Being Muslim in India Today: Misunderstood or Targeted?

May 08, 2025 4 minutes Posted by - vegas11

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When it comes to India, Muslims, and Pakistan— A lot of people always have certain types of stereotypical thought when it comes to Muslim. They automatically linked to Pakistan, terrorism, or betrayal.

But bro, Is this hate because of religion? Or is it all political brainwashing?

Or maybe… did your parents keep saying this since childhood, so you just ended up believing it?

Let’s not jump to conclusions. Let’s slowly break down this messy triangle, India, Muslims, and Pakistan.

1947: The Beginning of Hindu vs Muslim Divide in India

Back in 1947, when the British finally packed their bags, the land that was once united got ruthlessly split into two countries—India and Pakistan

But it wasn’t just about borders. It was religion vs religion: Hinduism vs Islam.Over 10 million people were forced to migrate to escape religious violence, and lakhs died along the way.

Many Hindus felt betrayed, thinking Muslims chose to ditch their shared home to build their own—Pakistan.

Today, Pakistan is 96% Muslim—mostly Sunni, some Shia—making it an Islamic state from the very start. That’s where the whole “us vs them” mindset began.

1947: The Beginning of Hindu vs Muslim Divide in India

Multiple Wars Made India Lose Trust in Muslims

India and Pakistan have clashed in three major wars—mostly over the never-ending Kashmir beef. And yep, Pakistan’s often accused of secretly backing anti-India terror groups.

Case in point: the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Over 170 people died, and the blame went straight to a Pakistan-based terror org. That hit deep.

Over time, this kind of trauma twisted into mistrust—not just toward Pakistan, but toward Muslims within India. For some, the anger shifted from “that country” to “these people.” And that’s where things get messy.

Multiple Wars Made India Lose Trust in Muslims

Are Muslims in India Really Not Patriotic?

But wait—are things really that simple? I don't think so.

Let’s look at the facts. India has over 200 million Muslims — that's the third largest Muslim population in the world. Making it the third-largest Muslim population in the world.

These aren’t outsiders—they’re part of the nation’s core. They’re teachers, doctors, police officers, Bollywood stars, and even soldiers who’ve proudly served and died for India in its wars.

Plenty of Indian Muslims have shown unwavering loyalty to the country—even during conflicts with Pakistan. Their patriotism is undeniable for sure.

some of India’s most loved celebrities,are also Muslims.

Just look at Bollywood—some of the biggest names who define Indian cinema are Muslims. Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan aren’t just actors; they’re national icons, loved by millions across faiths.

Add to that the third “Khan” of Bollywood royalty, Salman Khan, and legends like Naseeruddin Shah, director Imtiaz Ali, singing sensation Arijit Singh, and powerhouse actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

From Bollywood legends like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, to icons like Arijit Singh and Nawazuddin Siddiqui—Muslims have shaped India’s pop culture, earned respect, and proved they’re as Indian as it gets.

Why Is There Still So Much Prejudice?

Prejudice doesn’t come out of nowhere—it’s often born from past trauma and political manipulation.

Some political parties know exactly how to play the religion card to win votes, pushing the “India = Hindu nation” narrative that sidelines Muslims.

With fake news flying all over social media, myths like “every Muslim is a Pakistani agent” spread fast. But seriously—judging an entire community for the actions of a few? That’s just unfair.

Why Is There Still So Much Prejudice? — Why Is There Still So Much Prejudice

Are Muslims Really the Butchers of Pakistan?

Of course not. Pakistan may be a Muslim-majority country—over 96% follow Islam—but that doesn’t mean every Muslim supports terrorism or hates India.

Sure, history shows that some soldiers or extremist groups from Pakistan have been involved in attacks against India. But those are specific people, from specific factions—not the entire religion, and definitely not all Muslims across the world.

Judging millions of people based on the actions of a few?

That’s not justice — that’s ignorance.