Atir Khan

The protests by Indian Muslims in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack have emerged as a thought-provoking phenomenon, marked by spontaneity, spiritual intensity, and deep-rooted patriotism. These demonstrations, which cut across geography and class, are unprecedented in scale, sincerity, and implications and are being analyzed by social scientists.

Just days before the attack, Indian Muslims were actively protesting against the Waqf Amendment Act. However, the horrifying nature of the Pahalgam incident deeply disturbed the community, prompting a spontaneous redirection of their demonstrations.

The earlier protests were paused in favour of a greater cause —expressing outrage at the terrorists and Pakistan’s support for such acts.

What made these demonstrations truly remarkable was their sheer scale. Unprecedented in size and fervor, they came as a surprise—even to those who often criticize Indian Muslims for not speaking out during national crises.

A protest by Muslims against Kargil terrorist attack in Hyderabad

These were not calculated or token statements in any way but purely instinctive. That’s why the streets witnessed organic protests, candlelight vigils, and a powerful wave of condemnation on social media, all of which helped affirm and consolidate the Indian Muslim national identity.

This public outcry also challenged long-held stereotypes—that Indian Muslims prioritize the global Muslim community (Ummah) over their national identity. On the contrary, these events showed a profound emotional connection with their fellow Indian citizens, regardless of religion.

Perhaps most striking were the scenes from the Kashmir Valley, where protests of such nature are rare. Muslim religious leaders, youth, and women took to the streets in large numbers, defying fears of retaliation by militant groups. Their bold participation warrants deeper sociological and political analysis to build upon their sensibilities.

Importantly, this wave of condemnation was not confined to Kashmir. From Delhi and Lucknow to Bhopal, Gurgaon, Punjab, Karnataka, Khargone, and Harda, Indian Muslims rallied in solidarity with the victims. In Maharashtra, protests were held in around 25 villages.

In the following video clip from Hyderabad posted on X, a volunteer is seen trying black arm bands on Muslims on Friday after the Pahalgam attack:

#PahalgamTerroristAttack :

Muslims wear black armbands while attending prayers at #MakkahMasjid , #Hyderabad on Friday as a mark of protest against the terror attack in #Pahalgam, in Jammu & Kashmir.
After prayers raised slogans "Hindustan Zindabaad" and "Pakistan Murdabad"… pic.twitter.com/qWlHWyCMAq

— Surya Reddy (@jsuryareddy) April 25, 2025

There were protests in different parts of Assam as well. Muslims at ‘Burah Jame Masjid’ in Guwahati staged protests with placards, banners, and slogans against terrorism. They also offered duas (prayers) for those who lost their lives in Pahalgam.

These demonstrations were self-initiated—without any central political or religious leadership orchestrating them. In a community often criticized for lacking unified leadership, this organic mobilization was both significant and empowering.

Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the outrage. Posts from within the community and reports in mainstream media moved the nation. Heart-wrenching videos of grieving families and survivors triggered a collective sense of grief and moral responsibility.

Muslim religious and political figures, organizations, scholars, and ordinary citizens voiced their unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and even supported the government's firm stance against Pakistan. Their message was clear: this tragedy could have befallen any one, and the shared experience of being Indian—beyond religious lines—was deeply felt.

Victims like Adil Hussain were mourned by all, while acts of bravery by individuals like Nazakat Hussain, who saved a family from Chhattisgarh, were widely lauded. These stories of compassion and courage cut through the divisions, highlighting the shared humanity of all Indians.

Kashmiri women take to streets in Srinagar to protest against Pahalgam carnage  (Basit Zargar)

At a deeper level, this phenomenon can be seen as a spiritual and religious response—a mystical realization that death recognizes no religion. Many Muslims were also religiously compelled to denounce the killings, viewing them as profoundly un-Islamic.

The seriousness with which Indian Muslims took the incident and brought it up for mass condemnation was apparent in the Friday namaz. The Imams in the length and breadth of the country brought up the issue for public condemnation among lakhs of people, who came to offer their mandatory prayers. Imams mentioned it in the Friday khutbahs (sermons) which are quite significant in a religious Muslim psyche.

While terrorists may misuse religious rhetoric, the overwhelming majority of Indian Muslims embrace the true spirit of Islam—one that rejects violence and upholds justice and compassion.

It’s important to recognize that every religion has its extremists, but they do not represent the faith as a whole. Indian Muslims, like others, are diverse, thoughtful, and peace-loving.

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The nationwide protests have sent a strong and necessary message: Indian Muslims are often misunderstood, but they are no different in their humanity, religiosity, patriotism, and desire for peace. They stood up not just as Muslims, but as Indians—united in grief, compassion, and the call for justice.