Edited by: Altamash Khan
In the contemporary socio-political landscape, the Indian Muslim community finds itself embroiled in numerous political debates, often reactionary and emotionally charged. While political awareness and engagement are essential for any community’s growth and rights protection, excessive entanglement in daily political disputes, especially on divisive issues, can be counterproductive. Instead of focusing on reactionary participation, the community should channel its energy towards education, economic empowerment, legal awareness, and institution-building. This strategic shift will enable long-term progress and ensure Muslims play a proactive role in shaping their future.
A common pattern observed in recent years is the community’s reactionary stance on politically motivated legislations and policies. While voicing concerns is legitimate, the energy expended on emotionally charged debates often leads to distraction from larger developmental goals. Several recent incidents highlight the need for a change in approach. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025. The proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, allowing non-Muslims to be part of Waqf Boards and increasing government control over Waqf properties, have led to significant protests and political mobilization among Muslims. While concerns about the dilution of Waqf autonomy are valid, a more effective approach would involve legal scrutiny, lobbying, and institution-building rather than street protests that are often ignored by policymakers. Strengthening legal aid cells and educating the community about property rights would yield better results. Triple Talaq Legislation The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, which criminalized instant triple talaq, sparked intense debate within the community. Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue on gender justice and Islamic jurisprudence, much of the response was defensive and reactionary. A forward-looking approach would have been to promote legal awareness, ensure gender justice within the framework of Islamic laws, and strengthen internal mechanisms for conflict resolution. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) The protests against CAA-NRC in 2019-2020 showcased the community’s capacity for mobilization. However, the response was largely defensive rather than strategic. While nationwide protests brought visibility to the issue, a more effective long-term approach would have been political representation, engagement with civil society, and legal preparedness to counter the potential repercussions of the Act.
Instead of being trapped in cycles of reactionary politics, the Muslim community must redirect its focus towards sustainable solutions that secure its socio-economic and political future. Education is the foundation of empowerment. Instead of expending energy on defending every perceived political slight, Muslims should invest in educational institutions, scholarships, and vocational training. Data indicates that a significant percentage of Muslim youth lag behind in higher education and competitive exams. Community-driven initiatives to promote professional excellence will yield tangible long-term benefits. Economic self-sufficiency grants a community greater political leverage. The Jewish and Parsi communities in India and abroad have demonstrated how economic success translates into socio-political influence. Instead of investing time in reactive debates, Muslims should focus on entrepreneurship, business networks, and financial independence. Establishing cooperative banks, business mentorship programs, and startup incubators can provide sustainable solutions to economic challenges. Many of the issues that trigger political reactions within the Muslim community stem from legal ignorance. A well-informed citizenry can challenge discriminatory policies more effectively in courts rather than in emotionally driven protests. Strengthening legal aid cells, encouraging young Muslims to pursue careers in law, and forming advocacy groups will create long-term institutional resistance against policies that undermine community rights. One of the biggest challenges Muslims face is the misrepresentation in mainstream media. Rather than reacting to every controversy, the community should invest in its own media channels, alternative digital platforms, and professional training in journalism. Constructing a strong media presence will allow Muslims to shape narratives rather than merely respond to them. Muslims need to move beyond tokenistic political representation and focus on strategic alliances. Rather than being divided along sectarian or ideological lines, a unified political approach that collaborates with marginalized groups, civil rights organizations, and progressive political entities will ensure greater impact. Electoral participation should be driven by pragmatic decision-making rather than emotional appeals.
Several examples illustrate how communities that prioritize constructive engagement achieve better outcomes. Kerala’s Model, Muslims in Kerala, through organizations like the Kerala Muslim Educational Society (KMES) and the Muslim Service Society (MSS), have focused on education and employment, resulting in better socio-economic indicators compared to Muslims in other parts of India. The Bohra Community’s Economic Success: The Dawoodi Bohra Muslim community has focused on business excellence, education, and philanthropy rather than engaging in political controversies, making them one of the most economically secure Muslim subgroups.
While political awareness and activism are essential, the Muslim community must avoid being trapped in unproductive political debates that do not translate into tangible gains. Instead, channelling energy into education, economic development, legal awareness, media representation, and strategic political engagement will ensure long-term security and prosperity. The focus should shift from reacting to every political controversy to proactively shaping a future where Muslims are economically and socially empowered, making them less vulnerable to political manipulation. A strategic, long-term approach will ensure the community’s voice is heard, respected, and influential in shaping the nation’s policies.
About the Writer:
Altamash Khan is a contributing journalist who completed his journalism studies at the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University. He has over half a decade of experience writing on a wide range of topics, from politics and social issues to technology and Brands. In addition to his journalism work, he works as a Public Relations and Brand Strategist, helping communicate Brand messages to the World. He would love to hear your thoughts on this issue. Leave a comment below or reach out via the social media handles.