This is apropos a Business Recorder editorial titled “When prejudice becomes policy” carried by the newspaper recently.
The newspaper has pointed out that ‘The United Nations marked March 15 as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia with Secretary-General António Guterres warning of a “rising tide of anti-Muslim bigotry and hate” worldwide, a concern that reflects a reality many governments have been reluctant to confront with the seriousness it demands. Nearly two billion Muslims continue to face discrimination, exclusion, and, increasingly, violence, both online and in public life, as narratives once confined to the fringes gain legitimacy in mainstream political discourse.’
India, in my view, tops the list of countries where dislike of and prejudice against Muslims and Islam is overtly encouraged since Narendra Modi came to power 11 years ago. Growing marginalization of Muslims in various aspects of social, economic, and political life is a grim reality. According to Shamsul Islam, a Delhi-based scholar of high repute, “For Muslims, India is increasingly becoming out of bound”. It is because of rising Islamophobia, systemic marginalization, and discriminatory legislation. The newspaper deserves commendation for highlighting the challenge of Islamophobia in a highly meaningful manner. USCIRF has recommended sanctions on RAW and RSS, again flagging India as a “Country of Particular Concern.” USCIRF, too, deserves praise for pointing out, among other things, that Hindu extremist mobs attack Muslims and Christians while state institutions maintain silence.
Abdul Sattar Ansari, (Dubai)
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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