Educated Muslims in India and Their Engagement on Quora
Introduction
Why are educated Muslims from India not often seen answering questions about Islam and India on Quora? This article explores the prevailing perceptions, the role of internet Hindutva, and the organization of Indian Muslims online, offering insights into this complex issue.
The Absence of Educated Responses
It is often observed that Indian Muslims are not frequently seen answering questions on Quora related to Islam and India, a phenomenon that raises interesting questions about representation and discourse. However, when they do answer, their responses might not receive the necessary attention, often overshadowed by highly charged discussions filled with vitriol and negativity. This trend has a significant impact on the visibility of reasoned, scholarly dialogues.
Even when Muslims do contribute to such discussions, their contributions might be limited by a belief in takfir, or the condemnation of other Muslims who do not follow a perceived “pure” form of Islam. This adherence to conservative religion can overshadow the need for a rational, evidence-based approach to such topics, making it less likely that engaging and informative answers will gain traction.
Educated Muslims in India
Mohsin Dalvi’s insights highlight that Muslims constitute approximately 15% of India’s population, but this percentage significantly drops to around 5% if we consider English-speaking, educated Indians active on the internet. Moreover, even among the educated community, many Muslims still rely on religious orthodoxy to provide answers, believing that “pure” or “right” forms of Islam are the ultimate solutions to societal issues. This dependence can restrict their willingness to engage in rational, evidence-based discussions on Quora and similar forums.
The Influence of Internet Hindutva
The rise of internet Hindutva, a movement that advocates for digital activism by Hindus, has further complicated the landscape of online discourse in India. Right-wing voices dominate most online discussions, drowning out alternative perspectives. This is evident in major Indian news platforms, such as The Hindu and The Times of India, where right-wing comments often dominate the discussion sections.
Despite this overwhelming presence of right-wing voices, organized Indian Muslims are notably less active online. This organizational gap can be attributed to various socio-political factors, leading to a lack of a cohesive online presence that could challenge these internet-driven narratives.
Clarification and Context
The original question, “Why do we not see educated Muslims from India answering questions on Islam and India,” was not asked with the intent to malign or provoke but rather to genuinely understand the situation. The term “educated” can be ambiguous; it may refer to those who have formal education in fields such as history, geography, and cultural studies, or to those who are literate and have engaged in self-education.
Moreover, the assertion that questions are not being answered lacks objective measurement methods. There is no standardized method to classify users as “educated” or otherwise, making it challenging to gauge the extent of contributions or lack thereof. Personal observations and anecdotal evidence are often used, which can be biased and incomplete.
As a history-geography-sociocultural anthropology enthusiast, my answers initially focused on providing historical and cultural perspectives. However, the adversarial nature of online discussions often pushes contributions to rely heavily on religious rhetoric, disregarding the significance of a multi-faceted, evidence-based approach to the topic.
Conclusion
The lack of educated Muslim voices on Quora regarding Islam and India is a multifaceted issue. It is influenced by religious adherence, the dominance of internet Hindutva, and the organizational dynamics of online Muslim communities in India. Addressing this requires a nuanced understanding and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse online discussion space.