How much you focus on your 'Muslimness'?

Commenting on this blog, one of my friend and a highly respected senior journalist wrote to me, "Please keep in mind that your readers are from all sections of the society and faith denominations.  My question is how much would you like to focus on your 'Muslimness' and why? Although his other comments were very encouraging, but they forced me to search an answer for a question that I never thought of, "How much would I focus on my 'Muslimness'?

The Indian Muslims are forced to live with dual identities. I never heard anyone using the term 'Indian Hindus'. Apparently, it is presumed that all Hindus are Indians or all Indians are Hindus. But Muslims in this country are both Indians and also Muslims. A journalist or other professionals like me even have triple identities. I'm a journalist, an Indian and also a Muslim.

A website has published a beautiful photograph of a burkha clad woman holding the tri-colour flag on the Republic Day. However, it went with the caption, "Indian first, Muslim next". Should we appreciate the caption or question the mindset of that publisher? I never read a photo caption that said, "Indian first, Hindu next or Christian or Sikh next." Why is it so that only Muslims are awarded these dual or triple identities? Why is it so that only Muslims are asked to prioritise these identities? Like other Indians, why can't their nationality overshadow their religion and profession?

I must admit that I'm not too religious. I don't offer 'Namaz' five times a day. I'm not wearing a beard. I listen to music and watch movies. I'm not fully familiar with the history of Islam or other religious aspects. Due to these lackings and habits, my relatives feel that I'm 'not a true Muslim'. However, I don't miss Friday prayers; I observe fast during 'Ramzan' and very often use phrases like 'Insha Allah' or 'Masha Allah'. These things make some colleagues and friends of mine believe that I'm a 'fundamentalist.' I'm still unsure of which tag suits me the best -- 'not a true Muslim' or a 'fundamentalist'.

Whether we accept it or not, India is slowly becoming a Hindu nation. Almost all official functions of our secular country start with lighting up of a lamp, as per the Hindu rituals. The ground-breaking ceremonies of any project starts with a 'bhumi-puja'. Religious festivals like Deepavali and Dussera have unofficially became national festivals. The Prime Minister himself participate in the Ramleela Ground programme in New Delhi.

Almost all Hindi channels have now become 'Hindu' channels. Besides having dedicated shows on Hinduism, they devote most of the time covering events like Amarnath Yatra, Shivratri, Kumbh Mela or Brahmotsavam in Tirupati. Infact, many channels did a series of reports to prove that all the mythological stories of Mahabharata and Ramayana were true. There is nothing wrong in doing this. All Indians have freedom to practice and propagate their religion, but in a secular country, I believe, no particular religion should enjoy official patronage.

At a time when people are identifying themselves with their religion, then what is wrong if Muslims talk about their religion and the community. This is neither communalism nor anti-nationalism. As a journalist, I think it is my duty to highlight the problems or issues being encountered by the Muslim community, without fear or favour.

I'm an Indian and I will be the first person to die for my country. The Indian constitution has empowered me to express my views on any subject including the backwardness or injustices being done to any community in the country, including the Muslim community. Then why should I be afraid of exercising my constitutional right and even think of deciding the level of my 'Muslimness' that I will exhibit. I can be both, a '100 per cent Muslim' as well as '100 per cent Indian'. 

I think we can clear lot of apprehensions about the Muslim community, if we speak up. Indian Muslims should not be secretive about anything. They have nothing to hide. But, while highlighting their problems, they must ensure that they never speak against any other community or religion or spread any kind of hatred.