Entire country is in search of a new vision: Syed Saadatullah Husaini

Pattana, 10 October (ABN) – Amir Syed Saadatullah Hussaini of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind stated that India is currently experiencing unprecedented social, political, and ideological turmoil. Religious, class, and societal contradictions are intensifying, and unrest is evident across various strata. In such circumstances, the entire nation is searching for a new ideology and intellectual direction. While this situation appears concerning, it also creates new opportunities for intellectual and ideological movements.

Saadatullah Hussaini was addressing the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Bahar’s three‑day gathering of members at the Jamaat Islamia Hall. His speech was titled “Islamic Movement in Changing Circumstances.” The assembly included members from all districts of the state, many of whom were women. The Amir said that extraordinary debate and discussion about Islam and Muslims are ongoing in the country. Questions are being raised about prayer, the call to prayer, hijab, and Islamic teachings in villages, neighborhoods, educational institutions, and public places. This situation presents an important opportunity to present a proper introduction to Islam. He added, “The stage for invitation has been set; now we must move forward and deliver our message.”

Syed Saadatullah Hussaini emphasized that religious differences should be turned into dialogue and mutual understanding rather than confrontation and tension. Instead of limiting this dialogue to the conference hall, it should reach villages, neighborhoods, and homes, especially addressing the questions and intellectual demands of the new generation. He said that the Islamic Movement must consider building future India alongside addressing current challenges. It is an urgent necessity to play an effective role in justice, peace, mutual trust, and positive social change.

At this occasion, the Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, TR Arif Ali, spoke on the topic “Islamic Movement and Social Engagement.” He said that in the current circumstances, strengthening social ties and establishing positive relationships with all segments of society is essential to bring about a positive shift in public opinion in favor of Islam. In an environment of Islamophobia and hatred against Muslims, efforts should be made to dispel misunderstandings through mutual trust, good conduct, and practical character. He added that Islam is a comprehensive system of life that provides guidance in every era and society. While we must aspire to an ideal Islamic society, we must also recognize that we live in a multi‑religious society where Muslims are a minority. In such circumstances, it is crucial to expand social ties beyond our limited circles and engage with the general public. Mr. Arif Ali stressed that merely talking about an ideal Islamic society is not enough; establishing practical relationships with the current society is also necessary. We should build pleasant relationships with our neighbors, relatives, neighborhood residents, and people of various religions and classes. TR Arif said that social ties are not one‑way actions. We must be ready to listen to others, understand their thoughts, and learn from their experiences while conveying our message. Our conviction should be strong, but the doors of heart and mind should remain open. He said that an effective means of forming a positive public opinion in favor of Islam is good conduct, service to humanity, mutual respect, and continuous social contact. Workers of the Islamic Movement should not isolate themselves from society but should live among it, create a place in people’s hearts, and strive to dispel misunderstandings about Islam.

Addressing the assembly, Amir Halqa of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Bahar, Maulana Rizwan Ahmad Iṣlafi, said that in the current national situation, there is growing interest among non‑Muslims, including Hindus, to learn about Islam and the religious and social matters of Muslims. People want to understand what mosques and madrasas are, why Muslims have emotional attachment to Muslim endowments, what the reality of Muslim personal law is, and why there is opposition to a uniform civil code. This situation presents both a challenge for the Muslim Ummah and a prime opportunity for the Islamic Movement to present a proper introduction to Islam. Maulana Rizwan Ahmad Iṣlafi said that instead of being frightened by current circumstances or merely reacting emotionally, Muslims should spread the true teachings of Islam with wisdom, patience, and perseverance. Islam delivers a message of justice, fairness, peace, equality, brotherhood, and human compassion. The need is that Muslims’ conduct and character should be such that people of other religions also recognize their integrity, honesty, and good manners. Amir Halqa said that today, the voice of justice and fairness is rising worldwide. The new generation also demands truth, justice, and equality. This is a new ray of hope for the Islamic Movement. He added that establishing justice is a fundamental necessity for the individual, society, and the state, and the Islamic Movement must continuously struggle for this purpose.

Maulana Irshadi said that the Muslim ummah must move beyond merely addressing its own issues and also work for the welfare of ordinary people. Muslims, recognizing their responsibilities, should play an effective role in service to humanity, social reform, and the establishment of justice. Highlighting the purpose of the state gathering, he said it is not just an organizational tradition but an important means of renewing thought and action, self‑accountability, and training and purification. He appealed to members and workers to return from the gathering with renewed determination and fresh enthusiasm, and to make the activities of inviting to the faith, serving humanity, and social reform more effective in their respective areas.