Misconceptions about Muslim Patriotism

Before analysing the issue, we must first define the concept of patriotism.

Patriotism is the feeling that your country is a part of your identity, and you genuinely wish to see it grow, stay united, and become stronger.

It concerns - Love for your country, Respect for national symbols ( Flag, constitution, heroes), Willing to work for the nation’s progress, Unity and solidarity with fellow citizens, protecting the nation’s freedom and dignity.

A man is a patriot if his heart beats true to his country - Thomas Jefferson

In current times, a repeated question is raised “Are Indian Muslims patriotic enough?

The doubts are not natural. They are produced. Three major reasons which creates these doubts:

1. Political framing

Some political groups portray Muslims as “the other” to create fear or gather support. This technique is not unique to India; it has been used across the world to target minority communities.

2. Selective reading of history

Partition is constantly brought up in debates, even though most Indian Muslims had no role in it. The generation that lives today was born decades after 1947, yet they face suspicion tied to a past they never created.

3. Stereotypes about identity

Assumptions like “Muslims feel connected to other Muslim-majority countries” ignore the simple fact that belongingness comes from roots, culture, and lived reality, not religion.

Indian Muslims share language, culture, food, music, festivals, and social life with fellow Indians. Their identity is deeply Indian.

Political theorist, Benedict Anderson, known for his idea of “Imagined Communities” explained that nations often creates ‘internal others’ to define themselves.

Simply, Anderson shows that when nation asking one community to prove its patriotism, it is actually treating them as an ‘internal other’ - people who are unfairly seen as outsiders inside their own country.

As Rabindranath Tagore explained, true patriotism is not blind emotion but “a deep commitment to the welfare of one’s land and people.”

Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi believed that patriotism is shown through service, honesty, and respect for all communities. In simple terms: Patriotism is not based on religion, It is based on actions that supports the nation’s progress.

From the freedom struggle to modern day service, Indian Muslims have shown patriotism through sacrifice, responsibility and contribution.

During the freedom struggle many muslim leaders played a major role in fighting british rule. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad guided the national movement with strong commitment to India’s unity. Ashfaqullah Khan sacrificed his life for the nation. Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan (Frontier Gandhi ), Sir Sayed Ahmad Khan, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari, Maulana Hasrat Mohani, Hakim Ajmal Khan etc. worked for independence, social reforms and national harmony. Their actions clearly show that Indian muslims were an essential part of the freedom movement.

Choosing India after partition.

In 1947, when the partition occurred, millions of Muslims had the option to migrate. Yet more than One-third muslims stayed in India. They chose India as their home. This decision itself was a declaration of loyalty and belonging.

In contemporary India, patriotism continues through everyday contributions. Thousands of muslim soldiers serve in the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy, protecting the borders and taking part in major operations. Colonel Sophia Quraishi led Operation Sindoor.

Muslims also works in police, civil services, railways, education health care and disaster relief, helping the nation run smoothly.

In fields such as sports, science, business arts and culture, many muslim individuals represent India globally and add to the nation’s progress.

Patriotism is also reflected in respect for the Constitution and democratic processes.

Muslims vote, participate in elections, follow the law, run businesses, and stand with the principles of secularism and equality.

Political philosopher John Rawls argued that “loyalty to a nation is expressed through commitment to its public institutions”. By this measure, Indian muslims show patriotism daily by accepting the constitution, supporting democracy and engaging in civic life.

When patriotism becomes a test only for one community, it creates a form of moral and political discrimination. Gandhi warned against this when he said that “a nation cannot be united if loyalty becomes a “religious certificate”.

Tagore also criticised “hyper-nationalism” that divides citizens instead of bringing them together.

The claim that Indian Muslims lack patriotism has no historical, social, or constitutional basis.

It is a political idea, not a factual one.

Indian Muslims have always been an essential part of the nation-before independence, during nation-building, and in modern India. Their patriotism is visible not in slogans but in their actions, service, sacrifice, and everyday contribution.

India is richer, more diverse, and more complete because of its Muslim citizens. Their patriotism is not a question, it is a reality.