Elections bring out the worst in human nature, especially in these times in India, when politics has been greatly criminalised. The powers that be are resorting to the worst type of communal propaganda, vitiating the minds of common people. The opposition parties are retorting in the same way. The net result is further poisoning of the minds and souls of the citizens. Who wins in the five states going to the elections is irrelevant. But the problem is the degradation of the level of public debate and damage to the social fabric. The main target of the fascist elements are the Muslims, Christians, Dalits and weaker sections of the Hindu brethren.
The Muslims, who are the main targets of verbal and physical attacks, should respond with sagacity and magnanimity. They should follow the exhortation by Almighty God which follows: “And who is fairer in speech than he who calls to Allah and acts righteously and says: ‘I am a Muslim?’ (O Prophet), good and evil are not equal. Repel (evil) with that which is good, and you will see that he, between whom and you there was enmity, shall become as if he were a bosom friend (of yours). But none attains to this except those who are steadfast; none attains to this except those endowed with mighty good fortune. And if you are prompted by a provocation from Satan, seek refuge with Allah. He, and He alone, is All-Hearing, All- Knowing.” (The Qur’ān – 41:33-36)
The Muslims and also our Hindu brethren, should keep before themselves the prayer which emanated from the lips of the Holy Prophet ﷺ when he was rejected and humiliated by the leaders of Taif: “To You, my Lord, I complain of my weakness, lack of support and the humiliation I am made to receive. Most Compassionate and Merciful! You are the Lord of the weak, and you are my Lord. To whom do You leave me? To a distant person who receives me with hostility? Or to an enemy You have given power over me? As long as you are not displeased with me, I do not care what I face. I would, however, be much happier with Your mercy. I seek refuge in the light of Your face by which all darkness is dispelled and both this life and the life to come are put in their right course against incurring your wrath or being the subject of your anger. To You I submit, until I earn Your pleasure. Everything is powerless without your support.” This prayer teaches us always to be mindful of our responsibility as believers in God and well-wishers of our fellow citizens, however harsh some of them may be.
If not now, in Sha Allah in the future our fellow citizens will realise our sincerity. We, with the help of the overwhelming majority of the Hindu brethren, will build a better India for ourselves and our coming generations. So our Lord! Give us wisdom and strength to act correctly for the betterment of our country. India, as well as the whole world, belongs to You. Pour upon us Your Mercy and bless us with wisdom and generosity.