Why is there so much hate between Hindus and Muslims in India?

Why is there so much hate between Hindus and Muslims in India?

This is a very complex question and requires a nuanced understanding of the problem. I call it stabbing a festering wound, ill get to that.

Have you heard of the word like Justice and Closure?

That’s what Hindus need from Muslims. But this is very tricky.

Can we really blame the Muslims of today for the atrocities committed against Hindus by their forefathers and fellow coreligionist? Is it even right?

The hatred is there because there was NO Justice given to Hindus. There was no closure before Independence for the Muslim rule. In fact, Hindus were forced to FORGET the Islamic atrocities committed upon them by the likes of our oxford returned ruling elite during independence. They came with the “enlightened ideas of Socialism and irreligiousness” and hoped Hindus will forget the past and start afresh with Muslims. Atrocities need JUSTICE.

Can you really forget a crime if you haven't been served Justice? Ask the Sikhs to forget about 1984. Or Indians to forget Jalliyanwala bagh massacre or Hindus to forget the Muslims atrocities on India. You can keep quiet and let the rage simmer, but the rage never dies down. You get the picture.

Here is an analogy: Think of Hindu pain like a wound caused by Muslims invasions on India.

The wound: The first wound on Hindus was the invasion of Muslims and their atrocities. The wound wasn't healed - no medicine applied. Hindus were supposed to forget the killings, conversions and breaking of temples.

There was no Justice given to the Hindus. It was expected that Hindus should start from scratch after independence.

When justice isn't delivered, the wound festers under the skin and becomes infected and the infection keeps growing.

The Hindu-Muslim hate is a symptom of the wound not being treated. Instead, a bandage put on the wound (during independence), in the hope that it will disappear.

The human brain doesn’t work that way, it looks for closure.

First stab on the wound:

Partition and the forced Amnesia: Partition of India was another huge jolt for Hindus. The Muslims who committed atrocities on us, now have broken our beloved motherland in two. Just because of religion. ISLAM STABS THE HINDU WOUND AGAIN. Were Hindu asked whether they want to divide their land? it was just a couple of knights on a round table, backed by some people (most of whom didn't even go to Pakistan), who knew what the country wanted. Maybe it was inevitable and Hindus couldn’t do a thing even if they wanted to, But it hurt none-the-less.

During partition, a group of Hindus (Nehru and his ilk) wanted a secular nation. He wanted to start from scratch and hoped Hindus and Muslims will live in harmony. Secularism was thrust upon Indian Hindus - they weren't asked, and the Hindu wound was supposed to be forgotten?

Past atrocities and India's partition doubled down the hate for Muslims. It’s like stabbing the wound with a nail to make it worse. Hindus kept quiet, the animosity growing inside.

No closure yet. No one to soothe the wound of the Hindus no one to listen to their pain. The wound festers on and becomes worse.

Second stab on the wound:

Congress used Muslims as vote banks. This meant that Muslims were privileged and their religious whims were fulfilled, alienating the Hindus even more. Congress was seen as a Muslim appeasing party. WHO LISTENS TO HINDUS?

The media works under the motto that Muslims are a minority and we are the protectors of the minority. In turn, being very unfair to Hindus.

They don't realize that by supporting 14% of Indians excesses, they are being unfair to the 79 percent of Indians.

Laws were overlooked to appease Muslims.

When a Muslim is hurt, it’s Front page news and there are candle marches because we need to support minorities. When a Hindu is hurt it's not covered or it's covered in the 4th page of the newspaper, there are no debates or candle marches.

Today saying I am proud Hindu is seen as supporting RSS. Really? Hindus are so scared that they say “I am a Hindu BUT…”

ISN’T THIS UNFAIR? The Hindus pain grows but they are forced to keep quiet. If they speak… then they are Bigots/Bhakta. You can be a proud Hindu and not be a bhakt or left-liberal.

Third stab on the wound:

Then we come to the present.

Finally, there is a party that comes to power who understand this pain because the pain is the seed of these ideologies. And they’re speaking about it.

Now finally Hindus have a chance to talk about the pain they feel, they are asked to shut up by a section. If they cry then they are bigots.

What do we do? If we keep quiet they overlook us. if we speak up we are Hindutvawadis.

Then Hindus took a leaf out of the Muslim page. Be violent and be loud, that's the only way people will hear you. It worked for Muslims. But the hypocrisy is when Muslims do it is freedom of religion, when Hindus do it we are communal.

Now, this is like applying salt to a festering wound that has been stabbed multiple times.

This pain and wailing of hurt by Hindus - NO ONE SEES. This adds to the hate Hindus have for Muslims. (Muslims are no angels either)

There was never justice given to Hindus. There was no closure. No one to listens to them. No one to ask them “Brother tell me what are you angry about. where does it hurt” the only reply they get is Bigot/bhakt/hindutva. when you are not allowed to voice your grievances, some chose violence.

On the other hand of a Muslim has a cut on his finger, the media covers it, and they are sent to the best hospitals. Because they are a minority, they need extra attention. In India, Hindus feel like the neglected brother in the family, where the younger brother is showered all the attention and love.

To make matters worse, there are a few Muslims like Owasi and his ilk, and some regular Muslims who rub their thumb on Hindus noses, gloating they Hindus are inferior and we ruled them for centuries. They sit on the Left-liberal medias shoulders and mock us. This I find every funny, has the liberal media ever talked about how gays are treated in Islam amongst many other things in Islam that go against liberal secular values? You are liberal rent you? Shouldn't you fight against all religious faults? why is Hinduism so special?

Hindus have started feeling neglected in India - this is something the left Liberal can't even fathom, but its something many Hindus live every day. The idea that you are majority means you don't suffer is a wrong narrative.

Because the wound hasn’t been treated it's only gotten deeper.

Hindus feel victimized in their own land. They don't find compassion or justice in their country.

This frustration comes out as Hate. The lack of justice. One day this pain will be so unbearable that will cause a calamity in India.

WHO speaks for us? No one. Muslims have You, media and Congress.

Don’t ask us to forget because people don't forget atrocities. Hindus Muslim Sikh or whoever. because the pain will come in a different form. Cure the wound, don't ask us to forget.

I mean every time I go to ancient temple and see broken god’s statues I feel angry, but try and rationalise it. it was in the past. Then it comes up again when Muslim tell me about how bad idol worship is and proudly claim we broke idols… i mean really, nothing has changed. There is no remorse. And you don't expect anger form hindus?

We are not asking for an apology from Muslims, but an understanding that yes we know you have suffered, I acknowledge your pain Brother. That will go a long way in reducing hate rather than abusing us and labelling us.

This has to come from within and not be forced, which sadly will never come.

You might find my answer ridiculous, but then you don't get the point. The point being there are millions who feel this way. You can turn a blind eye and not solve the problem (perceived or real) or you can try and understand the disgruntle millions.

My dear secular, Muslims and libelers, instead of vilification of fanatic Hindus, try and come with medicine to soothe the pain. Listen to us and not argue with us to prove you are right and we are wrong. It's not about right or wrong. See why we hurt. See our point of view. Understand it. And not call us names.

Sometimes people act up because no one listens to their pain. Under the anger is a cry for help.

Hope people understand this.

There has always been hatred between Hindus and Muslims for many centuries.

These are some reason which I don’t like about them.

1. Muslims always support anti Hindu forces i.e. liberals, communists and other leftists. These forces always spew venom against Hindus. They attack their way of life, traditions and practices and many times even demean their deities. I have never seen any Muslim condemning these people instead they directly or indirectly support them for various reasons. For e.g. ultra radical left portals like The Wire or NDTV or Quint is hugely supported by them. But, they expect Hindus not to support right wing political parties and organizations.
2. Muslims are always so much concerned about Rohingyas, Palestinians or Syrians. No problem with that. Also, they will always talk about 2002 riots, 1992 incident etc. Again no problem with that. But if you try to bring in the 1989 Kashmir genocide or Godhra incident or many violent attacks throughout India, they will immediately brand you an Islamophobic and hate monger Sanghi. I have experienced this first hand. If 2002 was crime against humanity then 1989, Godhra violence were also crime against humanity and should be equally condemned. Also, they suggest you not to bring these historical incidents as it unnecessarily creates hate but they don’t mind bringing 2002 or 1992 every time.
3. Majority of Muslims are moderates there is not an iota of doubt about that. But these moderates have given the platform to represent them in intellectual and moral space to the extremists elements in their community. If an extremists like Zakir Naik or Owaisi brothers spread venom against Hindus, they don’t react. If these wahabi fundamentalists are engaged in violent activities then again there is no reaction from these moderate sane Muslims. If thousands of Muslims attend funeral of terrorists like Yakub, again there is no reaction. Many a times they brush off these incidents as right wing propaganda or they start showing themselves as victims of media bias, majoritarian discrimination and persecution etc. Now this sends a wrong signal that all Muslims silently support these fundamentalists who are ferociously anti Hindu.
4. As an Indian one should not be proud of invaders like Akbar, Aurangzeb, Khilzi or Tipu. Instead Indians should detest these people. But if you criticize them then many Muslims take it as personal attack. As a Hindu, I get confused whether Muslims really like these invaders.
5. People like Hamid Ansari- ex Vice president for two terms, Nasiruddin Shah, Aamir Khan - bollywood superstars. These are social elites. They have reached pinnacle of success in a Hindu majority country. Still, they feel that Hindus in India are highly intolerant. This is really frustrating and increases enmity.
6. For the past 7–8 years, Hindus have become more vocal and expressive about their political and religious identity. This is seen as encroachment by many in the Muslim community especially the religious and political islamists. Also, there is huge upsurge in cultural nationalism, Hindu nationalism and Indian nationalism which is not going down well with the Muslim community. One such example is insistence on saying Bharat Mata Ki Jai or Vande Matram. Social media has also added fuel to the fire. There is intense debate on topics like nationalism, Ram Mandir, secularism, appeasement politics, Uniform Civil Code etc. Most of these debates end very bitterly.

Few years ago, there was no Social Media. There was limited interaction and thus comparatively less hatred. But now, everyone express themselves freely on social media. When I read views and opinions of some well educated Muslims on Quora, many a times I get enraged and develop some kind of dislike. This same also happens to Muslims when they read views and opinions of some Hindus. This sours the relations between both communities. Also, one cannot ignore the role of our biased and senseless media houses who is engaged in sensationalizing every issue for TRPs.

Hindus & Muslims in India

In a general life, there is not such any hatred between Hindus and Muslims. Recently, India remarkably defeated SA in the 3rd test. I had a similar joy when Bumrah (a Hindu ) took 5 wickets in the 1st inning & Shammi ( a Muslim ) who took 5 wickets in the 2nd inning. For me, both bowling performances were outstanding. My office has many Hindus and Muslims colleagues, and all are happy living and working.

So, from where the hate comes. Let’s revisit some burning issues between Hindus and Muslims.

History:

• Initially ( since ancient times )India or Indian subcontinent was a Hindu population. The Islamic entry to the Indian subcontinent started from the invasions of Muhammad Bin Qasim in year 712. Post that Indian subcontinent’s Hindu population suffered severely because of attacks from Ghazni, Gori, Abdali. They looted, massacred, plundered the Hindu population. Their atrocities led to huge scale conversion. A whopping number of Hindu women were raped and were enslaved. Same tactics were used by the likes of Allauddin Khilji, Aurangzeb. Their regime also added miseries to huge scale demolition of temples, burning of literature and religious tax like Zaziya tax. I also understand that these atrocities cannot be seen through the lens of Hindu versus Muslim compared to current time. Also, earlier there was no concept of a country/nation. There were many and small kingdoms fighting against each other. No kingdom helped each other against the foreign invaders. Even likes of Aurangzeb and Akbar had many Hindu generals fighting in their ranks. Like Man Singh fought against Maharana Pratap. Having said that, one point that cannot be disputed: that Hindu population of has suffered massively. Hindus also had few violent kings like Ashoka, however, no such cases of widespread conversion in the name of religions were recorded.

Dispute- The same history also acts a matter of dispute between the Hindu and Muslim population. The Hindus consider these Aurangzeb, Khilzi, Gori’s as the historical villains and a good number of Muslims defend them.

Eating habits

• The Hindus have a good number of population as vegetarians. The Muslims have more than the majority of people as non-vegetarians. This opposite eating habit/culture creates a certain divide. So many Hindus do not wish to live in the Muslim adjoining areas.

Ram Temple - Babri Mosque Issue

• This is certainly a sensitive issue between communities. It is well known historical fact that most of the Hindu temples were demolished and were replaced by Mosques. Hindus as a religion believe in an idol worship. For Hindus, these places have a strong religious affinity. For a country with nearly 80% of the Hindu population, it is a tragedy that they are unable to create a temple for their beloved God. Thus, this issue gains prime importance during the elections. Just hypothetically reverse this scenario, If, someone a community/country/religion challenges the ownership of Mecca Land, the Muslims would certainly across the world declare War on the challenger.
• I hope someday, the Muslim Community to come forward and help with the construction of a grand Ram temple. This has nothing to do with any ego issues. This would certainly lead to a humongous religious tourism to the Ayodhya and Faizabad. All residents of Ayodhya/Faizabad whether Hindus and Muslim will be benefited and entire UP even India will get good revenue. If any support comes from the Muslim community for the construction of the Ram temple, the Hindu community will certainly help with a construction of Mosque. This issue will be settled once for all. Else, it will always come in the political debates on the news channels and on electoral speeches.

Love Jihad or Intent for Religious expansion/conversion

• Another sensitive issue. It is a kind of mixed issue, while adults as per the constitutional age can marry and lead their lives. However, an intent for the religious conversion also cannot be denied. I have seen a couple of happy marriages of Hindu boy and Muslim girl in my office, without any issues. However, I have seen examples of alliances or intent to target Hindu girls for the conversion. An educated Muslim would certainly deny it but it also a harsh ground reality.
• For Hindu population, nothing is more worrisome than your girl having a wish to marry a Muslim guy. Any family would not be happy. Since Hinduism is a liberal religion and provides a great legal security for the Hindu women. However, Islam lacks here. Practically it supports only Muslim men. They can easily do 4 marriages and can instantly give divorce. These principles were more suitable to the primitive era of fighter tribes, however, religious fanatics in Islam are not at all ready for any kind of current day modernization. They want to live with the same set of laws and rituals. The reluctance against the modernization in the name of the religion is the biggest drawback of the Islam. Also, Islam has cousins marrying each other, which is prohibited in the Hinduism. Culturally Hindus do not want their daughter or sister to wear a black color ( “Burqa” ) when she has lived a liberal and colorful life. People argue that “Ghoongat” is also kind of veil. Yes, Ghoongat is also part of Indian culture in few states, but it is limited to the rural areas and not at all present in the cities and metro areas.

Support for Pakistan

• India is still the best place to live although, this cannot be denied that Muslims in few parts of India like Hyderabad, WB support Pakistan because of the religion Islam. My old cricket favorites were Akram, Akhtar, but not definitely against India. Indian people supporting Pak during cricket match versus India certainly lacks logic. If an even small number of people in the Muslim community would support Pak, it would be an obvious point of divide. It also invokes a doubt in the Hindu population that if any Muslim foreigner attacks India, what would be a stand of the Muslim. Having said that, Indian Muslims have thwarted attempts of Wahabism and radicalization as prevalent in other Islamic countries up to a great extent.

Support for Dawood Ibrahim/Yakub Menon/Afzal Guru

• It is a well-known fact that these above-mentioned criminals were/are traitors. I find vociferous support for them. Yakub Menon’s funeral was extensively attended event. The images of his funeral would certainly remain a matter of the discussion. I have seen noticed huge support for Dawood Ibrahim's action even few considering themselves as their heroes. Whether Muslim, Hindu or any other community, people should not support criminals and anti-social elements belonging to their caste/community/religion.

• Victim card

  • It is a high time for the Muslim community to stop playing the victim card. They cannot deny the fact that they are scrutinized big time in the world. Islamic terrorism is a global issue. They should come aggressively against the terrorist’s organization. In India, media, minority community appeasing parties and leaders talk on a length on Godhra riots, Pelu Khan, Aflaq lynching’s, however, kept a mum on the exodus of Kashmere Pandits. They never speak about recent riots in WB and increasing radicalization in WB and Kerala. When people talk about Godhra riots, they should also talk about who started the live roast of the 56 passengers. There will be no end solution to it. As no educated and genuine people are part of mobs. Usually, anti-social elements form mobs for violent protest and attacks. No riot can justify another riot.
  • Rather than believing themselves as victims: Muslims community as a whole should introspect themselves. Why most of the Islamic countries have huge civil/religious war. Why most of militant/terror organization across the world are based on Islamic fundamentals. Why people are misquoting Quran to terrorize people in the name of Quran. Only modern outlook and religious freedom can resolve this problem.

  Last and above all - Politics and Media

  • Radical politicians belonging to both communities try there best to spread venom. Congress primarily governed India post-independence. This party is the biggest pillar of the minority appeasement. Their antics have countered polarized liberal Hindus towards right wing of the BJP. Earlier educated Hindus were not neutral and the center of the politics. Large-scale minority appeasement by Congress and nearly every political party have created a strong shift in the mindset of the Hindus. Media, Social media platforms play an impactful role. They also create a certain perception of divide and mistrust. Earlier freedom fighters had no problems with singing “Vande Mataram”, now people have a problem in saying it. I hope a country should be the priority than the religion. Also, Hindus should not support any radicalization like Karni Sena. Violent protest on constitution green subject makes no point.

  Although, it is very difficult to give a conclusion as I have written my narrative. A Muslim asked to display his nationalism or on every debate, asked to leave India and go to Pakistan is also disturbing. The India consists of Hindus, Muslims and all communities Politicians would try their best to divide us in name of Hindu, Muslim, Dalit, Aryan, Dravidian. The politicians like movies are also the mirror of our society. At the end of the day we all are Indians. Modernization & good education are the best weapon to counter all such problems. Study and work hard - concentrate about your career, job, business, and overall economic development. Also, the day, we will stop voting on the agenda of the caste, community, religion, reservation, freebies and start focusing on problems of poverty, population, education, pollution, environment: our problems/tensions would reduce up to great extent. It is a case of a demand and supply.