The horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 innocent lives and injured over 20 others, is not just an act of brutality, it is a betrayal of humanity itself. Carried out by militants disguised in military uniforms, the attack targeted Hindu tourists, with killers verifying religion before executing their victims. Such savagery is not only a crime against the nation but a direct insult to the core value of Islam, a religion that firmly upholds peace, justice, and sanctity of life. The Quran clearly states:” Fight in the cause of God against those who fight you, but do not transgress. Surely, God does not love the transgressors” (Quran 2:190). The killing of innocents whether Hindu, Christian, Muslim, or of any other faith is condemned unequivocally. Those who murder civilians for political gains or twisted ideologies have no place in Islam.
It is crucial to recognize that India is home to over 172.2 million Muslims, making them the largest minority group. These Muslims are not outsiders; they are integral to India’s soul. Across the country, Indian Muslims have stood firmly against terrorism, promoting brotherhood, harmony, and patriotism. The actions of Kashmiri Muslims during the Pahalgam attack are proof of this spirit. Many risked their lives to protect and rescue injured tourists, disregarding victims’ religion and focusing only on saving human lives. Such bravery stands in stark contrast to the cowardice of the terrorists. Local Muslims rushed victims to hospitals when no official help arrived. Some gave their own blood for transfusions. Their actions loudly proclaimed: humanity is above hatred, and Kashmir’s heart beats for peace.
Leading Islamic organizations have also unequivocally condemned the attack. Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Head of the All India Imam Organisation, called for prayers across 5.5 lakh mosques against terrorism, emphasizing that killers of innocents cannot be buried on Indian soil. Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind described the terrorists as “beasts,’
” while Syed Sadatullah Husaini of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind demanded
swift justice for the victims. At this critical moment, it is vital not to let extremist actions define an entire community. To blame Islam or Indian Muslims for the crimes of a few is both unjust and dangerous. Islam, at its heart, is a religion of submission to God’s peace, mercy, and justice. Terrorism has no religion, and its perpetrators have no faith.
The Quran reminds Muslims: “Let there be no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:256) and instructs them to be just even in the face of hatred (Quran 5:8). Terrorists who kill innocents, take selfies with dead bodies, and instill fear for political purposes are not martyrs they are murderers, plain and simple. Pahalgam’s bloodshed must strengthen our collective resolve: to protect unity, to resist hatred, and to reaffirm that India’s strength lies in compassion, not communal division.
-Insha Warsi
