Why I Think the Indian Muslim Community Today Needs Hamid Dalwai
By New Age Islam Special Correspondent
09 April 2026
When I contemplate everything, I keep coming back to this simple thought: we need courage. Courage to ask questions, to change, and to dream of a better world. Hamid Dalwai, in my eyes, is the embodiment of that courage.
I don't agree with everything he said, and I think no one has all the answers. But I do think that his way of thinking—analytical, logical, and focused on change—is just what we need right now. If we want to move forward as a group, we have to be open to ideas that push us, even if they're unsettling.
Major points:
· When I learn about Hamid Dalwai, I see someone who wanted to make things better and didn't care about fitting in. He questioned not only the stories people told about Muslims from the outside but also the strict rules within the community that held back progress in thinking and society.
· He talked about using reason, giving women equal rights, and how Muslims should embrace modern ideas without being scared. Back when those ideas weren't popular at all, he still spoke his mind. I feel we really need that kind of courage today.
· Ultimately, I'm not saying we should just blindly follow Dalwai, but rather that we should bring back the attitude he represented.
· This attitude should be one of curiosity, change, and hope. Only then can we really address the problems we face and build a future that is both fair and welcoming to everyone.
· I often can't help but contemplate how Indian Muslims are doing these days, and I always end up feeling a bit uneasy. It feels like we're stuck, caught between pressure from the outside and problems we have within our community. On one hand, we face increasing suspicion, marginalisation, and a diminished role in politics. Conversely, certain individuals within the community are reluctant to critically examine themselves and seek avenues for growth. In this tricky situation, I feel like we really need to go back and consider what Hamid Dalwai said. He was controversial back then, but I think his words really speak to where we are now.
Remembering Hamid Dalwai: A Voice Way Ahead of His Time
When I learn about Hamid Dalwai, I see someone who wanted to make things better and didn't care about fitting in. He questioned not only the stories people told about Muslims from the outside but also the strict rules within the community that held back progress in thinking and society. He talked about using reason, giving women equal rights, and how Muslims should embrace modern ideas without being scared. Back when those ideas weren't popular at all, he still spoke his mind. I feel we really need that kind of courage today.
Dalwai didn't think that who you are should be based on feeling like a victim or staying separate from others. Instead, he said we should confidently participate in Indian society, using our values and thinking critically. When I look back at what he wrote, I see that he wasn't rejecting Islam but instead questioning how religion was being understood and used to control what people thought and did.
The Problem of Not Thinking Freshly
One of the things that worries me most today is that I don't see a lot of fresh thinking in the community. People tend to stick to old interpretations instead of coming up with new ideas. I often see discussions about defending the past instead of imagining the future. That's why I think Dalwai's focus on using reason is so important.
He believed that we should be able to question any idea. To me, that's not about giving up faith but about making it stronger by understanding it better. If we can't ask tough questions about our own ways of doing things and our own groups, how can we expect to grow? Dalwai's way of thinking reminds me that changing things isn't a betrayal—it's how we survive.
The Issue of Women's Rights
Whenever I think about how Muslim women are treated in India, I feel really uneasy. Even though things have gotten better, there are still many problems that haven't been solved, and they're often excused by saying it's tradition or religion. Dalwai was one of the first people to speak out strongly about this, saying that women should have equal rights and that the laws should be changed.
In my opinion, what he said wasn't extreme—it was necessary. A community that doesn't empower its women can't move forward. I often feel like we avoid talking about these things because they're uncomfortable, but avoiding them only makes the problem worse. I think we really need to bring back Dalwai's insistence on facing the issue of male dominance head-on.
Identity Politics and the Trap of Feeling Like a Victim
Another thing that bothers me is that we're relying more and more on identity politics. While it's true that Muslims in India face unfair treatment and challenges, I sometimes feel like we're reducing our whole existence to a story of being victims. I think that's a dangerous trap.
Dalwai warned against this. He believed that if you're always seeing yourself as a victim, it can stop you from making real progress. When I think about it, I realise that while it's important to acknowledge when things are unfair, it shouldn't be an excuse to not look at ourselves. We need to ask ourselves tough questions about our own groups, leaders, and what we're focusing on.
The Need to Change From Within
I really think that real change has to come from inside the community. When the government or society tries to force changes on us, it often leads to resistance and makes things even more divided. Dalwai understood this well. He called for movements from within that could address things like education, social customs, and how religion is understood.
When I look at things now, I don't see a lot of those movements. People are speaking out, but they're often alone or not taken seriously. I think we need to work together to rethink how we approach education, leadership, and organising our community. Dalwai's vision gives us a way to make that kind of change.
Religion and Reason: Finding What Works
One of the most interesting things about Dalwai's thinking is that he emphasised using reason. He didn't think religion and reason were opposites, but he insisted that religious practices should make sense and be ethical. I think that's really important today.
I often feel like we're afraid of using reason because we think it means we're doubting our faith. But really, questioning things can lead to a faith that's deeper and more meaningful. Dalwai's way of thinking encourages me to see religion not as something rigid but as something that's always changing and growing.
The Lack of Progressive Voices
What worries me most today is that there aren't many progressive voices speaking up in the Muslim community. Some people think critically and want to make things better, but they often don't speak out because they're afraid of getting criticised. This silence creates a space that's filled by more conservative or strict views.
Dalwai didn't stay quiet, even when it was hard or dangerous. His example makes me wonder if we're doing enough. Are we willing to risk being uncomfortable for the sake of progress? Or have we become too careful, too afraid to challenge things as they are?
Why It Matters Today
In India today, where discussions about religion, identity, and nationalism are becoming more and more divided, I think Dalwai's ideas offer a way forward. He was a proponent of actively participating in society, rather than retreating into a self-imposed bubble. He considered Indian Muslims to be an essential component of the country, not foreign entities.
In my opinion, this viewpoint is incredibly important. Now, more than ever, as divides grow deeper, we need to hear from people who promote conversation, unity, and common principles. Dalwai’s ideas are in line with the constitutional values of equality, secularism, and fairness, which are now more crucial than ever.
Conclusion: Why I Keep Coming Back to Dalwai
When I contemplate everything, I keep coming back to this simple thought: we need courage. Courage to ask questions, to change, and to dream of a better world. Hamid Dalwai, in my eyes, is the embodiment of that courage.
I do not concur with every point he made, and I believe that no individual can possess all the answers. But I do think that his way of thinking—analytical, logical, and focused on change—is just what we need right now. If we want to move forward as a group, we have to be open to ideas that push us, even if they're unsettling.
Ultimately, I'm not saying we should just blindly follow Dalwai, but rather that we should bring back the attitude he represented. An attitude of curiosity, change, and hope. Only then can we really address the problems we face and build a future that is both fair and welcoming to everyone.
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