New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) Earlier this year, a compilation titled 'The Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2024' was assembled by Muslim Mirror in partnership with the Minority Media Foundation. This list likely caught the attention of the President of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (JUH), Arshad Madani, who is also included among the 'influential' individuals.

The compilation featured noted personalities such as the Indian politician and lawyer Asaduddin Owaisi, the internationally celebrated music composer and singer A.R. Rahman, the business magnate and philanthropist Azim Premji, and the versatile actor and filmmaker Aamir Khan, among others from various sectors.

However, Madani, a prominent figure in Islamic education and politics, opted to overlook these influential leaders within India to focus instead on figures like the Mayor-elect of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and London's Mayor Sadiq Khan. Notably, he disregarded the Mayor of Kolkata, Firhad Hakim, affectionately known as “Bobby”.

Madani also claimed that Muslims in India are unable to attain positions such as vice-chancellors. Yet, he disregarded the accomplishment of Naima Khatoon, who made history as the first woman vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in over a century.

Additionally, he spoke on behalf of Azam Khan, a Samajwadi Party leader, despite Khan’s controversial past which is currently under investigation.

Madani also neglected to mention figures like Dr. Zakir Hussain, a distinguished educator and founding member of Jamia Millia Islamia University, who served as its Vice Chancellor before becoming Vice President and later, President of India.

Other notable Muslim Presidents included Dr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and the highly esteemed scientist Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

The narrative put forth by the JUH leader might resonate with a specific audience for a limited time; however, it heavily relies on misinformation and disinformation.

The video clip presented by him fails to address pressing issues such as gender inequality, unemployment, lack of education, or skills among minorities and the pathways to resolve these challenges.

In fact, he previously contended that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act was unnecessary, arguing that criminalizing triple talaq was excessive since divorce falls under civil law.

He seemed to imply that criminal penalties unfairly targeted men.

The Supreme Court deemed the practice of instant triple talaq unconstitutional in 2017, and Parliament subsequently criminalized it, representing a significant move towards fostering gender equality within personal law frameworks.

For many women, these changes provided clearer legal recourse, potential criminal accountability for arbitrary divorces, and heightened public acknowledgment of marital rights. Conversely, regarding the government's Pasmanda Muslim outreach, the JUH President asserted that attempts to create divisions among various religions should be condemned as a “national crime”, which he welcomed.

Pasmanda serves as an umbrella term encompassing backward Muslim castes, typically the Ajlaf (occupationally disadvantaged groups) and Arzal (Muslim Dalits), who are socially ranked below the traditionally dominant Ashraf groups.

This term draws attention to intra-community disparities and shapes a political identity advocating for social justice and representation.

Over the last twenty years, grassroots organizations like the All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz have mobilized to document these inequalities, advocate for reservations, and seek targeted welfare and legal recognition of their unique needs. Yet, leaders like Madani have chosen not to champion their causes or work towards their advancement.

He has continued his endeavors while disregarding the community that constitutes nearly 80% of Indian Muslims.