Religion is a system of faith or worship that influences the way a person thinks, sees, and interacts with the world. A person’s religion is often the primary source of their ethical and moral beliefs. For many believers, religion is a source of great comfort, even purpose. Many different religions exist throughout the world. Although religions are often very different from each other in theology and practice, arguably most of them focus on two near-universal themes: how to behave here on Earth and what to expect when we let’s die. Most religions teach faith in a higher power, be it one’s own spirituality.

Religion is the most sensitive part of any society. Every individual, whether Muslim or of another religion, is married to his religious lines. Vague or blasphemous comments about any religion should not be made as this hurts the feelings of millions of people around the world. According to the latest report, there are approximately 10,000 distinct religions in the world. About 84% of the world’s population is married to different religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism or some form of folk religion. The population with no religious affiliation includes those who do not identify with any particular religion, atheists and agnostics.

Likewise, it is the responsibility of every group, organization and especially the government to guarantee the fundamental religious rights of the people. All facilities must be provided for them to perform their religious duties and their prayers. No country can prevent someone from performing their religious practices anywhere in the country. If a state prevents someone from performing religious customs, this is subject to violations of international charters, conventions and constitutional rights, which must be discouraged.

Unfortunately, a comprehensive and systematic campaign against a particular religion has been launched in India with the indirect support of the government. The main objective of the campaign is to slander the Muslim community. It is pertinent to mention here that the campaign was deliberately launched in order to fulfill political interests and guided by Hindutva. The campaign had started when two senior leaders of the ruling political party, the BJP, made derogatory remarks against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The comments were transmitted on a live television broadcast.

Likewise, the remarks have seriously damaged the religious feelings of not only Indian Muslims, but the entire community living across the globe. Likewise, the remarks sparked massive outrage not only in India but in different parts of the world. The Indian government is condemned worldwide by Muslim states. The Muslim community is organizing protests around the world against blasphemous remarks against the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Initially, the Indian government, led by Hindu fanatics, refused to even condemn the comments made by two of its senior officials. However, he later realized the sensitivity of the issue when Arab nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar not only condemned the remarks but also summoned Indian diplomats to register a strong protest on behalf of the government and the people. The government has rushed to appease powerful Muslim-majority countries after two ruling party officials made derogatory remarks against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

This was a revelation for the Indian government and after that it decided to suspend its two leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal. The Indian government also distanced itself from the remarks and said they were personal comments by two leaders and did not reflect BJP policy. The government, however, refused to punish its leaders and instead questioned the response of Muslim states to this. It is highly likely that the recent developments in India against Islam will have lasting implications for communal harmony in the country.

Similarly, the role of Indian media, which is a mouthpiece for the BJP government, also remained biased towards Muslims and favored BJP leaders who made controversial remarks. After seeing strong reactions from Muslims, unfortunately, the Indian media launched a counter-campaign to target Muslims. Similarly, the Indian media has vehemently supported BJP leaders in playing the Hindutva card. Unfortunately, the Indian media’s offensive anti-Muslim campaign caused panic in the Arab states, which then backed down instead of punishing New Delhi. These states preferred economic, strategic and political interests with India instead of promoting religious values. The GCC, OIC and Arab League have wasted an opportunity to unite Muslims for a greater cause.

The Muslim state must not compromise on religious red lines. The cold response from the Arab world will reinforce the Indian government’s anti-Muslim policies in the future. They had to stand firm on their stance against India. It is right that the Muslim world join hands and unite to collectively fight against Islamophobia, emanating from the West and from India.

The recent wave of Islamophobia in India has categorically exposed the Indian government’s anti-Muslim policies. It is high time for the international community, organizations and other human rights watchdogs to come forward and take strong action against New Delhi over its Islamophobic policies. They must not allow India to get away with all the mess it has created against Muslims. India’s economic partners can no longer turn a blind eye to the Modi government’s controversial record.

But today, despite India’s growing prominence in the global sphere – with its $2.9 trillion economy, membership in – Quad and ambitions to become a permanent member of the UNSC – its political machine Hindu nationalism may have gone too far, posing a threat to regions as well as world peace.

The author is an Islamabad-based Indian affairs expert.