Al Haqeeqa
The treatment of religious and ethnic minorities in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan has long been a subject of concern for human rights advocates, scholars, and policymakers alike. In these nations, minorities- such as Hindus in Bangladesh and Shia Muslims in Pakistan- often face discrimination, marginalisation, and even violence. This behaviour not only tarnishes the image of Islam but also carries significant implications for Muslim communities in neighbouring India and around the world.
In Bangladesh, a predominantly Muslim nation, the Hindu community constitutes a significant minority. However, Hindus have faced a long history of social, economic, and political marginalisation. Reports of forced conversions, attacks on temples, and destruction of Hindu properties, particularly during times of political unrest, have been widespread. The 2001 general elections and the subsequent rise in violence against Hindus is a prominent example of how minorities have been targeted in moments of political tension. The situation has continued in recent years, with Hindus being victims of mob violence, religious intolerance, and legal discrimination. Despite Bangladesh’s secular constitution, the country has struggled with reconciling the ideals of a pluralistic society with its Muslim-majority identity. The Government has often been criticised for not doing enough to protect minorities from violence or ensure equal rights for all citizens. This failure to safeguard minority rights not only harms the individuals involved but also sends a message that religious tolerance is secondary to the political and social agenda of the ruling majority. All these issues have once again attracted world’s attention due to recent developments in Bangladesh, especially related to treatment of priests from ISKCON temple. Similar issues can be found in Pakistan, a country that also identifies itself as an Islamic republic, with religious minorities facing significant challenges, particularly Shia Muslims. Although Shia Islam is a major sect within Islam, Pakistan’s Sunni majority has subjected Shia Muslims to violence, exclusion, and marginalisation for decades. Sectarian violence, often fuelled by extremist Sunni groups, has led to the deaths of thousands of Shia Muslims in targeted attacks. The massacre of Shia worshippers during Ashura processions, bombings at Shia mosques, and attacks on Shia pilgrims in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province are just a few examples of the extreme forms of discrimination that Shias endure. In addition to physical violence, Shia Muslims in Pakistan also face social and economic exclusion. They are frequently denied access to important positions in government, the military, and other state institutions. In many parts of Pakistan, Shia religious practices are viewed with suspicion, and individuals identifying as Shia often face harassment or social ostracism. The marginalisation of Shia Muslims in Pakistan is particularly problematic because it goes against the inclusive nature of Islam, which encourages the peaceful coexistence of different sects within the Muslim ummah (community). This discrimination feeds into a narrative of sectarianism, which has the potential to destabilise society and contradicts the Quranic principles of justice and equality.
The persecution of minorities in these Muslim-majority nations not only harms the affected communities but also paints a distorted picture of Islam. Islam, in its essence, advocates for peace, tolerance, and the protection of religious minorities. The Quran explicitly stresses on the importance of justice and kindness toward others, regardless of their faith. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said, “Whoever kills a person [non-Muslims] will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.” However, the actions of those in power, often using religion for political purposes, have overshadowed these teachings. When minority groups face persecution, it creates a perception that Islam is intolerant and incompatible with diversity. This negative image is perpetuated globally, affecting the way Muslims are perceived in the West and other parts of the world. Islam is often conflated with extremism, intolerance, and sectarian violence, even though these actions are in direct contradiction to the core values of the religion. India, with its large Muslim population, finds itself in a complex position. Indian Muslims, who form a significant minority in a predominantly Hindu country, are often subjected to scrutiny due to the actions and behaviour of Muslims in neighbouring countries. The negative portrayal of Islam in the media, often fuelled by the actions of extremist groups and the treatment of minorities in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan, reinforces the stereotypes that Indian Muslims are somehow out of place in a predominantly Hindu society. This has led to a rise in anti-Muslim rhetoric and has fostered a climate of suspicion and distrust. In many ways, the actions of Muslims in Muslim-majority countries- whether it’s the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh or the sectarian violence against Shias in Pakistan- contribute to the narrative that Islam is a religion of intolerance. This puts Indian Muslims in a difficult position, where they must constantly reaffirm their commitment to the values of pluralism, peace, and coexistence.
Indian Muslims must work to distance themselves from the extremist actions that take place in other parts of the Muslim world, not because they are disconnected from their fellow Muslims but because they believe that the true spirit of Islam lies in tolerance and respect for all faiths. India’s secular constitution provides a platform for Muslims and other minorities to coexist peacefully, but this fragile coexistence is often threatened by the actions of individuals or groups in other countries. The treatment of minorities in Muslim-majority countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan not only goes against the principles of Islam but also has a far-reaching impact on how Muslims are perceived globally. Discrimination, sectarian violence, and religious intolerance tarnish the image of Islam, making it harder for Muslims in India and other parts of the world to advocate for the true teachings of Islam. It is crucial for Muslim-majority countries to ensure that their actions align with the Quranic principles of justice, tolerance, and compassion toward all people, regardless of their faith. Only by addressing these internal issues can the Muslim world begin to repair its image and rebuild trust among different communities.
– Resham Fatima
Masters in International Relations,
Jawaharlal Nehru University
