Question: A reader of the Bengaluru-based magazine Dalit Voice has raised the following questions: Why are Muslims portrayed as conservatives? Why do Muslims fail to identify their true adversaries? Why do they view all Backward Classes, Dalits, and Tribals as enemies, assuming them to be Hindus? How should this be explained?
Sajitha Hussain, Chennai.
Answer: A deliberate campaign is being waged to portray Muslims as conservatives so that others do not turn their attention toward Islam.
Muslims have completely freed themselves from all forms of regressive practices—such as human sacrifice, astrology, the prohibition of widow remarriage, female infanticide, and the practice of untouchability.
Despite the evident fact that Muslims live as a community entirely free from fraudulent practices like sorcery, occult rituals, and priestly exploitation, the sole reason for portraying them as conservatives is to prevent the growth of Islam.
It is also incorrect to claim that Muslims view Dalits and Backward Classes as enemies.
When the majority of Muslims do not regard even upper-caste Hindus—who do not subscribe to Hindutva ideology—as enemies, they certainly would not view the oppressed—who share a similar plight—as adversaries.
However, due to the machinations of certain individuals, conflicts and hostility have arisen between Dalits and Muslims in a few areas.
Although such conflicts are limited in number, Muslims must realize that this situation acts as a major barrier preventing Dalits from embracing Islam. You should strive to dispel such a notion through your amicable actions.