Ever since independence, Indian Muslims, as a community, have demonstrated equanimity, tolerance, forgiveness, respect for law; and have avoided damage to public property, disruption of normal life and usurpation of constitutional provisions— despite facing intense repression, blatant humiliation and enormous loss to their property and life. The last five months, in particular, have brought to fore their compassion and caring attitude towards all sections of society during the pandemic. This is legion by now.
These qualities, of course, are the natural outcome of their faith.
Even today, despite the flagrant misuse of law and the incessant provocations, these very same attributes are on display. Howsoever much the media may distort it, history will remember it this way.
Ironically, when the head of state of our neighbouring country took an unassailable stand for the construction of a Hindu temple in Islamabad for the sake of Pakistan’s minuscule minority, our own chief executive delivered a fatal blow to the tottering edifice of democracy by laying the foundation stone of a temple, on the very land where a majestic Masjid stood for 500 long years.
Of course, who can forget 6 December 1992, when frenzied mobs, under the very nose of the law-enforcement agencies, in flagrant violation of the court orders and despite the solemn promise given by the BJP chief minister to protect the Babri Masjid, brought down this magnificent edifice with impunity.
Sadly, this gory drama was applauded by the so-called enlightened leaders who personally witnessed the whole drama without any sense of remorse. It is 28 years since this unholy carnage took place. In the meanwhile, a lot of water has flown down the Ganges. Slowly, but surely, every insidious means was adopted to finally take over the land on which the Babri Masjid stood, and lay the foundations of a temple. And, meanwhile, not surprisingly, a large number of ‘privileged’ folk finally could not hold back their glee on this cheap achievement.
What this openly demonstrates is the difference in behaviours— between those who accepted the verdict of the court despite the contradictory nature of the judgement (which held that the demolition was unlawful, yet the temple could be built on the same land), and those who presided over the illegal demolition and are gloating over it.
Can we conclude: to each, his faith?