– Alamgir Hossain (President, Islamic Youth Federation)
Over the past eight decades, Indian Muslims have faced numerous challenges, ups and downs, and adversities. Their faith and beliefs have been attacked, their properties damaged and lives lost. From the Babri Masjid demolition, Triple Talaq, NRC, CAA, Uniform Civil Code, Waqf Amendment Bill, daily mob lynchings, and the hijab issue—Muslims, especially their leaders, have often seemed unable or unwilling to take the right and courageous steps.
Despite all these problems arising from the very womb of secularism, both the Muslim community and its leaders have continued to place their trust in it. Even when radical Hindutva forces have openly assumed leadership with an agenda of Islamophobia, Muslims still view secularism and secular parties as the primary solution. Be it the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections or the Maharashtra and Delhi Assembly elections, participation in elections and support for secular parties have been perceived as the way forward. However, have we truly achieved anything from this approach? If we critically analyse the results, we find that after investing time, intellect, resources, and wealth, all we have reaped is the bitter fruit of failure.
Making mistakes is natural but repeating the same mistake over and over again is a serious issue. A believer is never stung from the same hole twice. Then why do we keep making the same mistake? Why do we fail to learn from past experiences? The reality is that electoral participation and campaigning for secular parties are not solutions to our problems. Do the leaders not realize that the Babri Masjid tragedy was a direct consequence of secularism? For the past 77 years, Muslims have been treated merely as a vote bank. Secular parties have come as friends only to betray us from behind.
Those leaders who use Quranic verses and Hadith to declare voting as a religious identity, know everything, yet they still choose participation in elections as the solution. Why? There are many reasons, but one of the primary causes is Al-Wahan—the love for this world and the fear of death. This disease has not only afflicted the leaders but also the general masses. Our focus has become worldly—careers, bank balances, homes, cars, and luxurious food. We are so consumed by these pursuits that we hardly think about solving the issues we face or upholding our Deen.
Muslims have faced numerous challenges to their identity and existence in India, most recent being the Waqf Amendment Bill
We all desire change, but we want others to bring it about while we remain passive spectators. True revolution or change does not come by sitting at home all year and then pressing a button at the polling booth during elections. It requires sacrifices of all kinds.
The only way to overcome the present challenges and defeat the enemies of Islam is by adhering to the guidance of Allah (SWT) and the path shown by His Messenger (PBUH). We are aware of our divine responsibilities. What is needed is the willingness to enter the field, sacrificing time, intellect, and resources, while abandoning the path of compromise under the guise of ‘Hikmah.’ The examples of Afghanistan and Palestine stand before us—they have demonstrated patience and steadfastness, and such unwavering resolve is necessary.
In India, the forces of falsehood are continuously using their hands and tongues against Islam and Muslims, constantly devising new strategies and plans. However, there is no reason for the believers to be worried or fearful. This is because the schemes of falsehood are like a spider’s web—although they may appear complex, in reality, they are very weak. On the other hand, Allah the Almighty is the best of planners.
In such a situation, along with trusting in Allah, believers must cultivate the qualities of Patience (Sabr) and Piety (Taqwa). These qualities will help us stand firm against falsehood, give them the courage to speak eye to eye with it, and are also crucial for attaining the help (Nusrah) of Allah.
Allah (SWT) says:
وَ اِنۡ تَصۡبِرُوۡا وَ تَتَّقُوۡا لَا یَضُرُّكُمۡ كَیۡدُهُمۡ شَیۡـًٔا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا یَعۡمَلُوۡنَ مُحِیۡطٌ
“If you remain patient and adopt Taqwa (God-consciousness), their schemes will not harm you in the least. Indeed, Allah encompasses all that they do.” (Aal-e-Imran: 120)
In verse 125 of the same Surah, Allah mentions these two qualities and promises divine assistance through Angels. Before the Battle of Badr, Allah urged the believers to acquire these two attributes—Taqwa and Sabr (patience)—as they are essential for victory.
Now, we are in the blessed month of Ramadan. This is a month that provides all the means to cultivate these two qualities. What is needed is the commitment to observe them diligently.
May Allah grant us the ability to derive maximum benefit from Ramadan. Ameen, Ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.
