Letter to the students of Jamia Milia Islamia
A video of an Iftaar party combined with Holi celebrations at Jamia Millia Islamia is circulating on social media, sparking vehement criticism due to its flagrant gathering.
There are points that need clarification for both Muslims and non-Muslims:
Every ritualistic act practiced by adherents of both communities has its roots in fundamental beliefs and is not done or performed in isolation. To put it plainly, Holi and the month of Ramadan, specifically Iftaar and playing with colors, are not in theological agreement with each other.
The flawed understanding of Indian secularism has led to disastrous dissonance in both communities. Playing Holi with non-Muslims during Ramadan is not a symbol of secularism, and having Iftaar with Muslims during Holi is not a symbol of secularism either. Do not confuse secularism with watering down religious tenets. If you consider yourself secular, then you should accept people not participating in your festivities due to their commitment to their beliefs. If they participate in something that goes against what they profess, they are not only betraying their beliefs but also betraying you.
Another banal argument often presented is, "What does it have to do with you, mind your own business."
Yes, We are minding our own business, and our business is to speak against what is wrong. We have made a pact with God and pledged allegiance to His Messenger, and they both have commanded (not just said) us to stop any wrong we see with our hands if we are capable. It is incumbent upon every thinking Muslim to admonish his or her co-religionists regarding moral depravity. The personal attack from the one being admonished is a fallacious position known as ad hominem.
The problem arises when there is a public exhibition that conflates the adherence to one's religious obligations with the intermingling of religious observances from different faith traditions. Such confusion proves fatal in the long term.
The students of this esteemed institution cannot isolate themselves from the very identity and history of the university. The Qur'anic motto which it enshrines cannot be torn apart. Therefore, it is a matter of concern for the students to ponder upon the future narratives of the community's stances on various issues.
While these assertions may appear stringent, the notion of what constitutes "extremism" is indeed nebulous. Nevertheless, it is imperative for us to evince an unwavering commitment to our convictions without recourse to apology.
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