Do Muslims Feel Safe in India?

The media and some sections of radicals are in a hurry to declare Shri Narendra Modi’s Prime Ministership as anti-Muslim; and not without reason. For the first time an Indian PM did not greet the people of India on the occasion of Eid this year. The Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid retaliated by not inviting Modi for the succession ceremony of his son.

Any Indian will vouch for the fact that India is not a country, it is a concept. It is a million little facets of your life which is influenced by your territory, customs, culture, history, family and much more. The definition of ‘Indian’ therefore, depends on how you think and where you live.

In this the world’s largest secular and democratic country of India, Muslims make up around15% of the population – the second largest Muslim community in the world. The majority of Muslims in India are moderate, liberal and broadminded in their thinking.

The media and some sections of the radicals are in a hurry to declare Shri Narendra Modi’s Prime Ministership as anti Muslim; and not without reason. For the first time an Indian PM did not greet the people of India for Eid this year. The Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid retaliated by not inviting him for the succession ceremony of his son.

Post 100 days in power, one of the biggest anxieties about the Modi government is its antipathy towards minorities and religious diversity. There are some who would argue that this apprehension has come true as extremist elements continue to use communal polarisation as an instrument of political mobilisation — a tendency that Shri Modi has done little to vanquish.

Before the Lok Sabha elections of 2014, several eminent officials and experts from both India and the US told lawmakers that a BJP-led government at the center would be detrimental to the basic rights of the religious minorities in India.

Testifying before the influential Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress (TLHRC) on ‘The Plight of Religious Minorities in India’, the US Commission for International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Vice Chair Katrina Lantos indicated that the USCIRF was closely monitoring the situation in India.

“Many religious minority communities have reported to USCIRF that they fear that a BJP win, and the election of Narendra Modi as the country’s Prime Minister, will be detrimental to them and religious freedom.

Between, 2002 and 2004 USCIRF had recommended that the State Department designate India a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ (CPC) for the government’s systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom,” Lantos pointed out.

Coming to the rhetoric question of ‘Do Muslims feel safe in India?’ it can be answered with two perspectives. Does an individual Muslim feel safe in his motherland? Or does the mindset of a community, that has been manipulated by media and political influences, feel insecure?

Mohamed Poonawala, a Business Process Officer based in Dubai believes that this feeling of insecurity is mainly one based on a predetermined notion that Muslims are victimized for their faith.

“During my recent visit to India, I travelled to both Mumbai and Ahmadabad. I personally felt safe and secure during my visit. I attended a couple of exhibitions, met multiple people and explored both cities extensively. I felt no taboo of being a Muslim. I guess when you achieve a certain level of education and social status, you deal with people more confidently and people reciprocate in the welcoming manner.” he states. “However, while I was interacting with non-Muslims normally, my relatives and Muslim friends cautioned me to not get too involved. I initially found it strange as I did not feel any sort of discrimination in the interaction. But they kept on insisting that this was Ahmadabad, the heart-land of communal tension.”

“Another example I can state is that while visiting a property exhibition show in Ahmedabad, my accompanying friends and relatives dissuaded me from even thinking of buying property in the Hindu-dominated localities. When asked for a practical reason, “it is not for us” is all they said.

Mohammed felt he needed to dig deeper into this rooted animosity and after introspection with a few close relatives and friends, he found out that the scars of the communal riots of 2002 were still ingrained in most of the people. “This fear among Muslims can also be observed by the fact that not many Muslims dare to stay or even work in New Ahmedabad. New Ahmedabad is developed, vibrant and organized, with multiple development projects in the pipeline. However the majority of Muslims would not venture outside the so-defined safe area for Muslims, even if there is a bigger bungalow or house available which fits their budget in New Ahmedabad. The place for Muslims is Old Ahmedabad. And the city planners (AUDA) are not focusing on developing that part of the city. Such biased (not necessarily intentional) development adds to the feeling of disconnection among Muslims. I was surprised to note that one area in Old Ahmedabad is referred to as ‘Mini-Pakistan’, as it has a very high Muslim residency.”

Media Manipulation

Zenobia Latheef, a freelance writer based in California has also lived in a various south Indian metros like Chennai and Bengaluru . “Barring a few regrettable instances when I was denied houses and apartments, due to being a Muslim, I have never felt insecure in India, because of my religious identity,” she says “Living abroad, I now see India through the lens of the media. It is disheartening that for each news story on development which propels India to glory like Mangalyaan or Kailash Satyarthy, there are ten headlines featuring communal riots, and terror attacks which are mainly focused on Muslims. If the news outlets, social media and the election rhetoric are any accurate indication, one feels India is getting deeply polarized.”

Fahad Mohamed, a Facilities Manager based in Dubai, who hails from Kerala, feels that the religious tolerance and temperament varies from state to state. “India is the fastest growing country with a massive population explosion. The education levels have risen and so has people’s understanding towards various religions. In the well connected places such as Kerala, I personally have never felt much of discrimination or any unsafe condition. As far as my understanding is concerned, most of the crimes that take place in the name of religion are basically motivated by either money or political power. The media gives it a religious twist just to make it more news worthy.”

Communal harmony at the core.

Aisha Lakdawala, a Technology Specialist based in Abu Dhabi comes from Mumbai , the heart of India. “I studied in a convent school and since seventh grade I would wear shalwar and dupatta to school, without having to face any discrimination. Living in an inter-communal neighbourhood, we celebrated Eid, Christmas and Holi with equal enthusiasm. Although we had lots of Hindu and Catholic neighbors, we never faced any objection for practicing intimate religious rituals like the ‘Qurbani’ of a goat which we would do in our compound. During Eid days, the Mumbai police would even distribute roses to the people as a mark of celebration. For summer holidays, we have travelled as a typical Muslim family to places like Kashmir and Delhi. But there was no incident that ever marred us for being Muslim” she says.

Sabiha Banu a teacher from Abu Dhabi comes from a conservative Muslim family. But she has never been in a situation where she has been discriminated against because of her religion. “Born and brought up in Chennai, I enjoyed a safe and secure existence with my family members. As a staunch Muslim, I had absolutely no problem in practicing my religion and fulfilling my religious duties. Chennai is a peaceful place with inhabitants who embrace people of all faiths. Chennai was formerly known as ‘Madras’, and one of the more popular theories is that it derives its name from the dozens of Madrasas (Islamic schools) which existed there centuries ago. This is ample proof of the tolerant nature of its citizens.” “I studied at a convent run by Catholic nuns-a few of whom were Irish missionaries. I was given the same treatment as any other student and was judged purely on merit and nothing else. The students and teachers there, in fact, would marvel at how I could fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan and carry out my daily activities without food and water, and they were very appreciative of this. They were also very fond of Muslim cuisine especially biriyani, which they would eagerly partake of whenever I took it to school.”

“My religion is quite obvious for everyone to see because I always wear a burkha wherever I go. We are able to buy land or flats wherever we want to without discrimination, although from time to time we do get to read media reports about incidents elsewhere in the country wherein property dealers or land owners refuse to sell their property to Muslims. But my experience leads me to believe that Muslims living in my part of India do feel safe and secure and enjoy the same benefits that people of other faiths experience. I also hope and pray that Muslims all over India will be able to live with the same level of prosperity and security that they do in my corner of India\\\\,” she adds.

A country in perspective

For a country which is believed to be the next emerging super power, it is important that the fear among Muslims (or any religious faction) is dispelled for a cohesive society to take shape. The need of the hour is that the message of inclusiveness should be spread and ingrained among the insecure sections of society (mainly Muslims).

“I am confident that it is possible with the new government and Shri Modi at the helm. He focuses on the right things. Cleanliness, smart cities, waste management, manufacturing, development projects, less bureaucracy, reverse brain drain (already given a hint during his speech at New York’s Madison Square Garden). This is what we, as Indians (not Hindus, not Muslims, not Christians) should be focusing on. I also hope that the growth and development is inclusive of all sections of society to ensure that the current fear that Muslims have, becomes a myth.” states Mohammed.

Zennifer Khalil is a freelance writer based in Abu Dhabi.