Rise of Hostility Towards Muslims in India
The recent episode of “Mawazine” aired on December 11, 2024, delves into the growing hostility towards Muslims in India, exploring historical contexts and contemporary issues. The program features insights from Sahib Alam Al-Azami, an academic researcher, who discusses the long-standing relationship between India and Arab countries, dating back to ancient times when Muslim merchants frequented Indian ports. Despite Islam's deep roots in the region, hostility has surged, particularly under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has employed racist rhetoric and enacted policies that threaten the citizenship of millions of Muslims.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Historically, Muslims ruled parts of India for over a millennium, yet they have remained a minority, currently comprising approximately 300 million individuals, or over 20% of the population. Muhammad Akram Nadwi, Dean of Educational Affairs at Cambridge Islamic College, notes that the decline in Muslim influence is partly due to a lack of focus on outreach and a greater emphasis on consolidating power by historical rulers. The rise of the Hindu right-wing movement, which has ties to the Zionist movement, has further exacerbated the situation, leading to increased violence and discrimination against Muslims.
Erosion of Muslim Representation
The head of the Asia-Middle East Forum, Muhammad Makram Balawi, highlights the alarming erosion of Muslim representation in Indian society. Once prominent in culture and governance, Muslims now hold less than 5% of parliamentary seats and only 2% in state institutions. Additionally, they face significant challenges regarding land ownership and economic participation. The program also discusses various Islamic advocacy groups, such as the Dawah and Tablighi Jamaat and Jamaat-e-Islami, which play crucial roles in the community, yet the political landscape remains hostile, with the Indian state often overlooking the actions of Hindu extremist groups targeting Muslims.