Terrorist Attacks Against Kashmiri Pilgrims Defies Islamic Principles: Islam Unconditionally Protects non-Muslim places of Worship
By
Grace Mubashir, New Age Islam
21 June
2024
The
Recent Attack In Reasi, Jammu, And Kashmir, Has Set Alarm Bells Ringing,
Highlighting The Persistent Threat Of Terrorism In The Region. Ulema Must Come
Together And Explain How Islam Protects Non-Muslim Places Of Worship And What
These Terrorists Did Was Against InjunctionsofIslam.
Main
Points:
1.
On June 9th, 2024, a horrific attack shattered
the peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Suspected militants opened fire on a bus
carrying pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra
2.
History reveals a disturbing pattern of
violence targeting pilgrims during the Amarnath Yatra, a holy pilgrimage for
Hindus undertaken in the southern part of Kashmir
3.
Experts point towards a concerning shift in
terrorist tactics in Kashmir
4.
Like many religions, Islam emphasises the
sanctity of all places of worship.
Historical examples abound, showcasing how Muslim rulers protected
non-Muslim religious sites
------
The idyllic
beauty of Kashmir, nestled amidst the Himalayas, has long been a haven for spiritual
seekers. However, recent terror attacks targeting pilgrims on their journey to
revered shrines have cast a dark shadow over this region. This surge in
violence raises critical questions about security lapses, the evolving nature
of terrorism in Kashmir, and the ongoing impact on religious freedom.
Terrorist
attacks targeting pilgrims in Kashmir have become a significant concern for
India's security establishment. These attacks not only threaten the safety of
innocent civilians but also aim to destabilise the region and incite communal
tensions. The recent attack in Reasi, Jammu, and Kashmir, has set alarm bells
ringing, highlighting the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. This
article delves into the nature of these attacks, their historical context, and
the broader implications for security and communal harmony in India.
The bus which plunged into a gorge following a
terrorist attack on pilgrims, in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on June
11, 2024. | Photo Credit: PTI
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A Brutal
Assault: The Reasi Bus Attack
On June
9th, 2024, a horrific attack shattered the peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
Suspected militants opened fire on a bus carrying pilgrims to the Mata Vaishno
Devi Shrine in Katra. The driver, in a desperate attempt to escape the assault,
lost control of the vehicle, sending it plummeting into a deep gorge. This
senseless act claimed the lives of nine innocent pilgrims and injured dozens
more. The attack marked a chilling escalation, targeting not just security
forces but unarmed civilians undertaking a sacred pilgrimage.
Recognising
the gravity of the situation, India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) has
taken over the probe into the Reasi bus attack. This move underscores the
government's commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and ensuring a
thorough investigation. However, the
long road to justice requires not only swift action against the attackers but
also a deeper understanding of the root causes fuelling terrorism in the
region.
A
Pattern of Violence: Targeting the Amarnath Yatra
This attack
wasn't an isolated incident. History
reveals a disturbing pattern of violence targeting pilgrims during the Amarnath
Yatra, a holy pilgrimage for Hindus undertaken in the southern part of Kashmir. In 2017, eight pilgrims were killed and many
injured when militants attacked a bus returning from the Amarnath Cave
Temple. These repeated attacks highlight
the vulnerability of pilgrims and raise concerns about the effectiveness of
security measures during religious festivals.
Terrorist
attacks on pilgrims in Kashmir are not a new phenomenon. Over the years, there
have been several incidents where terrorists have targeted pilgrims, especially
during the Amarnath Yatra, a significant annual pilgrimage undertaken by thousands
of Hindus. One of the deadliest attacks occurred in 2000, when terrorists
ambushed a group of Amarnath pilgrims, killing 30 people. Similar attacks in
subsequent years have claimed numerous lives, instilling fear and uncertainty
among potential pilgrims.
The
Amarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave, has been a recurrent
target for terrorists. In 2017, a terrorist attack on a bus carrying pilgrims
resulted in the death of seven devotees and left many injured. This incident,
among others, underscores the persistent threat that pilgrims face while
embarking on their spiritual journey. The security forces have continuously
been on high alert during the pilgrimage season, but the unpredictability of
terrorist attacks makes ensuring absolute safety a formidable challenge.
Beyond
Security Concerns: Evolving Terror Tactics
Experts
point towards a concerning shift in terrorist tactics in Kashmir.
Traditionally, attacks focused on security forces and government installations.
However, the recent targeting of pilgrims signifies a deliberate attempt to
stoke religious tensions and disrupt the fragile peace in the region. This
calculated strategy aims to exploit the emotional vulnerability of pilgrims and
create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
In response
to these threats, the Indian government has implemented stringent security
measures to protect pilgrims. These include increased deployment of security
personnel, surveillance, and intelligence operations. Despite these efforts,
the rugged terrain and the vast expanse of the pilgrimage routes pose
significant challenges. Ensuring the safety of thousands of pilgrims in such a
volatile environment requires comprehensive and adaptive strategies.
The Role
of Local Communities
Local
communities in Kashmir, particularly the Muslim population, have played a
crucial role in protecting pilgrims and maintaining communal harmony.
Historically, there have been numerous instances where local Muslims have come
to the aid of Hindu pilgrims, providing shelter and support during times of
crisis. This solidarity is a testament to the deep-rooted coexistence and
mutual respect traditions that have defined Kashmir's social fabric for
centuries.
Terrorist
attacks targeting pilgrims not only result in tragic loss of life but also
threaten to erode the communal harmony that is vital for the region's
stability. These attacks are often aimed at fomenting discord between different
religious communities, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. The
government, security forces and civil society must work together to counter
these divisive tactics and promote unity and understanding among all
communities.
A
Historical Commitment: Protecting Places of Worship Across Religions
Like many
religions, Islam emphasises the sanctity of all places of worship. Historical examples abound, showcasing how
Muslim rulers protected non-Muslim religious sites. The Pact of Umar, a historic agreement
attributed to the second Caliph, guaranteed the safety and security of
Christian and Jewish communities and their places of worship in Jerusalem. Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad himself is
said to have ensured the safety of a nearby Christian church during the
conquest of Mecca. These examples stand
as testaments to Islam's core principle of respecting the religious practices
of others.
Islamic
teachings emphasize the protection of non-Muslim religious sites and the rights
of non-Muslims to practice their faith freely. The Quran and Hadith contain
numerous references advocating for the safety and respect of places of worship,
regardless of religious affiliation. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
explicitly instructed Muslims to protect churches, synagogues, and temples.
Historical precedents, such as the actions of Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, who
ensured the safety of Christian sites upon entering Jerusalem, highlight the
commitment of early Islamic leaders to these principles.
Islam
fundamentally guarantees the protection of non-Muslims, including their places
of worship. This principle is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, ensuring that
Jews, Christians, and other non-Muslim communities residing in Muslim lands
have their religious freedoms safeguarded. The Quran explicitly mentions the
protection of monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques where the name of
Allah is often invoked, highlighting the importance of preserving these sacred
sites (Quran 22:40). Prominent Islamic scholars, such as Hasan Al-Basri and Ibn
Khuwaiz, have reiterated this by stating that Muslims are duty-bound to defend
the worship places of non-Muslims.
Allah said:
وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ
اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُم بِبَعْضٍ لَّهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ
وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا
Were
Allah not to check people by means of others, there would have been demolished
the monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which the name of Allah
is often mentioned.
Surat
Al-Hajj 22:40
Hasan
Al-Basri comments on this verse, saying:
يُدْفَعُ عَنْ
هَدْمِ مُصَلَّيَاتِ أَهْلِ الذِّمَّةِ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ
The houses
of worship for non-Muslim citizens are defended by the believers.
Source:
Ahkam Al-Quran Al-Jassas 5/83
Al-Qurtubi
comments on this verse, saying:
قَالَ ابْنُ
خُوَيْزِ مَنْدَادَ تَضَمَّنَتْ هَذِهِ الْآيَةُ الْمَنْعَ مِنْ هَدْمِ كَنَائِسِ
أَهْلِ الذِّمَّةِ وَبِيَعِهِمْ وَبُيُوتِ نِيرَانِهِمْ
Ibn Khuwaiz
said: Included in this verse is the prohibition of demolishing the churches of
non-Muslim citizens, their temples, and their houses of worship.
Source:
Tafseer Al-Qurtubi 22:40
This legal
requirement is part of the tolerance, compassion, and goodwill that Islam
teaches concerning other religious groups. The Prophet defined Islam as safety
and security for people in general.
The Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified this protection by defining Islam as a
source of safety for all people, emphasizing that those who are safe from a
Muslim’s hand and tongue embody the best form of Islam. This principle extends
beyond mere tolerance; it encompasses active protection and respect for the religious
practices of others. Renowned commentators like Ibn Kathir and At-Tabari
interpreted the Quranic verses to mean that the name of Allah is mentioned in
synagogues, churches, and mosques, warranting their protection.
Historically,
Islamic leaders have upheld these values. Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, for
example, provided comprehensive protection to the Christian inhabitants of
Jerusalem, ensuring their churches and religious practices were safeguarded
following the Muslim conquest. Umar’s covenant with the Christians explicitly
promised safety for their lives, property, and spiritual symbols, demonstrating
a commitment to justice and religious freedom. This covenant is a historical
testament to the Islamic principle of protecting non-Muslim houses of worship.
Even if the
name of Allah were not mentioned in non-Muslim worship places, Islamic law
still mandates their protection. Islamic jurist Ibn Al-Qayyim emphasised that
Allah loves to defend these places, regardless of the nature of worship
conducted therein. The overarching rule in Islam is that peaceful and
law-abiding non-Muslims enjoy the same rights as Muslims, including the
protection of their religious sites.
This
principle of protection is not limited to historical instances but is a
continuous obligation. The Prophet Muhammad warned that any Muslim who wrongs a
non-Muslim protected by a covenant would face his advocacy against them on the
Day of Judgment. This underscores the seriousness with which Islam regards the
protection of non-Muslims and their religious freedoms.
Caliph
Umar’s refusal to pray inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre further
illustrates his sensitivity to the rights of non-Muslims. By praying outside,
he aimed to prevent any future claims by Muslims that could jeopardise the
church’s sanctity. This act of foresight ensured that the church remained a
place of Christian worship, which it continues to be to this day.
The recent
attacks in Kashmir stand in stark contrast to these historical precedents. They not only violate the sanctity of
pilgrimage but also undermine the peaceful coexistence that has long been a
hallmark of Kashmiri society.
Moving
Forward: Securing the Future of Religious Freedom
The future
of religious freedom in Kashmir hinges on a multi-pronged approach. Robust
security measures are crucial to safeguard pilgrims and deter future
attacks. However, long-term solutions
require addressing the root causes of discontent and fostering dialogue between
communities. Open communication, interfaith collaboration, and a commitment to
justice are fundamental for ensuring the safety and security of all religious
communities in Kashmir. Only then can the echoes of violence be silenced,
allowing the sacred chants of pilgrims to once again resonate through the
valleys of this magnificent region.
The Indian
government's response to the Reasi attack has been swift and decisive. The
Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over the investigation to the National
Investigation Agency (NIA), ensuring a thorough and impartial probe. This move
is aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing future attacks.
Additionally, the government is exploring new technologies and intelligence-gathering
methods to enhance security measures and pre-empt potential threats.
The
terrorist attacks on pilgrims in Kashmir represent a grave threat to both
individual safety and communal harmony. The recent Reasi attack serves as a
stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by terrorism in the region.
However, the resilience of local communities, combined with robust security
measures and adherence to Islamic principles of protecting non-Muslim worship
sites, provides hope for a future where such atrocities can be prevented. All
stakeholders must remain vigilant, foster unity, and continue working towards a
peaceful and secure Kashmir.
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A regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com, Mubashir
V.P is a PhD scholar in Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia and freelance
journalist.
New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism