Introduction
False narratives about Indian Muslims being less patriotic are often fueled by selective media portrayal or politicized narratives. These stereotypes are built on ignorance and prejudice. Muslims, like the followers of other religions, have a strong sense of patriotism towards their country.
Muslims chose India
Indian Muslims have a unique and undeniable proof of their patriotism.
They are the only community in India that was given a choice at the time of Partition — to stay in India or migrate to the newly formed Pakistan.
And what did the vast majority ( crores of Muslims) choose? They chose India.
Could there be a clearer, stronger testament to patriotism than this?
Contribution of Muslims to India’s Independence
Many Muslims have sacrificed their lives for our nation’s Independence Movement.
Did you know?
Bhagat Singh’s Lawyer was a Muslim
Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru were arrested for throwing a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly. Asaf Ali, a prominent lawyer and freedom fighter, represented and defended them in court.
‘Jai Hind’ was coined by a Muslim
The iconic slogan “Jai Hind,” widely popularized by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, was actually coined by a Muslim freedom fighter named Zain-ul Abideen Hasan. He also served as a commander in the Indian National Army (INA), which was founded by Netaji.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: Architect of India’s Education System
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a distinguished scholar and freedom fighter, was a symbol of unwavering patriotism, intellectual brilliance, and national unity. He was India’s first Education Minister, a position he held for 11 years from 1947 to 1958.
He laid the foundation for the country’s modern education system. His visionary leadership was instrumental in establishing key institutions such as the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), and the Sahitya Akademi.
Maulana Azad was a staunch patriotic Indian who rejected the idea of dividing India along religious lines. He famously said:
If an angel descends from heaven and offers me Swaraj in 24 hours on condition that I give up Hindu Muslim Unity, I will refuse. Swaraj we will get sooner or later; its delay will be a loss for India, but loss of Hindu Muslim unity will be a loss for human kind.
Maulana Azad
Sare Jahan se acha, Hindustan Hamara
The iconic patriotic song “Saare Jahan Se Achha, Hindustan Hamara” became an anthem of unity and resistance during India’s Freedom Movement. This timeless song was written by Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The song bridged religious and regional divides, becoming a symbol of national unity.
Even today this patriotic song is played by the Indian Army and Navy bands during their beating retreat march.
Many Muslims played a significant role in India’s freedom movement. The person who coined the powerful slogans “Quit India” and “Simon, Go Back” both of which became rallying cries during the struggle was a Muslim freedom fighter named Yusuf Meherally.
Similarly, the iconic slogan “Inquilab Zindabad,” which inspired Shaheed Bhagat Singh and countless others, was first coined by a Muslim leader named Maulana Hasrat Mohani.
List of Muslims who contributed to India’s Freedom Movement
The list of Muslims who contributed to India’s Freedom Movement is so long that it demands a book. A book was indeed written on this subject by Santimoy Roy with the name “Freedom Movement and Indian Muslims”, published by National Book Trust, Delhi.
Jallianwala Bagh Martyrs List – what does it tell us?
One of the most unforgettable and cruel incidents in the history of Independence is the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. All those who question the contribution of Muslims to India’s Freedom Movement, must look at the list of martyrs of that incident.
The British Officers serving in Punjab prepared a list of the martyrs and wounded people in Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This list was rediscovered and was found in four files of the Home Department of the British Government in Punjab. The list is filled with names that are Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs.
The Jallianwala Bagh incident also shows how Hindus and Muslims UNITEDLY fought for the freedom of our country. This is Patriotism! Contrast this with the actions of those who wrote apology letters to the British.
Do Indian Muslims love Pakistan?
Some believe that many Indian Muslims support Pakistan. Whenever there is an opportunity, an attempt is made to link Pakistan and Indian Muslims, to create an image that Indian Muslims have a soft corner for Pakistan because of Islam. One can also find many repeatedly making statements like “Go to Pakistan”.
If Indian Muslims loved Pakistan so much, why would they still stay in India and pay taxes for India?
Indian Muslims and many in Pakistan follow Islam BUT REMEMBER, Muslims in India are INDIAN Muslims and Muslims in Pakistan are PAKISTANI Muslims.
Just because of Islam, an Indian Muslim CANNOT vote or buy land in Pakistan or enjoy any rights of a Pakistani citizen. A bomb dropped by the Pakistani Air Force will not spare the Indian Muslims, because of their Islam. Every sane Indian Muslim understands this very well and always supports India.
Faith and Patriotism
Linking faith and patriotism is a big mistake. To give an example: Nepal is the ONLY Hindu country in the world. So, one would expect Nepal to be really friendly with India. What is the reality? Nepal has repeatedly snubbed India. Let’s look at some of the headlines related to that.
- “Nepal Snubs India, To Hold Joint Military Exercise With China”
- “Nepal snubs India, adopts constitution amid protests”
- “Himalayan snub for India as Nepal signs railway deal with China”
- “Nepal PM snubs India, to visit China first”
You will find so many headlines like the above. From the headlines, it must be clear that Nepal favours China more than India. Why will a Hindu country like Nepal favour a Communist country (China) over India? This is politics and national welfare! Faith is different and national welfare is different. Same applies to Indian Muslims and Pakistan as well.
Indian Muslims and Cricket
Many think that Indian Muslims always support Pakistan in cricket and therefore, are not patriotic. We should understand that a game or a sport can NEVER be a yardstick for patriotism. The players play the game for their passion & money and supporters watch the game for entertainment and fun. What makes cricket different from this? Nothing!
It is interesting to note that only the game of cricket is used to measure patriotism. Why not other sports? How about Hindus supporting Red Bull or McLaren Mercedes in F1 car racing instead of Force India? Should we now call these Hindus as unpatriotic?
If some people think that anything to do with Pakistan should be shunned, we would like to ask them about Hindu music lovers who love the songs of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam et al? Are they unpatriotic too? If Hindus in India who are music lovers of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, et al are not unpatriotic, what makes them and music an exception? Music, Sports, Arts etc are beyond geographical boundaries and should NEVER be made yardsticks to measure patriotism.
Role of Indian Muslims in Nation Building
Indian Muslims have consistently demonstrated their patriotism and commitment to the nation, from the days of the freedom struggle to modern-day India. Today, Indian Muslims continue to serve our motherland with distinction across all walks of life—including the armed forces, civil services, education, healthcare, arts, and business.
Thousands of Muslims proudly wear the uniform in the Indian Armed Forces, safeguarding the nation’s borders and upholding its sovereignty. Muslim scientists, teachers, doctors, entrepreneurs, and civil servants contribute daily to India’s progress, growth, and innovation. Their actions stand as a powerful testament to their unwavering loyalty and dedication to our country.
Conclusion
The British ruled India by creating divisions between religions. If Hindus and Muslims had not stood united, independence would have been impossible. Today, some people use the same tactics, trying to divide us for their own benefit.
We must honor the sacrifices of our forefathers who gave their lives for our country by staying united as one nation and not falling for the dirty tactics of the divisive forces.
