#UnitedAgainstTerror, #NotInMyName: Muslim youths stand against attack
Times of India | 24 April 2025
Kolkata: Muslims in Kolkata have taken to social media to unequivocally reject violence and condemn terrorism and the killings of tourists. At the same time, they have been fielding unfair stereotyping and responding to negative comments with reason and respect.
The terrorist attack, which targeted tourists holidaying in Pahalgam, has drawn widespread condemnation from the community. Trustees of the Nakhoda masjid released a statement, calling the incident "un-Islamic and against humanity". "Today is a sad day for India, a sad moment for Indians," reads the statement from Nakhoda Masjid. "There is no greater evil than wilful violence against innocents. The terrorists who committed this abhorrent act are enemies of Islam and humanity." Nasser Ebrahim, a trustee of Nakhoda mosque, said, "This is not the time to spread Hindu-Muslim hate and divisive political propaganda. We must unite as Indians and stand in solidarity with the aggrieved families."
The messages resonated with the young voices from the Muslim community, as they expressed grief, outrage over "cowardly terror attack" and an unwavering stand against hatred. Many social media users have been sharing their posts of solidarity, using hashtags, like #UnitedAgainstTerror and #NotInMyName to reinforce their message of peace and humanity.
"I am heartbroken, angry, and deeply ashamed by the Pahalgam attack. There is no justification—religious, political or ideological—for what happened. That's not just a hate crime; that's terror in its rawest and most disgusting form. And let me be honest: the entire Muslim community is equally shaken and disturbed. We do not see this as a Hindu-Muslim issue. We see this as innocent Indians being killed. We are grieving as humans, as Indians and yes, as Muslims. Islam does not preach this. No faith does," said Salena Ahmed, an entrepreneur. "But what hurts more is the immediate assumption that Muslims need to come out and prove their loyalty, grief, outrage. We are tired of having to explain that we are just as Indian, just as heartbroken, just as devastated..."
"The attack on tourists is against humanity, which has shaken every single heart of the nation. As an Indian, I condemn the attack and demand exemplary punishment for the culprits," said Asif Iqbal, a businessman.
Zain Siddiqui, a second-year student, said, "My heart goes out to the families. No religion preaches violence and terrorism. It is shameful that people are being killed on the basis of their religion."
The response from the community is not only a rebuttal to extremists but also a reminder of the country's shared values. "There is an attempt to stereotype the community unfairly by a certain section, but that will only strengthen the hands of our enemies. We should be united," said Sana Khan, a young homemaker.