The word that comes to our mind whenever we hear the word "jihad" usually has deep and darker feelings, especially when linked with violent acts and terrorism. In the recent past, “jihadist” organizations have been associated with terrorism, and as a result, many of them are Muslims. Is Islam, a religion of more than a billion people globally, at the center of these immoral beliefs? Or is there a hidden agenda?

Many of the Islamic-majority countries are either still in poverty or illiterate and politically unstable, which creates anger and disappointment. That is why when some people feel oppressed or marginalized, they turn to radical politics or radical religion and think that only that will give them dignity, power, or something over which they have control, which they have been doing for so many years in India and now are one of the majority in religions. Some leaders, at some point, have been so cunning as to spin religion to their advantage and satisfy their needs. They do this by focussing on only a few teachings, seen out of context, as they turn people into ‘them’ and ‘us’ kinds of mindsets. This manipulation has regrettably produced al-Qaeda-type people who may not have a correct grasp of what Islam, as a religion, really stands for.

extremism movements that are slowly presenting a real threat to the world’s peace and order. This is significant because each movement, which began after the 9/11 (2001) attacks, is distinct; each movement has a localized foundation and requires a unique response.

The issue emerges when certain beliefs, such as those of certain jihadists, seek to impose their will on a population in a manner that erases their cultural sacred ground as well as their values.
One might say that what was done to India’s cultural history cannot be reversed, but these acts should teach the jihadists of tomorrow. We must keep on opposing every type of extreme action or thinking, religious or otherwise, that aims at disrupting the harmony, understanding, or integration of individuals and societies. Ultimately, India is a secular nation that welcomes all religions, but if these extremist organizations commit any acts against our country, severe measures will be implemented.

It is noteworthy that jihadists, who are for the most part Muslims, have been instrumental in the virtual destruction of India’s cultural, historical, and moral heritage. From the invasion of the temple to the forceful introduction of different worship patterns, these fundamentalist forces have time and overtaken the soul of the nation. The harm that has been done to the multicultural society of India is not just memories of aggressions but present violence that too has to be halted. Thus we have to prevent these destructive forces to protect the unity, tradition, and cultural sanctity of this great nation for our posterity and future generations.