While the Tablighi Jamaat is taking flak in many parts of the world for its large gatherings acting as a catalyst to the Covid-19 pandemic, historian Francis Robinson, a specialist in South Asian and Islamic history, says the bigger question is how the right-wing elements are using the pandemic as a reason to harass Muslims. Excerpts from an exclusive interview:
Q/Is the crackdown on the Tablighi Jamaat a reflection of intolerance to Muslims?
A/There are elements in India who will use any stick to beat the Muslims. The 21st century is not a pleasant time to be a Muslim in India.
Q/Are we seeing Islamophobia in the times of an epidemic?
A/In the UK, there are some right-wing elements who have used the Covid-19 pandemic as a reason to harass Muslims. Some video clips have been circulating recently of Muslims attending Friday prayers with the suggestion that they are breaking lockdown rules. But it turned out that these video clips were taken before the lockdown rule was imposed. These clips have been taken down, so I am told. I do not know if the police are taking further action, but I sincerely hope they do.
Q/The Tablighi Jamaat Markaz at Nizamuddin has become a Covid-19 hotspot. Do you think the image of the TJ has suffered a blow?
A/I do not know the details of what happened at the TJ Markaz in Nizamuddin, so it is not possible to comment on its reputational outcome. In general, I would say that the TJ are Sunni Muslims and through history it has always been the tendency of Sunni Muslims to obey the law of the land. Secondly, as far as reputation is concerned, I suspect that most will judge the event through their prejudices. So, if people wish to use the event as a stick to beat the TJ, they will do so.
Q/Do you think the Tablighi Jamaat has become radicalised? There are allegations of terror links.
A/It is unlikely that the TJ has become radicalised. It is strictly apolitical, although, of course, the impact of missionary work can be political. It is true that some years ago western intelligence agencies regarded the TJ as a threshold to radicalisation. But this is not a reflection of TJ policies. It is more about the impact of the TJ on some individuals; in sharpening their sense of Muslim self-worth and their desire to be saved. It might make them open to the preaching of malign individuals, not members of the TJ.