Faithful Foundations: The Resilient Roots of Muslim India

Mujeeb Jaihoon asserts the enduring strength of Muslim India, tracing a resilient journey from past challenges to present-day fortitude.

Dear Friends, on January 22 2020, my nine-year-old son advised me to attend today’s event due to the critical decision on the NRC bill (Supreme Court of India was to hear 144 pleas on Citizenship Amendment Act on this day). This issue has permeated even the youngest generation. However, as Muslims, we’ve confronted challenges far more formidable than the current ones. We mustn’t let these current issues dishearten us.

There’s often a question about our pride in being Indian and the love for our country. Yet, many remain unaware of Muslims’ significant contributions to India. The Mughals crafted the map of India, and the name “India” originated from “Hind,” coined by Arab Muslims. Foreign dignitaries, including European ministers and the president of Israel, visit the Taj Mahal—a mosque and a tomb—after their official meetings. They relish our culinary delights like Gulab Jamun and don our traditional attire, the shalwar, all the while questioning our nationality.
In essence, we are the builders of this nation. No one can produce evidence to claim that we don’t belong here. We, the Muslims, are the true inhabitants of this country.

Despite the challenges posed by the NRC issue, it has provided us with an opportunity to reclaim our conscience. Muslims proudly affirm their identity, with even nominal Muslims donning the hijab in their social media posts. Notably, our students in prestigious institutions have stepped out of their comfort zones to protest against the NRC. Hindu friends, acknowledging our shared history against the British, express concerns about the misrepresentation of Muslims in current narratives.

Today, films portray us, Muslims, as adversaries in the fight for independence. However, we remain steadfast. We fought against the British, not as Muslims, but as Indians. They may rewrite history to cast us in a negative light, but we, the Muslims, endure and stand strong.

Highlights from Mujeeb Jaihoon talk at Chakkarakkal Town, Kannur – Kerala – January 2020