The recent detention of an IIT-Guwahati student for pledging allegiance to the Islamic State has sent shockwaves through India. This alarming development is further highlighted by the arrests of ISIS India head Haris Farooqi and his associate Anurag Singh, who converted to Islam. It is a warning that susceptibility to extremist indoctrination transcends traditional boundaries; gullible young people from any community can be targeted.
The disturbing reality is that even accomplished individuals such as Adnan Ali Sarkar and Jamesha Mubeen, both from well-educated backgrounds, have been ensnared by the ISIS ideology. Their stories evoke a sense of disbelief and dismay, shedding light on the insidious nature of extremism. Mubeen, in particular, stands as a poignant example, with his radicalisation spurred by tragic events such as the 2019 Sri Lanka ISIS attack.
The concerns about Islamic threat were amplified with the emergence of ISIS-K, or the Islamic State–Khorasan Province, whose recent attack in Moscow, Russia, claimed over 130 lives. Following this horrific act, ISIS-K issued a chilling video, directly targeting India and intensifying fears of potential terrorist activities in the country.
What is particularly worrying about this video is its deliberate appeal to disaffected young individuals, exploiting grievances and portraying itself as a champion of victims. Through strategic footage, including scenes of the Babri Masjid demolition, the inauguration of the Ram Mandir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and a recent incident in New Delhi where a police officer kicked Muslim worshippers offering namaz on the road, ISIS-K seeks to radicalise vulnerable individuals and incite violence. This calculated manipulation highlights the immediate need for vigilance and proactive measures.
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Battle of ideas
When it comes to confronting such terror elements, it’s crucial to see it as a battle of ideas above all else. However, it’s disheartening to witness the general social media landscape in India, where individuals, often lacking expertise in the subject matter, behave irresponsibly solely to gain followers and likes. Many pretend that they care about the nation and their community but their actions suggest otherwise. In serious matters such as terrorism, individuals on social media should exercise caution before offering oversimplified and generalised views, demonstrating a genuine concern for the consequences of their words and actions.
On one side of the spectrum are those, including Right-wing influencers, who align themselves with ISIS’s interpretation of Islam, erroneously claiming it to be mainstream. On the contrary, ISIS’s ideology is widely recognised as fringe, and the majority of Muslims reject it. On the other hand, many engage in apologia for extremists by asserting they are not true Muslims. Their primary focus seems to be defending their religion and community, often avoiding criticism or introspection. Both sides appear to be doing a significant disservice to India and the country’s Muslim community.
At this critical moment, it is the need of the hour to engage in discussions about ideology with honesty and depth. We must acknowledge the diversity of interpretations within Islam. While some argue that ISIS’s actions have nothing to do with Islam, this overlooks the existence of violent Islamic doctrines upon which extremist groups rely. It is essential to understand that Islam is a religion open to interpretation by its followers.
Consequently, there are numerous sects within the religion, with Sunni and Shia being the largest. Within the Sunni sect, Islamists can be categorised into those who adhere to Salafi interpretations for the betterment of the Ummah (community of believers) without resorting to violence, and those who advocate and employ force, known as jihadists.
Academic Wasiq Wasiq says Salafis didn’t just wake up one day and start calling themselves jihadists. Instead, they developed an entire doctrine that serves as justification for their use of violence. According to Shiraz Maher, Director of the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR), the Salafi-Jihadi movement encompasses five fundamental and unchangeable characteristics. These include belief in the oneness of God (tawhíd), the absolute rule of God (hákimiyyah), loyalty and disavowal (al-walá wa-l-bará), holy war (jihad), and excommunication (takfír).
It is evident that there is a pressing need for honest discussions and debates regarding the complex issue of jihadist ideology. Instead of dismissing ISIS as not being truly Islamic, it is crucial to acknowledge the diverse interpretations and doctrines within the Muslim world, recognising that jihadist ideology remains a fringe element. Muslim intellectuals must step forward to engage in meaningful dialogue and brainstorming sessions. By addressing the root causes of extremism, we can work toward safeguarding our communities and combating the threat posed by ISIS.
Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist and TV news panelist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)