– Khan Tahir
This photo was taken at the National Headquarters of the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) on the night of April 30, between 9:00 and 9:15 PM. The image shows complete darkness – but this darkness is not merely physical, it carries a symbolic message. It is a black image that represents oppression, tyranny, injustice, violence, pressure, denial of rights, exploitation, and barbarity. The act of turning off the lights (Batti Gul) was a form of protest against the government’s move to amend the Waqf laws – an attack on our heritage.
This darkness proclaims that if interference in Waqf – institutions of religious, charitable, and historical importance – continues, then the future of India will be just as dark as this image. Waqf is not merely land; it is a beacon of light – and any governmental intrusion is akin to plunging it into darkness. By switching off the lights, we sent a message that the government not only wants to snatch the light from Muslims but aims to keep every justice-loving citizen of the country in the dark while pushing these amendments through.
Yet, this darkness also carries a glimmer of hope – hope that Muslims are awake and aware. They understand what darkness is and are making every effort to resist it. Across the country, they are raising their voices in a peaceful and dignified manner. Through this symbolic act of Batti Gul, we are declaring that our history, our heritage, and our Waqf are being taken from us – and without them, only darkness remains in our lives.
But we believe that we will emerge from this darkness and return to the light once again.
May Allah eliminate all forms of oppression.
Ameen.
