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Being Muslim in Hindu India: A Critical View
Anyone who follows the news knows that the Muslims of India are under siege. They face what author Ziya Us Salam calls the gravest challenge to the community, and to the definition of a secular India enshrined in India's Constitution, since independence.
To be a Muslim in India today is to live with the reality of daily stigmatization and ever-increasing threats of violence. In several places, Muslims are expected to abide by the preferences of the majority community. At others, they might be killed on mere suspicion of cow slaughter, or much worse, just because they 'look' Muslim. There are attacks on their attire, language and culture.
Being Muslim in Hindu India is an impassioned cry for attention, an attempt to highlight just what has gone wrong with our polity and society in recent years. Painstakingly researched, the book talks of the constant 'othering' of Muslims, using tactics of both peace and violence. Starting from a denial of tickets to Muslim candidates by political parties or missing names from electoral rolls, the book goes on to talk of attempts to wipe out complete passages of the history of medieval India, as if the period from 1206 to 1857 existed in a vacuum.
Amidst these grave challenges, the book ends on a note of hope. This stems from the fact that even as the community faces political marginalization, the success of many of its young men and women gives India's Muslims hope for a better tomorrow.
To be a Muslim in India today is to live with the reality of daily stigmatization and ever-increasing threats of violence. In several places, Muslims are expected to abide by the preferences of the majority community. At others, they might be killed on mere suspicion of cow slaughter, or much worse, just because they 'look' Muslim. There are attacks on their attire, language and culture.
Being Muslim in Hindu India is an impassioned cry for attention, an attempt to highlight just what has gone wrong with our polity and society in recent years. Painstakingly researched, the book talks of the constant 'othering' of Muslims, using tactics of both peace and violence. Starting from a denial of tickets to Muslim candidates by political parties or missing names from electoral rolls, the book goes on to talk of attempts to wipe out complete passages of the history of medieval India, as if the period from 1206 to 1857 existed in a vacuum.
Amidst these grave challenges, the book ends on a note of hope. This stems from the fact that even as the community faces political marginalization, the success of many of its young men and women gives India's Muslims hope for a better tomorrow.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 12, 2024
"Being Muslim in Hindu India" authored by Ziya Us Salam offers a critical examination of the hurdles confronting the Muslim community in India. Salam's portrayal paints a stark and compelling picture of a community grappling with mounting challenges from Hindutva forces, as he argues in the book. At the core of the narrative is a poignant exploration of the most pressing challenge faced by the Muslim community, which extends to the very definition of a secular India enshrined in the country's Constitution. The book serves as an impassioned plea for attention, shedding light on the deep-rooted issues within the Indian polity and society, and urging readers to not only acknowledge the despair but also foster awareness and understanding. Through Salam's perspective, readers gain valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of religion and society in India.
The central thesis of "Being Muslim in Hindu India" contends that the Muslim community in India is currently grappling with unprecedented challenges, posing a threat not only to the community itself but also challenging the foundational idea of a secular India. The book elucidates the daily stigmatization and increasing threats of violence faced by Muslims in India, while also addressing attempts to erase significant portions of medieval Indian history. Salam's work is a heartfelt plea for attention, striving to bring to the forefront the issues that have eroded the foundations of Indian polity and society in recent years.
Supporting his argument, Ziya Us Salam skillfully crafts a vivid and searing portrayal of the challenges faced by the Muslim community in India. By emphasizing the gravest challenge to the community and the secular ideals enshrined in the Constitution, the book provides a stark reality check on the ongoing stigmatization and threats faced by Muslims. Rather than being polemical or sensational, Salam's writing is grounded in matter-of-fact observations supported by data and facts. The book calls for engagement based on disagreement at a substantive level, discouraging ad hominem attacks often found in some reviews.
For those who hold dear the founding ideals of the Indian Republic—democracy, pluralism, tolerance, and the rule of law—this book is a must-read. It refrains from engaging in a blame game, presenting its points in a straightforward manner backed by data and facts. As Salam suggests, a nuanced study, not sweeping generalizations, is essential in understanding the challenges faced by the Muslim community in India.
"Being Muslim in Hindu India" by Ziya Us Salam is a compelling exploration of the formidable challenges confronting the Indian Muslim community. Salam's writing is a powerful force that combines urgency with a nuanced approach. By weaving personal anecdotes, historical context, and rigorous research, the author provides a deep and engaging narrative. The book adeptly exposes the various manifestations of 'othering' experienced by Indian Muslims, from political marginalization to cultural assaults. Salam balances the severity of the issues with a note of optimism, emphasizing the resilience of the community and offering a well-rounded perspective that encourages readers to reflect on India's secular fabric.
Also, the book proves enlightening, expanding understanding beyond personal experiences to the broader challenges faced by Muslims, especially in the political arena. It catalyzes introspection, compelling readers to confront issues that impact India's secular ideals. Critics argue that this book appears to be an orchestrated portrayal of victimhood, employing a formal tone and selectively choosing facts that align with a predetermined narrative. However, detractors contend that despite social and biological proximity to Hindus, the author posits that Muslims often express a stronger affinity towards foreigners such as Palestinians and Saudis.
In conclusion, "Being Muslim in Hindu India" is not only an informative read but also a call to action for a more inclusive and empathetic society, showcasing Salam's distinctive blend of passion and factual depth.
The central thesis of "Being Muslim in Hindu India" contends that the Muslim community in India is currently grappling with unprecedented challenges, posing a threat not only to the community itself but also challenging the foundational idea of a secular India. The book elucidates the daily stigmatization and increasing threats of violence faced by Muslims in India, while also addressing attempts to erase significant portions of medieval Indian history. Salam's work is a heartfelt plea for attention, striving to bring to the forefront the issues that have eroded the foundations of Indian polity and society in recent years.
Supporting his argument, Ziya Us Salam skillfully crafts a vivid and searing portrayal of the challenges faced by the Muslim community in India. By emphasizing the gravest challenge to the community and the secular ideals enshrined in the Constitution, the book provides a stark reality check on the ongoing stigmatization and threats faced by Muslims. Rather than being polemical or sensational, Salam's writing is grounded in matter-of-fact observations supported by data and facts. The book calls for engagement based on disagreement at a substantive level, discouraging ad hominem attacks often found in some reviews.
For those who hold dear the founding ideals of the Indian Republic—democracy, pluralism, tolerance, and the rule of law—this book is a must-read. It refrains from engaging in a blame game, presenting its points in a straightforward manner backed by data and facts. As Salam suggests, a nuanced study, not sweeping generalizations, is essential in understanding the challenges faced by the Muslim community in India.
"Being Muslim in Hindu India" by Ziya Us Salam is a compelling exploration of the formidable challenges confronting the Indian Muslim community. Salam's writing is a powerful force that combines urgency with a nuanced approach. By weaving personal anecdotes, historical context, and rigorous research, the author provides a deep and engaging narrative. The book adeptly exposes the various manifestations of 'othering' experienced by Indian Muslims, from political marginalization to cultural assaults. Salam balances the severity of the issues with a note of optimism, emphasizing the resilience of the community and offering a well-rounded perspective that encourages readers to reflect on India's secular fabric.
Also, the book proves enlightening, expanding understanding beyond personal experiences to the broader challenges faced by Muslims, especially in the political arena. It catalyzes introspection, compelling readers to confront issues that impact India's secular ideals. Critics argue that this book appears to be an orchestrated portrayal of victimhood, employing a formal tone and selectively choosing facts that align with a predetermined narrative. However, detractors contend that despite social and biological proximity to Hindus, the author posits that Muslims often express a stronger affinity towards foreigners such as Palestinians and Saudis.
In conclusion, "Being Muslim in Hindu India" is not only an informative read but also a call to action for a more inclusive and empathetic society, showcasing Salam's distinctive blend of passion and factual depth.
June 24, 2025
This book by Zia ul Salam is a poignant work, as it addresses the current tragedy of India. I am familiar with most of the material in the book, so nothing surprised me.
The publication contains excellent material on controversial kings like Aurangzeb and sheds considerable light on his actions to protect Hindus and ensure that people did not disturb their worship. The book also illustrates the attitudes of the early Muslim kings and debunks many myths about the Somnath temple.
While the section on current affairs and how people nowadays treat Muslims focuses on the current government, no one can deny that previous governments have been guilty of inflaming religious tensions for their own needs.
The difference lies in the government’s tacit support for the extreme elements in India, encouraging them to become brazen; the hate speeches by elected politicians; the open prejudice, etc.
Ziya-us-Salam’s book covers a variety of cases. He manages to maintain a balanced tone throughout the book, even as a discerning reader will notice the evident hurt and feelings of betrayal.
I don’t know what audience the book targets. Those who do not wish to acknowledge what is happening will rubbish the book. Others already know what is happening in India. I wonder if he is targeting those who are willing to listen but don’t stay informed about current affairs.
The book is good and reflects the tragic situation in India today.
The publication contains excellent material on controversial kings like Aurangzeb and sheds considerable light on his actions to protect Hindus and ensure that people did not disturb their worship. The book also illustrates the attitudes of the early Muslim kings and debunks many myths about the Somnath temple.
While the section on current affairs and how people nowadays treat Muslims focuses on the current government, no one can deny that previous governments have been guilty of inflaming religious tensions for their own needs.
The difference lies in the government’s tacit support for the extreme elements in India, encouraging them to become brazen; the hate speeches by elected politicians; the open prejudice, etc.
Ziya-us-Salam’s book covers a variety of cases. He manages to maintain a balanced tone throughout the book, even as a discerning reader will notice the evident hurt and feelings of betrayal.
I don’t know what audience the book targets. Those who do not wish to acknowledge what is happening will rubbish the book. Others already know what is happening in India. I wonder if he is targeting those who are willing to listen but don’t stay informed about current affairs.
The book is good and reflects the tragic situation in India today.
July 29, 2025
Being Muslim in Hindu India is a powerful, necessary examination of the growing marginalisation of Muslims in contemporary India. Ziya Us Salam presents a stark yet empathetic account of daily life marked by suspicion, cultural erasure, and rising violence. Drawing from political events, media narratives, and historical revisionism, the book highlights the systemic ‘othering’ of Muslims—from exclusion in electoral politics to societal attacks on identity, attire, and belief. Despite its grim realities, the book ends with a glimmer of hope—found in the resilience and accomplishments of young Indian Muslims. Painstakingly researched and courageously written, this work is not just a chronicle of struggle but a call for awareness, empathy, and reclaiming the secular promise of the Indian Constitution.
September 13, 2025
This book, is a very uncomfortable read. Not because it offers you a range of issues to be talked about but because it lets your mind question.
Question where are we headed as a nation and why aren’t we wiling to be human with other human beings. Since when did we become a nation divided by religions, weren’t we same before partition came and divided us forever.
Question where are we headed as a nation and why aren’t we wiling to be human with other human beings. Since when did we become a nation divided by religions, weren’t we same before partition came and divided us forever.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews