Israel’s assassination of Hassan Nasrallah has dealt a crippling blow to Hezbollah. In geopolitical terms, the killing of the Hezbollah leader can be seen as a crucial moment for Benjamin Netanyahu, his Rubicon moment. This development can either destroy the group’s morale or inflame members’ resentment and galvanise them. But generally speaking, when a leader who has taken on cult-like characteristics is removed, the efficacy of such organisations is diminished. A new leader finds it difficult to gain the same degree of authority and influence right away.
Hezbollah, divided into political and militant wings, has been designated a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the US, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the EU, and the Arab League. While much has been written about the group’s role in Middle Eastern geopolitics, what catches my attention is the worldwide reaction to Nasrallah’s death, especially among Indian Muslims.
Some of it has been very problematic—such as the prayer and condolence meeting organised at the India Islamic Culture Centre in Delhi on Monday evening, which paid tribute to Nasrallah and other Hezbollah officials. There were also several protest rallies, organised primarily by Shia organisations, in response to Nasrallah’s death.
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Misguided solidarity
It is disheartening to see how a section of Muslims, and especially their leadership, fail to acknowledge the nuances and complexity surrounding such developments, particularly given India’s own internal security issues. Their statements and actions are motivated by religious solidarity with Hezbollah and its anti-Israel position, while disregarding the need to disassociate themselves from militant extremism. When prominent Muslims rally the community around a sentiment of “Muslimness” in the context of international issues, while neglecting national interests, they end up harming both the Muslim community and the nation.
Many ordinary Muslims, particularly Pasmanda Muslims, may not fully understand the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics, but can easily sympathise with Hezbollah as a force standing up for fellow Muslims. However, the real issue lies with those prominent voices who do understand the complexities and still choose to play on sentimental politics. These leaders, who should prioritise national interests and the real issues facing Indian Muslims, seem to either remain trapped in tribal loyalties or show an alarming desire to grab power whether or not it hinders the well-being of the community and nation.
‘Human rights’ double standard
India’s apparent reluctance to officially designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation is often cited as an excuse for sympathy toward it. Yet, there is no hesitation in condemning Israel, despite India’s official stance in favour of a two-state solution. The argument often shifts to human rights, which in itself is not problematic—standing up for the rights of one’s co-religionists is understandable. But the question arises: why is this concern for human rights not extended to other contexts?
Why is there not the same level of outcry when it comes to the human rights abuses in our neighbouring countries? More troubling is the lack of focus on human rights issues within India itself. The rights of Kashmiri minorities, for example, or even more broadly, the rights of women within the Muslim community, seem to be ignored or brushed aside. This selective concern for human rights suggests that the issue isn’t as much about principles as it is about politics and sentimentality—which only proves that there is no credibility in their argument.
Has the India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC), predominantly led by Ashraaf elites, ever organised an event to acknowledge the human rights of Hindus, Christians, or even Sikhs? I don’t recall such an instance.
Yet, they found it appropriate to honour a leader of Hezbollah—a group that is officially designated as a terrorist organisation even by several Arab countries.
While the IICC’s objective is to promote mutual understanding and amity among the people of this country, its actions suggest otherwise.
This raises serious questions about the IICC’s priorities and its real commitment to fostering inclusivity and mutual understanding. It seems more driven by serving the interests of Ashraaf elites rather than addressing the pressing issues affecting all communities in India, including Muslims.
I would say that Pasmanda Muslim leaders have done right thing in questioning the relevance of the IICC, even suggesting that the government should convert it into a hospital, given its limited utility in serving the interests of Indian Muslims.
But even among Pasmandas, the reaction to Hezbollah has fallen short.
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A crisis of priorities
In the past, the Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz, a leading organisation of the community, has aligned with the Indian government’s stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, condemning the attack on civilians by Hamas. But the organisation didn’t issue any statement on Hezbollah, which reflects a collective reality among Indian Muslims. The community is either mourning Nasrallah’s death or remains indifferent. The optics are bad either way. Sections of other communities in India perceive Indian Muslims as tribalistic to the extent that they would even support terrorism.
The sad reality is that the Indian Muslim community lacks the social capital to counter such perceptions or generalisations. And how could it, when its elite waste their energy in glorifying extremist elements? Community leaders seem more focused on politicising sentiment, religion, and victimhood than the welfare of the community. The community’s role models are not people who have achieved success, served humanity, or contributed to nation-building, but rather those who are locked in constant confrontation.
There is a need for a significant shift in the Overton window within the community so that the range of acceptable ideas and discussions goes beyond narrow and archaic mind-sets and narratives.
Amana Begam Ansari is a columnist. She runs a weekly YouTube show called ‘India This Week by Amana and Khalid’. She tweets @Amana_Ansari. Views are personal.
(Edited by Asavari Singh)