Rising Extremism among Indian Youth: A Wake-Up Call for Unity and Peace

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 3 December 2024 Fostering Harmony among India's Youth: Combating Extremism through Education and Dialogue Summary of the Article: The Article Discusses The Alarming Rise Of Extremism, Provocation, And Religious Hostility Among Indian Youth, Particularly On Social Media, Which Threatens The Nation's Pluralistic Fabric. It Emphasizes How Political Leaders Exploit Religious Issues For Personal Gain, Deepening Societal Divisions, A Trend Further Exacerbated By Media Insensitivity. The Article Calls For Providing Quality Education, Employment, And Accurate Religious Teachings To Guide The Youth Away From Extremist Ideologies. Furthermore, It Highlights The Importance Of Embracing Islamic Principles Of Peace, Moderation, And Mutual Respect, Which Oppose Violence And Promote Societal Harmony, As A Solution To Combating Extremism. ----- Over the past few years, an unsettling trend has emerged on social media in our beloved nation, India. A closer look reveals a growing wave of extremism, provocation, and hatred among the youth. A quick scroll through social media platforms reveals countless videos, speeches, and political statements on religious issues. The comments and likes on such content paint a troubling picture: religious hostility is gaining momentum, with open displays of intolerance becoming alarmingly common. Some youth have no regard for the rule of law and openly propagate hatred without fear of consequences. Others, though wary of legal repercussions, hide behind pseudonyms to unleash their anger and animosity, targeting different religions, cultures, and places of worship — be it mosques, temples, or other sacred sites. This phenomenon is deeply damaging to the fabric of our diverse nation. India is a land of many religions, cultures, and traditions. This diversity is our strength and our very identity. Instead of nurturing this unity, some of our political leaders have exploited religious issues for personal and political gain. They manipulate faith, religious practices, and sacred spaces to score political points, deepening the divisions among us. This is a dangerous trend. What is needed instead is a collective effort to promote justice, equality, and the development of all citizens, regardless of religion or community. Unfortunately, such leadership is rare. Even our media, once a pillar of democratic values, has become increasingly insensitive, fuelling divisiveness rather than promoting harmony. India has made significant efforts to counter extremist ideologies emerging from abroad, such as those propagated by groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Our nation has worked tirelessly to shield its citizens from such harmful influences. However, when we look inward, we see a worrying rise in religious extremism among our own youth. This growing trend demands immediate attention. The Need for Action It is crucial that we protect our country from the toxic effects of extremism. To do so, we must foster respect for all religions and cultures, encouraging a spirit of peace and coexistence. Leaders and citizens alike must work to prevent incidents that can ignite further extremism. We must confront the reality that extremism is not confined to one religion. Followers of all faiths are being drawn into this poisonous environment. The reasons are evident: divisive speeches, political manipulation, and a lack of meaningful dialogue. Older generations often remain silent, while anger and extremism take root among the youth. It is our responsibility to shield our youth — and future generations — from falling into the trap of extremism. This requires sincere efforts to promote understanding, dialogue, and mutual respect. We must discourage divisive rhetoric and instead create spaces for constructive engagement. A Call to Leaders and Thinkers After reading an insightful Urdu article by Dr. Zafar Darak on this topic, I felt compelled to translate and expand upon it for a wider audience. It is essential for thinkers, intellectuals, and leaders to recognize the gravity of this issue. By rising above religious and communal divides, we can work towards a brighter, harmonious future for our beloved nation. This is not merely a political or social issue; it is a moral imperative. Let us join hands to build a future where peace and understanding triumph over hatred and division, ensuring that India remains a beacon of unity and diversity. ----- The Rising Trend of Extremism among the Youth By Zafar Darak Qasmi, Tr. New Age Islam History bears witness that youth play a fundamental role in the development, progress, and welfare of any society. However, this is only possible when young individuals channel their talents and abilities constructively and positively. For this, moderation and balance in temperament, intellectual maturity, awareness, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong are essential. In other words, if the youth remain politically, socially, and religiously aware in the true sense and are willing to utilize their intellectual and ideological strengths wisely, they can undoubtedly foster a peaceful and harmonious environment in society. Such individuals are driven by a passion to serve their nation and country, becoming role models for other children and youth in the community. On the contrary, if the youth are not nurtured and guided along sound, balanced ideological and intellectual lines, their qualities can turn into negative traits and destructive tendencies. Those who could have contributed positively to the progress, development, and prosperity of their nation and society instead become a threat to the same community. Ideologically and intellectually, such youth fail to maintain balance within themselves. Their behaviour, character, and actions start reflecting prejudice, narrow-mindedness, and partiality. In many cases, the tendency towards extremism and rigidity begins to dominate their personalities. In the present era, we observe a rapidly growing trend of extremism among the youth of our nation. Regardless of their religion or community, the promotion of violence in the name of faith, ethnicity, or race is neither beneficial for them nor for the society in which they live. Every religion teaches peace, harmony, and the avoidance of hatred and hostility within society. It advocates for people of all communities and faiths to live together in unity and tranquillity. Therefore, the rise of violence and narrow-mindedness among certain youth should not be associated with religion. Although it is often carried out in the name of religion, the actions of such individuals are a deviation from the true teachings of faith. Their behaviour reflects a misinterpretation rather than the essence of any religion, which fundamentally calls for peace and coexistence. The growing trend of violence among today’s youth does not seem to stem from any historical injustices they may have faced, nor from any tampering with their history, culture, or civilization. Any seeker of truth and history knows well that India’s pluralistic society and its social fabric have always remained secure and intact throughout the ages. Regardless of which community or faith held power at any given time, the essence of coexistence remained a hallmark of the nation. However, if certain groups or factions distort history for political gains and attempt to incite the youth against a particular community or sect, it becomes a different issue altogether. Such manipulations are aimed at fostering division and are far removed from the historical truth and harmony that India has always embodied. The wave of violence currently visible among the youth in our country is often carried out in the name of religion. However, any form of violence can neither be regarded as a service to religion nor find justification in the teachings of any faith. Remember, hatred, prejudice, or violence, regardless of which community it arises in, always yields detrimental and disheartening consequences for society as a whole. Imagine this: the very youth who were meant to bring pride to their parents, families, communities, and nation through their constructive and positive achievements—what compels them to become mere pawns in the hands of those with selfish political agendas? It is crucial for these young individuals to understand, with seriousness and sensitivity, the motives of political parties and organizations manipulating them. Only then can they safeguard their future and make meaningful contributions to their society. Islam's teachings and constitutional framework establish a society where people of all communities, races, and ethnicities live with freedom of belief, conscience, and thought. Islam does not permit violence against members of any community. Peace, harmony, and fraternity form the core principles of Islamic teachings. Islam also upholds the respect of other religions, their sacred texts, and revered figures. Its teachings are a remarkable example of moderation and balance. It strongly opposes and prohibits any ideologies, thoughts, or behaviours that promote unrest, imbalance, or violence within society, as well as individuals or groups who support such actions. Therefore, it is essential for today's society to adopt these teachings and traditions as a guide for creating peace and prosperity. By doing so, communities can foster an environment of mutual respect and harmony, ensuring the well-being and progress of all. The alarming rate at which the youth in our country are becoming ideologically, practically, and intellectually inclined toward violence is deeply concerning, particularly for a pluralistic society like India. This behaviour is incompatible with the harmonious fabric of the nation, and it is imperative to shield the youth from falling victim to such tendencies. One critical step in this direction is addressing the issue of unemployment. Many young individuals, driven by despair and frustration due to joblessness, are compelled to take misguided paths. Providing them with meaningful employment opportunities can help redirect their energies toward constructive endeavours. Additionally, the youth are often presented with distorted interpretations of religion. They are exposed to a version of religious teachings shaped by individuals with specific ideological agendas. It is crucial to ensure that the youth receive accurate and balanced understanding of their faith, emphasizing its core values of peace, compassion, and inclusivity. By addressing these issues, we can guide the youth toward a path of positivity and societal contribution. It is essential to safeguard the youth from falling into the trap of violence by connecting them with quality education and holistic training. They must be introduced to the true essence of religion, emphasizing its teachings of peace, compassion, and humanity. Furthermore, the youth should be encouraged to engage with literature and art that stand as genuine flagbearers of truth, reason, honesty, and integrity. When the youth are provided with a transparent and balanced environment, one that nurtures intellectual and ideological growth, the seeds of extremism and violence will no longer find fertile ground in their lives. Their routines will become disciplined, fostering a constructive mind-set that paves the way for meaningful contributions to society. In such a nurturing atmosphere, the youth will develop into individuals whose actions align with the expectations of a civilized and progressive society, becoming beacons of positivity, unity, and growth for the nation. ----- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalisation strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/current-affairs/rising-extremism-indian-youth-unity-peace/d/133908 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism