Introduction to Hinduphobia and Muslim Divisions

The term hinduphobia is used to describe the fear or hatred of Hinduism and its followers, which is particularly prevalent in India. Despite the Hindu majority forming about 80% of the population, Hindu individuals and communities face significant divisions and manipulation by secular parties that exploit these differences for their political gains. Similarly, there exists deep-seated divisions within the Muslim community, leading to sectarianism that hampers the potential for unity.

Hinduphobia and Political Exploitation

Secular parties in India have employed several strategies to create and consolidate divisions among Hindu communities, including caste, creed, and regional identities. In the case of a gentleman from Karnataka, his support for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on religious grounds was quickly reversed when the Congress party offered reservation benefits to his community. This scenario exemplifies how these divisions are used by political parties to serve their own interests.

How can I let go of this opportunity, he replied after supporting the Congress during the recent Karnataka elections, justifying his initial support for the BJP due to a shared religious belief.

Internal Divisions within the Muslim Community

Despite comprising approximately 20% of the population, the Muslim community also faces internal divisions. These divisions within the Muslim community often go beyond religious affiliations and extend to social and cultural factors. One example is the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims, where even navigate basic religious activities can be challenging due to sectarian differences.

During the celebration of Eid, a colleague from a newly joined city was reluctant to visit a nearby mosque out of fear that it might be a Shia mosque, despite the potential for performing rituals. This fear underscores the deep-seated sectarianism that can act as a barrier to unity within the Muslim community.

Further Illustrations of Sectarianism

Sectarianism is not limited to religious beliefs but extends to social practices such as marriage. For instance, casteism continues to influence marriage decisions among Muslims, with certain families preferring alliances over others based on perceived social status. In Bihari Muslim communities, the Qureshis are considered lower caste compared to the Khans, Pathans, and Ansaris. This hierarchical structure can have significant implications for social mobility and integration within Muslim communities.

We can marry off our daughter to a Hindu if required but we won't marry her off to a Qureshi, a famous saying in Bihari upper-caste Muslim circles, highlights the socio-cultural divide and the impact on personal choices.

Conclusion

The manifestations of sectarianism and secularism in India can create substantial challenges for unity and social harmony. While there are concerted efforts to unite both Hindu and Muslim communities under broader national or religious identities, these divisions often persist due to deep-seated social and political factors. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for addressing the root causes of these divisions and fostering a more inclusive society.

Keywords: hinduphobia, secularism, sectarianism