19 Jul. 24: Muslims should focus on positive changes and move forward by ignoring negative aspects, said Professor Mohammed Salim Engineer, Vice President of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind. He expressed this view while presiding over a meeting for community intellectuals organized by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Vijayapura, Karnataka, titled “Our Post-Election Course of Action.”
Professor Salim Engineer emphasized that the Muslim community has endured challenging times, especially in the 15 years following the partition of India. Despite these hardships, Muslim youth and intellectuals have strived to support their candidates in various elections. Initially, Muslims lived in fear and uncertainty, but over time, they maintained their faith and identity.
He highlighted that despite a weak political and social backdrop and the malicious intentions of sectarian forces, Muslims have steadily progressed over the last decade. Prof. Salim Engineer pointed out that secularism is exemplified in places like Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, where despite the BJP’s dominance, the secular mindset prevails.
The intellectuals’ meeting, themed “Our Post-Election Course of Action,” stressed the importance of working towards social harmony within Indian society. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, operating nationwide, promotes messages of justice, brotherhood, peace, and tranquility.
Earlier, Maulana Wahiduddin Khan Umari, Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Karnataka, and Maulana Muhammad Aslam, Chief Organizer of Majlis-i-Ulama, Karnataka, delivered opening remarks. They emphasized the crucial role of secular individuals and organizations in combating fascist forces to preserve democratic values and protect the Constitution.
During the event, Professor Mohammed Salim Engineer addressed questions from the audience related to the discussed topics. He urged Muslims to strengthen their political awareness and alliances to support secular candidates and defeat sectarian forces. He noted that recent parliamentary elections have seen an increase in voter turnout among Muslims, which is a positive development. However, he lamented the underrepresentation of Muslims in the Parliament and assemblies, despite the secular mindset of the majority of India’s population.
Prof. Salim Engineer concluded by stating that the Quran serves as a guide for Muslims in their journey towards progress and maintaining their identity.
