Global Myth vs. Local Reality: Towards Understanding “Islamic” Militancy in India1

Abstract

Islamic militancy in the form of armed protests against established regimes prevails in many parts of the world, notably in West Asia and North Africa. These movements owe much more to socio-political and economic factors rather than to religious factors, but it has led many to conclude that Islam is inherently radicalizing and orients Muslims towards militancy. This paper argues that Islam is neither monolithic, nor does it prescribe a single course of political action. It offers a wide repertoire of possible political actions from which individuals may choose one according to exigency. Under the present circumstances, any attempt to attribute a course of moral action as singularly binding upon a Muslim is grossly misleading. Moreover in India, the possibility of the rise of Islamic militancy is unfeasible because of India's adoption of a liberal-democratic framework after independence. Historically in India, there always existed moderate and reformist Muslims, albeit having low voice, along with radicals and fundamentalists. However, during the last decade the reformist elements are increasingly coming into the mainstream who are determined that the discourse of Islam must no more be hijacked by the radicals or the so-called “defenders” of Islam.