My religion does not define terror. It defines peace, compassion, and humanity. And millions like me are living proof.

Growing up, I often noticed a painful pattern — whenever something goes wrong in the country, a section of society immediately looks at Muslims with suspicion. A bomb blast happens, a conflict rises across the borders, or a headline flashes — and suddenly every ordinary Indian Muslim becomes answerable for something they never did and never supported.

We proudly call India an independent nation, and yes, independence is beautiful. But true independence is not just about flags and borders — it is about dignity. India will be fully free the day every hand, every face, and every identity is treated with equal respect, opportunity, and recognition in society.

People rarely talk about this: many Muslims in India still experience subtle and silent forms of discrimination. Not everywhere, not by everyone — but enough for a young girl like me to feel it deeply.

I am not generalising. I am not blaming. I am simply sharing what I lived.

I grew up in Mumbra, one of Mumbai’s largest Muslim-dominated neighbourhoods. So, I never felt a religious distinction before. I had many non-Muslim friends, but I never behaved or felt any different. However, after my parents’ divorce, I moved to Ulhasnagar to live with my maternal grandparents — and that shift introduced me to something new.

In school, there was a different gaze on me and on many other Muslim students — a gaze shaped by media headlines, not by who we truly were.

For the first time, I realised stereotypes are not always loud. Sometimes they are quiet. Sometimes they come in a casual comment, a question asked out of ignorance, or an assumption made without understanding.

Questions like:
“Sab Muslims Pakistan kyu nahi chale jaate?”,
“Pakistan ko kuch bolo toh tum log bura maan jaate ho na? You guys support Pakistan?”,
“Muslims itne bachche kyu karte hain?”,
“Tum logon ko forcefully hijab pehnaya jaata hai na?”,
“Aap log jaldi shaadi kara dete ho na? Tum log zyada padhte nahi hona?”,
“Tum log jaise jaanwaron ko maar kar kha lete ho, bura nahi lagta kya?”

There was always a separation between “they” and “us” in their conversations. And those moments stayed with me.

Today, when the idea of banning hijab trends in discussions, or when Muslims get targeted online for things beyond their control, I ask a simple question: Is this the secular India our Constitution promised?

A country where every religion, every culture, and every citizen has equal space? My intention is not to create division. My intention is to create understanding.

I am Umme Hanee Ibrahim — an Indian Muslim girl, a student, a writer, a daughter, a dreamer.

When injustice was done to Dalits, Babasaheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar raised his voice for them and gave them their rightful place in the Constitution.

Now, I wonder who will raise their voice against the discrimination faced by Muslims today.

My religion does not define terror. It defines peace, compassion, and humanity. And millions like me are living proof.

I am not a terrorist.
I am a citizen.
I am a human being.
I am someone who wants this country to grow, not break.

India is my home. And homes thrive on equality.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

Justice Chandrachud’s fresh remark, therefore, risks reigniting controversies which the judgment had carefully attempted to settle.

The Ayodhya dispute has always been one of the most sensitive and divisive issues in independent India. For centuries, the dispute over the Babri Masjid and the claim of it being the birthplace of Lord Ram caused tension, violence, and loss of life. After decades of litigation, the Supreme Court of India delivered its final judgment on 9th November 2019.

As an advocate and as the President of All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaaz Telangana, my stand at that time was neutral. Not because the judgment was universally fair, but because it was long pending, and because thousands of lives had already been lost to this conflict. Closure was necessary. Endless agitation and litigation would have only deepened divisions and harmed the country further.

When the judgment was delivered, all political parties and communities gave their consent to abide by it. The nation was placed on high alert fearing unrest, but Indian Muslims—despite their disappointment—cooperated peacefully.

Even during the inauguration of the Ram Mandir after prana pratistha (consecration)  in January 2024, Muslims once again displayed patience and tolerance. Many even participated in the ceremony as a gesture of goodwill. These actions demonstrated the mature and tolerant character of Indian Muslims.

Yet today, almost six years later, former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has stirred fresh controversy with his remarks.

Chandrachud’s Controversial Statement

In an interview with Srinivasan Jain on Newslaundry, Justice Chandrachud said that the construction of the Babri Masjid itself was an “act of desecration,” meaning it disrespected something sacred that already existed at the site. Coming from a jurist of his stature, this statement naturally carries weight. But it also raises concerns.

The Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment, consciously avoided such language. The Court dealt with evidence, possession, and patterns of worship, without branding the mosque’s very existence as unlawful or sacrilegious. Justice Chandrachud’s fresh remark, therefore, risks reigniting controversies which the judgment had carefully attempted to settle.

Justice Chandrachud’s recent statement is deeply problematic on two fronts.

First, it directly contradicts the Supreme Court’s own findings. The 2019 judgment never established that a temple was demolished to construct the Babri Masjid. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had reported that remains of a 12th-century structure were found beneath the mosque, which itself was built in the 16th century—a gap of nearly four centuries.

Crucially, the ASI admitted it could not prove who destroyed the earlier structure, why it was destroyed, or whether the mosque was deliberately built over it. Recognizing these limitations, the Court made it clear that ownership of the land could not be determined solely on the basis of archaeology.

Despite this, Justice Chandrachud has now described the mosque’s very construction as an “act of desecration,” a remark that goes well beyond the careful balance of the judgment he himself had delivered.

Second, his words risk reigniting tensions that the Court had tried to settle. For Indian Muslims, the statement feels like salt rubbed into an old wound. The community has already borne immense pain and loss over the decades. To now be told that the very act of building their mosque was wrong from the beginning is not only deeply hurtful, but also threatens to undo the fragile peace and understanding that communities had painstakingly built in the aftermath of the judgment.

Justice Muralidhar’s Criticism

It is not just the Muslim community that finds fault with the handling of the Ayodhya case. Former Chief Justice of Odisha High Court, Justice S. Muralidhar, has also been critical of the 2019 verdict.

Justice Muralidhar observed that the judgment was effectively an “authorless judgment”. He also pointed out that sufficient time was not given for mediation. Given the centuries-old nature of the dispute, he argued, the mediation process could have been pursued more seriously to achieve a more consensual outcome.

When asked about this criticism in an interview with journalist Saurabh Trivedi on The Lallantop, Justice Chandrachud responded that the dispute was centuries old, had already claimed many lives, and that closure was necessary for the well-being of society. According to him, the intention of the bench was to end the matter so that the country could move forward.

Ironically, by making his recent statement about “desecration,” Justice Chandrachud has contradicted his own reasoning. Instead of bringing closure, he has reopened wounds and created new controversies.

A Blow to Judicial Credibility

When a retired Chief Justice speaks in ways that contradict a judgment he was part of, it inevitably raises questions about credibility—both of the individual and of the institution he once led.

Justice Chandrachud’s post-retirement interviews, where he repeatedly defends or expands on his judgments, have also come under scrutiny. Instead of clarifying, these interviews are worsening the situation. By taking a polarised stance, he is now being seen by many not as a respectable statesman, but as a controversial figure.

The judiciary is supposed to stand above politics. But such remarks blur the line between law and political narrative.

Illegal Acts Acknowledged, Yet No Accountability

The Ayodhya judgment of 2019 categorically held that both the installation of idols inside the Babri Masjid in December 1949 and the demolition of the mosque in December 1992 were illegal acts. Yet, in the aftermath of the verdict, several individuals—including Members of Parliament at that time—openly boasted on media channels that they were proud to have participated in the demolition.

What is even more shocking is that despite the Supreme Court itself declaring the demolition unlawful, all those accused in the case were later acquitted by a special CBI court, raising serious questions about accountability and the consistency of our justice system.

The Sufferings of Pasmanda Muslims

For Muslims, the Ayodhya judgment was already painful. Thousands of lives—mostly disproportionate Pasmanda Muslims—were lost in the riots and violence that followed the Babri Masjid conflict over the decades. Many Pasmanda Muslims lost their homes, livelihoods, and dignity in the aftermath of this dispute.

To now hear, years later, that the mosque’s construction itself was a “fundamental act of desecration” is not just painful—it is an insult to the memory of those who suffered and a reopening of wounds that had only just begun to heal.

The Absence of Pasmanda Representation in Judiciary

This controversy also forces us to look at a broader problem: the absence of Pasmanda Muslim representation in the higher judiciary.

In 75 years of the Republic, no Pasmanda Muslim has ever risen to the position of Chief Justice of India. In fact, Muslims as a whole are severely underrepresented in the higher judiciary. This absence matters. When decisions and remarks of great consequence are made about our faith, our history, and our future, the lack of Pasmanda voices at the table becomes glaring.

How can justice feel inclusive when entire communities are excluded from positions of power? The judiciary, like the legislature and the executive, must reflect the diversity of India. Otherwise, it remains an elite space dominated by a few privileged groups, leaving Pasmanda Muslims and other marginalized sections unheard.

Justice Chandrachud’s remarks were not just unnecessary—they were damaging. The nation had already moved forward after the 2019 judgment. Muslims, despite their pain, showed maturity, cooperation, and restraint. By reopening this matter, Justice Chandrachud risks disturbing the fragile social fabric once again.

The way forward is not to dwell on divisive statements but to demand greater inclusivity in our institutions. Pasmanda Muslims, who form the overwhelming majority of India’s Muslims, must step forward in education, in the Bar, in the Bench, and in public life. Until our voices are represented in decision-making spaces, justice will always feel incomplete.

India deserves a judiciary that not only delivers justice but also reflects the nation’s true diversity. Only then can peace and harmony be truly secured.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.

Indian Muslims are not just part of India’s future. They are helping to create it.

A popular narrative aggressively pushed in the international media is that Indian Muslims are oppressed, unsafe, and voiceless. Unfortunately, many—both within and outside India—still buy into this rusted propaganda. It paints a bleak picture of victimhood and exclusion, often ignoring the lived realities and actual progress of Muslims across the country.

But beyond this outdated and politically motivated narrative lies a far brighter, bolder, and more grounded truth: Indian Muslims are not just surviving—they are thriving. From civic activism in Delhi’s Seelampur to entrepreneurship in Bengaluru, from World Cup victories to legal advocacy, Muslims across India are shaping their identity through education, democratic participation, innovation, and resilience.

Community Participation: Grassroots Power and Local Leadership

From narrow lanes to open fields, from rural bastis to urban settlements, Muslim communities are quietly but powerfully transforming their surroundings. In places like Seelampur in Delhi, Kishanganj in Bihar, and parts of Hyderabad and Bengaluru, locals are coming together to run evening schools, healthcare camps, and vocational training centers.

What makes this effort remarkable is its community-led nature. Whether it’s women teaching literacy in local madrasas, youth groups spreading digital awareness, or NGOs providing scholarships, Muslims are choosing action over apathy, proving that true change begins from within. These initiatives show how local efforts can create national impact, and how compassion, unity, and service define real leadership.

Across India, Muslims are participating in democracy with greater conviction and clarity. From voting in record numbers to contesting panchayat, municipal, and state elections, the community is increasingly aware that political engagement is empowerment.

Parties like the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) in Kerala and All India United Democratic Front [AIUDF]  in Assam have long reflected strong regional aspirations. Meanwhile, new political energies are rising, with youth-led forums, independent candidates, and Pasmanda coalitions pushing for inclusive representation.

Rather than being boxed into stereotypes or reduced to a “vote bank,” Muslims today are asserting their place in politics as equal stakeholders in the Indian democratic project.

Socio-Economic Growth: A Quiet Revolution

Despite socio-economic challenges, Indian Muslims are turning adversity into opportunity. Across the country, young Muslims are breaking generational barriers, entering fields like technology, law, medicine, digital media, and entrepreneurship. Startups run by Muslims in Bengaluru and Hyderabad are making headlines, while artisans from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu are reviving traditional crafts with global flair.

Pasmanda Muslims in particular are embracing change with boldness – sending their children to school, seeking skill-based jobs, and tapping into government and private opportunities. The growth of community microfinance, women-run cooperatives, and online learning platforms is enabling them to step into a new era of progress with confidence.

This quiet revolution is powered by faith, family, education, and a determination to create a better tomorrow.

From bustling marketplaces to tech startups, Muslim entrepreneurs are innovating, building, and thriving. Their businesses, be it in food, textiles, fashion, or digital spaces blend traditional skills with modern innovation, creating employment and preserving cultural legacies.

More Muslim women and youth are entering business with confidence, supported by community-led initiatives and digital platforms. Their success stories are inspiring and show that talent and hard work know no barriers. Muslim entrepreneurs are not just economic contributors, they’re culture-keepers, job creators, and visionaries building a better tomorrow.

Civic Participation: Youth, Women, and New Voices Rising

Indian Muslims are no longer waiting to be included-they are making space for themselves. From campus activism to legal advocacy, from media awareness campaigns to environmental initiatives, Muslim youth are at the forefront of civic change. Students from institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia and  Aligarh Muslim university, are building coalitions across communities to protect constitutional values and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

Indian Muslim women are leading too — organizing health awareness drives, running schools, and becoming lawyers, entrepreneurs, and elected representatives. Their courage is reshaping the narrative and inspiring future generations to aim higher.

In stadiums across the nation, Indian Muslims are not only participating in sports, they are excelling, inspiring, and breaking barriers. Their achievements are rewriting narratives and reaffirming that talent knows no religion, only determination and dreams.

Take the example of Mohammed Shami, whose breathtaking performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup was not just about wickets — it became a symbol of national pride. From humble beginnings in Uttar Pradesh to becoming India’s strike bowler, Shami’s journey inspired millions, transcending religious divides and uniting cricket fans across communities.

Alongside him, Mohammed Siraj has emerged as a fast-bowling force, celebrated not just for his talent, but for his emotional journey, including his tribute to his late father during India’s historic win in Australia.

In tennis, Sania Mirza stands as an icon of women’s empowerment and sporting excellence. As a Muslim woman who dominated global tennis rankings while proudly embracing her identity, Sania has become a role model for girls across India — especially from minority communities — proving that boundaries are meant to be broken.

Young Muslim athletes are also rising in sports like football, wrestling, boxing, and athletics. Across Kashmir, Kerala, Hyderabad, and West Bengal, local tournaments often spotlight Muslim talents, many of whom come from modest backgrounds and dream of representing India on the world stage. Academies and training camps run in community centers and minority-dominated areas are nurturing these dreams, showing how access and encouragement can change lives.

Importantly, young Muslim women are claiming their space in the sporting world too. Initiatives like Girls Kick Football Academy , and rising stars in boxing like Tabassum Pasha, are leading a quiet revolution – challenging stereotypes, inspiring the next generation, and reminding the nation that the future of Indian sports lies in its diversity.

In every sprint, serve, and six, these athletes reflect a spirit of resilience and unity. Their stories remind us that sports, at its best, mirrors the country we aspire to be — inclusive, aspirational, and full of heart.

Representation: From Silence to Strength

For too long, the question of Muslim representation in India was limited to numbers. But today, it is about voice, visibility, and value. Whether in law courts, newsrooms, legislatures, or classrooms, Muslims are demanding and gaining spaces that reflect their realities and ambitions.

What’s heartening is that the new wave of leadership is not confined to religion or identity alone. It is intersectional, inclusive, and idea-driven. From Pasmanda activists to Hindu-Muslim coalitions, from Muslim women’s rights defenders to secular regional parties: the message is clear: Muslims are no longer on the margins. They are shaping the center.

India’s Muslim community, with its rich cultural legacy and youthful energy, is moving forward with purpose and pride. They are not just surviving, they are building, learning, leading, and contributing to the national vision of progress and pluralism.

As this vibrant community continues to dream, organize, and uplift one another, one truth becomes more visible than ever: Indian Muslims are not just part of India’s future. They are helping to create it.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not reflect Milli Chronicle’s point-of-view.