By Syed Ilyas Basha
Hindus and Muslims in India form over 90% of its population. Both have been living here together for centuries. Though they follow different faiths, have distinctive places of worship, there are similarities in many living conditions and styles. For centuries India has been an ideal example of social amity as a unique nation with ‘unity in diversity’. Both have learned many things from each other in many places. Both communities enjoy great intimacy, inseparable from the other as they are inter-dependent in many activities related to their livelihood, amusements etc. Broadly speaking, while there is similarity in dress code both for women and men in many areas; the behavioral approaches in work-places, character too does not differ much. Individuals involved and engaged in criminal activities too are found acting, sharing booty in both groups together. Religion enjoys a very important place for both the groups and majority of them have religious bent of mind. Both the communities celebrate religious festivals and cultural events periodically together in many places. Majority of Indians belonging to both the communities find no major issue for maintaining cordiality, fraternity and friendship. In fact, exchange of sweets on such an occasion is a common practice. A sustainable progress in the country can be ensured if there is strong bond of unity in the society. Serious effort must be made to improve this association and strengthen tie of fraternity and cordiality between these communities. Majority of the religious leaders belonging to both communities possess either little or NO knowledge about the other groups’ religion. An effort is made through this book to help remove misgivings and misunderstandings (if any) between them by making in-depth research and reading of their beliefs.
I pray to the Almighty Allah to give us sufficient knowledge and strength to work for the well-being of the society, humanity and guide us to the successful way of life.
Aameen.
Syed Ilyas Basha
HYDERABAD.
TEN QUESTIONS – R E P L I E D ! ( A gist of Questions and Answers translated from Urdu)
TEN QUESTIONS by a VEDIC Scholar about Muslims’ beliefs, R E P L I E D:
A Vedic Scholar and RSS leader from Goa (1), some time ago had posed TEN questions to Islamic Scholars about the misgivings and apprehensions of Hindu brethren on the beliefs Muslims have about the Hindus in the country. A Renowned Islamic Scholar (2) had rendered the reply point by point in Urdu about the truths which were published. With an aim to help both the communities understand each other and develop amity and brotherhood, the same have been translated into English. These Questions and Answers are as under:
Question 1. Do you (Muslims) consider Hindus a ‘Kafir’? (we know you have been told to believe that soon a day will come that all ‘Kafir’ will be eliminated).
REPLY: This is a wrong belief about the opinion of Muslims about Hindus. The most distinct feature of Islamic faith is ‘one-ness’ of the Almighty Allah, the Creator and the Benefactor of all creatures in the universe. And also that He has no partner in all His characteristics of a Creator, Benefactor, Sustainer, Omnipresent, Omnipotent etc. He has 99 names, each representing one of His characteristics. He is neither born to some-one nor He begets; nor someone is equal to Him. Those who do not have belief in His one-ness and authority as described above are called ‘Kafir’. That is it. It is an Arabic word and antonym for the ‘faithful’ in language, literally to mean the one who denies to accept that belief. It is neither insulting nor abusive. In Quran, the word ‘Kafiroon’ is often used to refer to the people who reject a certain belief in Islam. For example; in Chapter ‘al-Yousuf’, in verse 37 it is stated: “And they are those who reject the belief of ‘life after death’ (al-aakhirah) as ‘Kafiroon’. Similarly, in Chapter ‘al-zukhruf’ in verse 24 it is stated in the same context: “Verily they reject the Prophets sent by us” (towards the mankind).
It appears, some of our Hindu brothers believe the word ‘Kafir’ is used as an abuse; is derogatory and insulting. There is absolutely no basis and truth in such an interpretation. In fact, the faithful are prohibited naming or calling someone with that word. Even in the matter of someone who desires to embrace Islam, Quran strongly opposes use of force and coercion. In chapter 1, in verse 256, it is stated: “There is no compulsion in matter of deen (religion).” Regarding the belief that ‘soon a day will come all ‘Kafirs’ will be eliminated and finished’, it is false, unfounded and no such mention is found either in Quran or Hadith (traditions) of the Prophet.
Question-2. You say that Islam directs its followers towards submission to the Almighty Allah. Do you also believe that other religions like, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism too guide towards the same Creator God?
REPLY: Almighty Allah, the Creator of universe alone knows better the path to reach him. He alone is competent to direct the humanity towards that path. He has sent His apostles towards humanity with purpose of explaining that path. It is the weakness of human being to tamper with the genuineness of something he is bestowed upon. Not a single consumable item man has spared un-meddled with its purity, right from milk, honey, other eatables and so on. We find adulteration everywhere in the society. Finding the original path, of submission to the divine ‘dos and don’ts’ hard and tough to practice, man played his usual trick. He planted his own likes and dislikes, and even introduced ‘figure’ of his liking to replace the Creator. We find clear message about the one-ness and other unique potentials of the Almighty mentioned in the existing copies of divine Hindu scriptures for anyone to read. Yet some of the brothers do not bother to look beyond their present limited spectrum of thinking. Their efforts unfortunately, are devoted to look down, mock and condemn the other group, unmindful of the consequences. It is amazing to note marvelous similarities between teachings of Islam and basic principles found in Scriptures of Hindu brethren. The following verses from Quran and excerpts from Vedas alongside certainly will help the readers understand this fact.
Quran says:
1.All praises for Allah, the Creator of the universe.(Chapter al-Fateha/Verse-1)
We find in Vedas:
1.For the Creator of this universe are all praises. (1:18:5)
Quran-2. Allah is most benevolent; the most merciful. (Ch. Al-Fateha/2)
Vedas-2. He is the sustainer; the benevolent. (Rigved/3:1:34)
Quran-3.Allah is one who created everything. (al-Furqan/2)
Vedas-3.The Creator creates all creatures. (Athurved/1:19)
Quran-4.For the earth and heavens belong to Allah. (al-Baqara/107)
Vedas-4.He is the Lord, the owner of the earth and heavens. (Rigved/101)
Quran-5.The east and the west belong to the only Allah. (al-Baqara/115)
Vedas-5.To Him belong all directions. (Rigved/4:121:10)
Quran-6.Nothing is a match to Him. (al-Shura/11)
Vedas-6.There can be no idol for the Lord. (Yajurved/3:32)
Quran-7.Allah is with you. He is watchful wherever you are, and whatever you are doing. (al-Hadeed/4)
Vedas-7.Your Eashwar (Lord) knows one whosoever is standing; whosoever is walking; whosoever is cheating; whosoever is hiding; whosoever is teasing others; and which two persons are secretly talking. (Athurved/2:16:4)
Quran-8. Your Guardian Lord is Allah; who created the heavens and the earth in six days. The he settled Himself on the Throne. Call on your Lord with humility and in private.
(al-a’araaf/54,55)
Vedas-8.Seek help with humility, with raised hands from the Parmeshwar, the worthy one who is marching the earth and the heavens on the right path. (Rigved/46:16:6)
The astonishing similarities between both messages make one to believe that the origin must be one and same. As far as the Quran is concerned which is to remain unharmed and intact till the Doomsday, the Almighty has avowed it to be tamperproof. The same is revealed in Quran itself as under: “Verily we have revealed the Quran, and verily we will protect it (from tampering and upsetting it). Islam is the religion from Allah with a message of complete and purposeful way of life for the mankind. Muslims do not enjoy a monopoly over it. It is open to the followers of other religions also to take a decision themselves with choice and after proper study. It is likely that the scriptures of other beliefs could not be preserved in the original form for such a long period. The influence of later generations, socio-economic and cultural priorities might have resulted in disturbing the originality to such an extent that people started placing Partners to God’s authority and power. Muslims also believe that the right and straight path to reach Almighty’s pleasure is in direct submission to His commands only and as taught by his Prophet. If the followers of other religions understand and follow their own books in its original form, it will definitely help and guide them in seeking the truthful path leading to light of faith. The original and basic teaching of every religion has been one-ness of God, rejection of Partnership of any kind in His authority and submission to His directions. Even the outcome of the life too has always been very clearly mentioned in those teachings. It has been Paradise for good deed and fire of Hell and anger for violation of the divine orders.
Question 3. Do you Muslims consider Ram, Krishna, Mahavir, Buddha and Sikh Gurus and similar other divine personalities of other religions as God or His incarnation, or his Apostle?
REPLY: All features assigned to Almighty Allah like One-ness, without any Partner, none equal to in power and qualities signified by 99 various names describe Him unique. It forms basic foundation of Islamic belief. Addressing to the Holy Prophet, Allah Himself has described his distinct supreme features which have been described in the Chapter ‘al-Ikhlaas’ as under:
“Say (O Mohammed!): He is Allah, the One; Allah the Eternal, Absolute; He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; And there is none like unto Him.”
Thus, a Muslim can’t treat Rama, Krishna, Mahavir, Buddha, Sikh Gurus or anyone else as God. They are well known human beings revered by our brother-countrymen. We too respect them for that reason. Muslims do not regard even our own Prophet as God. Humans are to be treated as human beings, born to their parents who too have all features of a human being. They had life-partners, children and family too. They carried all worldly needs as any other human being. Whereas Allah the Almighty, the Creator of the universe, the Omnipresent and the Omnipotent is above all such human features, worldly dependence, needs and attachments. Various Prophets had family, were born to human-parents and had children too. None of them ever claimed to be God, Lord, Almighty or the Creator of anything in this world. Prophet Eisa (peace be upon him) or Jesus, the one who happened to be in the nearest past (about 570 years prior to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) too never claimed thus. He is reported to have said: “Why do you people call me pious? It is that one, and He is Almighty God.”(Marqas/1/18) Prophet Zakariyya (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: “And the Almighty God is the Lord of the world, and of that day too. His name will be ‘the Only One.” The post-Islamic era in India saw birth of Sikhism, founded by Guru Nanak Ji. Regarding his beliefs, a Sikh researcher Sardar Tara Singh Bedi has written as under: “His (God’s) authority is to last forever. Entire universe is by and from Him. He is different from the universe but is its part. He is above birth or death. Entire world is surviving because of His wish and He is dependent on none. A perfect human being alone can have this enlightenment.” / (Life of Baba Nanakji/103)
The Hindu mythology has the theme of ‘incarnation’. They believe that the God comes down on earth in the form of a particular form or shape. Hence they worship these deities on the basis of that belief. None of the religious figures referred above claimed to be Prophet from the Almighty. They believe that various deities they worship are God’s incarnation. They didn’t call people to worship the Creator God as various Prophets did. Hindus believe that these personalities are worthy to be worshipped. They are not one who called other human beings towards worship of God as Prophets or Messengers from God did. In such a case how can they be treated as God’s prophets or messengers? The Muslim view point is, only such personalities who find place in Quran as being among Prophets, alone enjoyed the status of a Prophet. Any Muslim by refusing to recognize any one among prophets who find a mention in Holy Quran, will endanger his ‘Faith’ (Eiman). Hence, the personalities who do not find a mention in Quran, Muslims can neither reject nor accept one as a Prophet. Thus, Muslims are required to show maximum regard and respect the religious personalities of other fellow countrymen. There is a clear message for the believers in the following Quranic verses:
- “And we have left no nation to whom we have not sent a Prophet”. (Chap-al-fatir/24)
- “And we have a Prophet in the language of his nation.” (Chap-Ibraheem/4)
Thus, Muslims respect spiritual personalities of various religions revered by their followers and believe that they too might have been among Prophets whose teachings and linkages were lost subsequently with the passage of time. Benefit of doubt is given to their holy scriptures too like Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads etc. which proclaim ‘unity and oneness of Almighty, which Hindu brethren revere and believe. Some of these scriptures also offer prophecies about the imminent birth of Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) with supporting strong evidences. The name “Ahmed” with some difference in vowels is clearly referred to in Vedas. The irony is our Hindu brethren have been kept away from these facts in these revered scriptures. The following are a few excerpts:
A: “‘Ahmed’ is a great personality, a fountain of knowledge and enlightenment; one who pushes away the darkness like a bright Sun; one can breathe his last peacefully only after finding him; and there is no path for salvation other than through his teachings.” (BajurVed/31:18)
B:“‘Ahmed’ offered the sacrifice and became like a Sun”. (RigVed/8:6:10)
C: “A Preacher from foreign lands will land in India accompanied by his disciples; his name will be ‘MUHAMMED’. He will belong to land with desert.”(BhavishyaPuran/Pratiya Sarg/Kalyugi /Ittehas,Adhya:3/Shloka:5)
It should be noted that ‘Ahmed’ is another name of Prophet Mohammed (may peace be upon him). It appears that these scriptures available with Hindu brethren are most likely to be revelations by the Almighty Allah. Hence, Muslims avoid passing of any adverse or derogatory remarks about the figures or scriptures of other religions. There are clear instructions in Quran about such personalities which are as under:
“And never attribute bad name to those people who speak to characters for help other than the Allah.” (Chap.al-An’aam/V.108)
To sum it up, in the absence of a mention in Quran or Hadith, a Muslim can neither accept Shri Ram, Shri Krishan and other deities as God; or as his Prophets, nor he out rightly reject. At the same time it is binding on every Muslim to respect them in pursuance of divine command as referred above. In fact, Muslims are strongly prevented from ridiculing or passing mocking and dis-
respectful remarks on others (even on common man) on the basis of color, caste, nation, religion or language etc. as is clear in the following Quranic Verse:
“Never ridicule or deride other people or nation; for they may be better in that term.”
(Chap.al-Hujurat/V.11)
Passing of any such derogatory remarks about any of the spiritual personalities of other religion is certainly objectionable, un-called for and un-becoming of a true follower of Islam. As for as the teachings, scriptures of any other religion or quotes of its leaders, only religious Scholars and leaders are competent to say something. As far as I know and remember, no religious Scholar has ever spoken badly about the revered religious personalities of other fellow countrymen. In case if any such statement from someone has been reported to have been made, I do not hesitate to call it to be against the basic teachings and spirit of Islam and un-called for. This behavior is totally contradictory to the conduct of our Prophet with the followers of other religions during his life time. Muslim leaders have always called for restraint from their community members and draw necessary attention of the authorities several times but in vain. They have always desisted from joining the issue by a tit-for-tat approach.
Question 4.Why the women in Islamic society are treated as 2nd or 3rd degree status. They are denied inheritance, not allowed to celebrate their birthday? They are discriminated against. Will your people ever change your behavior towards the women?
REPLY: This question is based on total misunderstanding and ignorance of the factual position which is quite contrary. Islam is the only religion which has granted justice in terms of inherency contrary to any other religion in the world. While the Jewish law grants inheritance only to the elder son, the Hindu law awards right of inheritance to only the male children. Islam grants such rights in the property of the parents not only to the daughter along with the male children but also to the daughter and to the widow. Sometimes, daughters and other women drawn share from the properties of other near relatives also. Islam grants woman a status of in-charge in the matters of household affairs. The following sayings of the Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) about the women in various roles in the family matters make this point clear:
- “The woman (wife) holds full charge of her house on behalf of her husband.”
(al-Bukhari/4892)
- “Verily the paradise lies under the feet of your mother”. (Kanz al-‘Ummal/45439)
- “One who is blessed by Almighty Allah with daughters, nurtures with affection and doesn’t prefer male children over them, will be with me in Paradise together like these two fingers in one hand.” (Abu Dawud/5148)
- “The best mannered among you is one whose behavior with his wife and family members is the best.”(Tirmidhi/3895)
Shri Pathakji may be aware that in our country there was no scope of women in a Hindu family getting share in family property during prior to 1956. After promulgation of this law, that situation has changed. But due to customary Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) concept, if the elder son does not agree for division of inherited property, women members do not get share even today. A clause in the said Hindu code of 1956 does not allow division of family property against the family custom. Thus, women in many of the Hindu families do not inherit share in family property even today. It is
a fact that no incident of denial of legal status for women among Muslims in terms of status, right to inherit or selection of a life partner ever existed. The incidents of ‘bride-burning’ by husband, in-laws largely reported these days too never existed among Muslims. Unlike among the followers of other religions, there is no rule or practice of celebration of birth day of a child, both male as well as female among Muslims. There of course, is a concept of offering of sacrificing a goat on a suitable day by those parents who can easily afford it. The meat should be shared with the poor, neighbors and relatives.
Question 5.The issue of giving triple ‘talaq’ to wives totally inhuman. Divorce given this way by Muslim men has destroyed many a Muslim women and families. Many groups of Muslim women are working to bring an end to this practice. Will the Muslim organizations accept this fact? Will the Muslim Personal Law Board ever agree to stop opposing a reform in this regard?
REPLY: The act of ‘talaq’ is regarded as a most un-desirable and un-welcome act in Islam. Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) has declared it the most un-pleasant among the permissible deed. His saying says thus: “The most disliked act among the permissible which prompts Almighty Allah’s wrath is ‘talaq’. (Ibn Maajah/2018)
Marriage is a binding force between man and a woman conducted to meet the human biological need and as a tool of mutual comfort, confidence and self-reliance. A certain act or behavior in life sometimes damages confidence and causes strain in mutual relationship. When there is no positive response to reconciliation; trust and affection make way for hatred, thereby harmony in the family set-up is destroyed. In such a situation, ‘talaq’ (or a honorable separation) is permitted as a solution and a method is prescribed in Islamic Law. On the contrary, the two major religions of Hinduism, Christianity had no such solution. The amendment was later introduced it only a few decades ago. In fact the rate of divorce among the Christian community is much higher now compared to Muslims. The divorce procedure was introduced in Hindu society through the law passed in 1956. So far as Muslims are concerned, a procedure has been defined in Quran of awarding it in three phases in separate sittings with gaps. (Chap.al-Baqarh/229).
Awarding of divorce of three talaq in one sitting is considered as a most heinous act (permissible only in a very exceptional situation). Caliph Omar use to punish such a man who misused this facility. (Musannif Ibn abi Shaiba/17790)
Abuse of a facility by someone can’t be considered as an encouragement by Muslim Personal Law Board. The solution can be such persons should seek guidance and desist from adopting a procedure of their choice. Muslim organizations have always been offering guidance to the public at large through Seminars, lectures, sermons etc. It should be noted that unlike Hindu brethren, marrying a divorcee or a widow is encouraged among Muslims. Such women are legally permitted to marry as per their choice. Such women in the Hindu society are denied the right to remarry. This problem needs to be addressed to help the distressed lot in the country.
Question 6.The Constitution of India, based on Secularism does not give reservation of seats to the deserving on the basis of religion. Only those belonging to backward classes among Muslims can enjoy this facility. Demand of Muslims for reservation on the basis of religion is against the Constitution and an antinational act. It takes the community further backward. Will the Muslim Organizations explain their policy with regard to this demand quite often raised by them?
REPLY: This question is related to political and legal issue. However, as far as the common Muslim masses are concerned they believe that reservation should be made available on the basis of economic condition of any group or community and not on the basis of religion or caste. But practically speaking, it is being given in our country only on the basis of caste factor coupled with religion. Suppose if a backward caste boy, belonging to Hindu religion approaches, he is quickly granted a seat. On the contrary, a boy from similar caste is denied the right if he or she belongs to Christian or Islamic faith. Like-wise, if a Hindu of that caste approaches for a seat after he converts to Islam or Christianity, he is denied that benefit. It constitutes a mockery of justice and exploitation of situation to favor a certain group. Policy designed to achieve social justice in the country is being manipulated to benefit the majority community only. Making the reservation available to those who are economically backward will surely benefit not only the deserving candidate and his or her family but also accelerate the country’s progress.
Question7. Why Hindus are treated so badly in Pakistan, Bangladesh and even in Kashmir? They were pushed out of the valley. Will the Muslim Organizations in India condemn this atrocity committed against the Hindus there? Will you condemn the anti-India activities of the Militants in Kashmir Valley?
REPLY: Let it be very clear that Islam grants the minorities a very special status in the society. Prophet Muhammed (may peace be upon him) has stated thus about the non-Muslim minorities. “Their (of a non-Muslim) blood is similar to that of a Muslim; and their wealth should be protected as that of a Muslim.” (Nasab al-Raaya/4/369)
Similarly on one occasion he is reported to have said: “A Muslim who kills a non-Muslim, to him shall not reach even the aroma of Paradise.” (Bukhari/3166)
The Prophet (may peace be upon him) has urged Muslims to ensure security for non-Muslims to own property, place of worship, right to a dignified life and total liberty to follow a religion of their choice. They are granted all civil rights equal to Muslims in the state. All these instructions related to the subject are securely preserved in books of Hadith and Jurisprudence. When in rule, Muslims have always observed these principles in their administrative policies all through ages. They ruled India for nearly one thousand years under various dynasties, ensuring total harmony, justice and peaceful co-existence of various sections of the society. With a large number of huge Temples, the Majority community had been enjoying all types of freedom under their rule. The country’s progress and prosperity attracted global powers of that era. Even today, we find Hindus and Buddhists living a respectable life in Muslim majority countries like Indonesia, Malaysia for decades. Similarly. A number of Jews live in Iran even today and enjoy equal rights. While majority of Coptic Christians live in Egypt, sizable Christians and Jews live peacefully in Muslim ruled countries like Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Jordan etc. But for a few rare cases of mutual distrust here and there due to local issues, Muslims have always lived peacefully together with fellow brethren of other religions all through ages in various places. Had there been a dominating or discriminating tendency in Muslims, things definitely would have been contrary to the one we find today.
Question 8. A large number of Muslim countries have adopted Population control measures. Will the Muslim organizations in our country appeal their community to adopt the Family Planning program of the Government here?
REPLY: This question has no relevance to the economic and social problems the country’s economy is facing. Muslims oppose the Family Planning Program of the government on the basis of its merit and principles. They oppose it even for the non-Muslims too. Instead, the government should properly and honestly manage the available natural resources like labor, land and finances
to ensure increase in country’s GDP. Remember the days when we used to import cement, fertilizers; even food grains especially the wheat and Milk from United States under various schemes five decades ago. With collective efforts we are able to export many of our products today to various countries. Working hands (population) are in fact an asset for a country. As a majority of skilled, non-skilled labor for the middle-eastern countries and of technology-experts to U.S., Europe etc., India has long been a super power in terms of labor force. The hand-picked data projected by the family welfare department to support their cause is prepared with a preplanned and prejudiced mind-set. If two are added in a family of ten, it is said that there is an increase of 20% in the figure. And if ten persons are added to a group of one hundred, they declare that it is an addition of 10% to the group. This is the same game always played with the planning to suit their own design. It is a part of Muslims belief that birth and death of every living-being are designed by the Creator Almighty. Hence we should not interfere with his plans and strategies. This principle is equally applied to all irrespective of the faith and religion they belong.
Question 9.The call for prayers (adhan) made over loudspeakers from the roof tops of various mosques even during these days when everyone has a mobile in his pocket with alarm facility. Since it causes sound pollution, several courts have banned it in the country. Will the Muslim organizations ensure that these restrictions are observed by their people?
REPLY: It is surprising to know that some of our Hindu friends consider the call made from mosques cause sound pollution. The call made in Arabic five times obligatory prayers over Mosque loudspeakers without any music. While three prayer times fall during the day time, the last prayer time is much before people go to bed. Only the early morning-prayer time is late past mid-night and a little before the dawn. The duration of the said call each time is around two to three minutes. Its purpose is to alert the faithful about the prayer time in the areas Mosque. They have overlooked the loudspeakers in the temples, religious processions, rallies, and marriages, various functions, playing bhajans and songs with various types of musical instruments for long hours day and night. Even bells in churches are played also. Muslims have never raised any objection to such acts anywhere in the country. Though courts ordered to curtail the same by keeping it within a certain volume and for certain hours in the past, authorities did not take any action in the matter. Major resources and reservoirs of water all over the country are polluted during idols immersions season every year. The environment experts and various courts had ordered to look for alternatives but none has ever listened to these advises. Courts have ruled without going into the details like its duration, necessity, meaning etc. The fact that the solemn call for prayer in Islam in itself is a form of worship is ignored. Such acts instead should be emphatically hailed by all as it demonstrates the multi-religious and multi-cultural form of our society which is known worldwide as unique for its ‘unity in diversity’.
Question 10. Will the Muslim organizations restrict their fire-brand public-speakers from making provocative speeches which create hatred between communities and result in law and order problem?
REPLY: I can confidently say that based on one-sided information this question is biased in nature. Numerous speakers representing various RSS outfits have been very often using every platform to slander Islam, Muslims and their traditions in the country. They are busy in brazenly instigating common Hindu brethren against Muslims majority being illiterate, poor and un-represented. New programs under names of ‘love-Jihad’, ‘ghar-wapsi’, ‘beef-eating’, ‘cow-slaughter’, are publicly practiced, law abiding Muslim youth are harassed, man-handled, imprisoned and even killed through organized mob-lynching. By bringing in huge crowd of misled youth from their groups, law enforcing agencies are pressurized to take stern action favorable to them. These fanatics exploit every petty local incident to vitiate the atmosphere in the society and spread rumors, propagate hatred against Muslims. No leader from the Muslim community has ever challenged mischiefs of these people. The maximum the community does is to raise objection on such behavior, demand action and justice from the government. No Muslim leader has ever spoken against Hindus in a tone similar to these fire-brand leaders. If some individual political leader has ever used any derogatory or insulting language some time due to his uncontrollable state of mind that gets a very quick and prompt response. Authorities will be tough in such matters and ready to prove their alertness and duty-consciousness.
Shri Pathakji also complains that of-late, there is a tendency among the Muslim community towards terrorism. Everyone knows that there is no religion for terrorists. Such propaganda is made against the Muslim youth without any basis or proof and is aimed to defame, create hatred for them in the minds of Hindu brethren. Several investigations carried out in the past by authorities have confirmed such reports as false. We know this is done to demoralize the community.