Al Haqeeqa
Recent arrests of members associated with Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT) across Tamil Nadu have brought attention to a growing concern within India- a country built on secular democratic principles- about the advocacy for an Islamic state and the rejection of democracy, voting, and the Constitution. With the Government officially listing HuT as a terrorist organization, it is crucial to understand not only how its activities are illegal under Indian law but also how they contradict core Islamic principles, creating a double dilemma for the Muslim community.
India’s Constitution ensures the right to religious freedom while maintaining a clear distinction between religion and state affairs. It enshrines democracy, voting, and fundamental rights for all its citizens. Any attempt to overthrow these democratic values by advocating for the establishment of an Islamic state is a direct violation of the laws that govern India. The actions of HuT members, which include preaching against participation in democratic processes, challenging the Constitution, and promoting an alternative state governed by Sharia law, threaten the country’s secular fabric. HuT’s ideological opposition to democracy positions itself against the fundamental principles that have allowed diverse communities, including Muslims, to coexist peacefully in India. By promoting anti-constitutional activities, the organization not only creates a wedge between Muslims and the larger society but also encourages an isolationist attitude, which hinders social cohesion.
HuT’s activities are not only problematic within the Indian legal framework but also contradict Islamic teachings. Islam, as a faith, values order, justice, and the avoidance of chaos (fitnah). A key principle in Islamic political thought is that any legitimate Islamic governance must come through a lawful process, particularly under the leadership of a Muslim ruler (Imam or Khalifa) with broad community support. Rebellion, upheaval, or attempts to establish governance without clear authority can lead to anarchy, which is strongly discouraged in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against actions that lead to fitnah (chaos and strife) within society. He emphasized maintaining unity and upholding justice through established authority rather than promoting disunity through unauthorized calls for an Islamic state. In fact, Islamic scholars across the world have cautioned against leaderless movements that seek to change systems by inciting unrest. These movements, like HuT, not only harm the community’s interests but also run counter to the broader Islamic objective of achieving societal peace and harmony.
One of the most concerning aspects of HuT’s advocacy is its impact on Muslim youth, who are often lured by the promise of a utopian Islamic state without fully understanding the consequences of their actions. Many young Muslims, swayed by HuT’s ideology, become involved in activities that are illegal under Indian law, leading to their arrest and long-term imprisonment. These youth, rather than becoming contributing members of society, find themselves trapped in cycles of incarceration, alienation, and disenfranchisement. HuT’s promises of a better life under Islamic governance are hollow when they push young people toward paths that can result in criminal records, lost opportunities, and fractured lives. Muslim youth need to be made aware that Islam does not advocate for actions that disrupt societal peace, and the calls for violent rebellion or the overthrow of constitutional systems are misguided. What is more pressing is the need for socio-economic development, education, and political participation within the existing democratic framework, rather than advocating for an unattainable and divisive goal that runs contrary to both Indian law and Islamic principles.
It is imperative that Muslim scholars, leaders, and community organizations address the narratives put forth by organizations like HuT, which are not only illegal but also theologically unsound. Islamic teachings encourage Muslims to be just and active participants in their societies, promoting goodness (ma’ruf) and preventing harm (munkar) within the framework of the law. Rather than falling prey to divisive ideologies, the Muslim community must focus on constructive engagement with India’s democratic processes. This includes voting, political participation, and advocacy for equal rights, which can lead to the upliftment of the community without the destructive consequences of rebellion or radicalism. The Muslim youth must be informed that true Islamic governance is about justice, order, and peace- values that can be upheld within India’s secular democracy. By rejecting radical calls for upheaval, Muslims can work towards a future where they contribute positively to society without compromising their faith or their freedom.
-Resham Fatima,
Masters in International Relations,
Jawharlal Nehru University
