As I observe global trends, it is increasingly evident that the world is turning against Muslims and Islam. The reasons for this shift are manifold, but one glaring factor is the refusal of many Muslim societies to modernize and engage critically with contemporary realities. This rigidity, compounded by historical grievances and a failure to adapt to changing sociopolitical landscapes, has fostered an environment of suspicion and hostility. Nowhere is this dynamic more evident than in India, where decolonization from Western imperialism and the reassertion of indigenous identity are proceeding at a rapid pace, with significant implications for Hindu-Muslim relations.
Globally, the image of Islam has suffered due to the actions of radical elements that dominate headlines, overshadowing the contributions of Muslims in science, arts, and culture. From the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent, the refusal to embrace modern values such as gender equality, secular governance, and critical thinking has perpetuated stereotypes of Muslims as regressive and intolerant. This perception, unfortunately, becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy as Muslim-majority nations resist reform, whether through the perpetuation of archaic laws, the suppression of dissent, or the marginalization of progressive voices within their communities.
In this context, India’s current trajectory presents a complex but revealing case study. After centuries of foreign rule—first Islamic dynasties, then Western colonial powers—the country is witnessing a cultural and political resurgence rooted in its Hindu identity. Central to this movement is the reclamation of temples and the rediscovery of deities, an effort that seeks to restore historical justice after centuries of religious and cultural erasure. This process is not merely symbolic; it represents a broader rejection of the Western-imposed narrative that sought to homogenize India’s diverse history under the guise of secularism, often privileging certain historical perspectives while ignoring others.
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The influence of Marxist historians, particularly during post-independence India, played a significant role in shaping this narrative. By downplaying the impact of Islamic invasions and whitewashing the destruction of temples and cultural symbols, these historians created a distorted view of history that served political agendas rather than truth. This selective historiography alienated many Indians, particularly Hindus, who felt their cultural heritage was being systematically undermined. Today, the excavation of ancient deities and the reconstruction of temples like Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are acts of reclaiming agency and correcting historical wrongs.
For Indian Muslims, this cultural resurgence poses both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in acknowledging the historical grievances of Hindus without falling into the trap of defensive denialism. Denying history, as painful as it may be, only reinforces the perception that Muslims are unwilling to engage with uncomfortable truths. The opportunity, however, lies in embracing a new paradigm of coexistence—one that recognizes the pluralistic ethos of India and seeks to contribute positively to the country’s cultural and political renaissance.
This requires introspection and reform within the Muslim community. For too long, Indian Muslims have been caught in a web of victimhood perpetuated by political leaders, intellectuals, and religious orthodoxy. This victimhood narrative has stifled progress and created a siege mentality, preventing meaningful engagement with the larger Indian society. Breaking free from this cycle requires courage: courage to question outdated practices, challenge the authority of clerics who resist modernization, and envision a future where Muslims are active participants in India’s growth story rather than passive spectators.
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Globally, the resistance to modernization within Muslim societies has led to increasing isolation. While other communities have undergone transformative shifts—whether through the Renaissance in Europe, the Enlightenment, or the Hindu Renaissance in India—many Muslim-majority societies remain mired in debates about the compatibility of Islam with modernity. This stagnation, coupled with the export of extremist ideologies, has alienated Muslims from the global mainstream, creating a vicious cycle of distrust and marginalization.
India’s decolonization process offers lessons for Muslims worldwide. The reclamation of temples and deities is not just about religion; it is about reclaiming a civilizational identity and asserting pride in one’s cultural heritage. Similarly, Muslims must embark on their own journey of decolonization—not from Western imperialism, but from the intellectual and spiritual colonization imposed by rigid interpretations of Islam. This involves revisiting the rich traditions of Islamic philosophy, science, and art that thrived during the Islamic Age of Reason from the 9th to the 12th century when critical thinking and innovation were celebrated rather than suppressed.
The world is not inherently against Muslims or Islam. What the world opposes is the refusal to evolve, the perpetuation of violence in the name of religion, and the inability to contribute constructively to the global community. Indian Muslims, situated at the crossroads of a rich pluralistic tradition and a rapidly modernizing nation, have the unique opportunity to lead by example. By embracing reform, acknowledging historical truths, and participating actively in India’s cultural resurgence, they can not only secure their place in the Indian mosaic but also offer a model for Muslims worldwide.
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In conclusion, the world’s turn against Muslims and Islam is not inevitable—it is a consequence of choices made and unmade. The path forward lies in embracing modernity without losing faith, seeking justice without fostering grievance, and contributing to humanity’s collective progress while preserving one’s identity. In India, as temples are rebuilt and deities excavated, the message is clear: history is being reclaimed, and the future is being shaped. It is time for Indian Muslims to be part of this journey, not as outsiders, but as equal partners in the resurgence of a civilization that has space for all.
The columnist is a Fellow of the Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research (FIHCR)