Bulldozer Abuse – One of the many forms of persecution of Indian Muslims
In India’s troubling landscape, the ruling class and dominant majority are bent on humiliating Muslims, erasing their cultural heritage, distorting their glorious history, and overturning remaining personal and inheritance laws. Our religious identity and places of worship have become targets of hatred. Each day brings a new oppressive act.
On one side, Hindu extremist groups are given a free hand to wreak havoc on the streets—looting, inciting violence—yet due to their majority status, the media and authorities remain silent. But if Muslims, due to lack of space, offer Eid prayers in an open field, it’s portrayed as a national crisis and politicized shamefully.
These are the conditions of the common Muslims. Now look at the elite Muslims—they appear to be siding with the oppressors by remaining silent and courting the powerful. Take Assam as an example: From early 2025 till now, nearly 5,373 Muslim homes have been demolished under the pretext of “encroachment,” displacing over 50,500 Muslim families. Numerous mosques and madrasas were also destroyed without fear or hesitation. And yet, there’s no loud voice raised in protest; and when statements are made, they’re so weak that they die within the four walls where they were uttered.
This is just one state. In others—like Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh—thousands of Muslim families have been rendered landless and helpless.
In such times, the responsible, conscious segment of the Ummah—those who see themselves as bearers of the prophetic mission—must rise. They must guide Indian Muslims wisely, raise a strong voice against state oppression, and be concerned not only for their own faith, but for the faith of the entire Muslim community.
