The power of words has never been more evident than in the age of social media, where misinformation spreads like wildfire, amplifying prejudices and deepening societal divides. In India, the recent wave of anti-Muslim rhetoric following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel exemplifies how digital platforms can be weaponized to spread hate and fear.
India’s political landscape has long been marked by communal tensions, often exacerbated by political rhetoric. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with its right-wing ideology, has frequently been accused of fostering anti-Muslim sentiments. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s controversial remarks, referring to Muslims as “ghuspaithiyon” (infiltrators) and “those with more children,” have added fuel to the fire. Since the Hamas attack on Israel, BJP leaders have increasingly conflated support for Palestine with support for terrorism, painting all Muslims with the same broad brush. This narrative not only vilifies a significant portion of the population but also justifies discriminatory policies and actions against them.
Social media platforms, especially WhatsApp, play a crucial role in disseminating hate speech and misinformation. Hundreds of messages related to the Israel-Hamas conflict are shared across numerous groups, often containing inflammatory and false content. For example, a widely circulated article on WhatsApp falsely claims that American journalist Janet Levy warned of a “Hindu genocide” if Modi is ousted. Such messages are designed to instill fear and distrust among the Hindu population. The spread of hate-inciting messages is not limited to text; videos and images that dehumanize Muslims are also rampant. A particularly disturbing example is an image showing children being burned alive in a cage, falsely attributed to Muslim extremists. This image, originally an enactment by activists depicting a Jordanian pilot’s execution by ISIS, is used to suggest that similar atrocities could be committed by Muslims in India.
The relentless barrage of anti-Muslim rhetoric and misinformation has profound psychological effects on the Muslim community. Arshi, a homemaker from Uttar Pradesh, shares her fear and dismay over the propaganda circulating on WhatsApp. This fear is echoed by many, leading to a sense of alienation and insecurity. Dr. Syed Sajid Husain Kazmi, a clinical psychologist, highlights that societal discrimination contributes to feelings of helplessness and powerlessness among Muslims. The economic conditions of many Muslims further exacerbate their inability to seek professional help for mental health issues. Even when they do seek help, they often face additional challenges, such as therapists who do not understand their experiences of marginalization.
The normalization of hate speech has also led to a breakdown in social relationships. Psychotherapist Hena Faqurudheen notes that many of her Muslim patients express disappointment with friends who endorse Islamophobic narratives. This leads to a breakdown of trust and increased social isolation, as Muslims become wary of who they can trust. Digital platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook have amplified these issues, making it easier for hate speech to spread and gain traction. Anant Kamath, an author and social scientist, points out that the repetition of Islamophobic messages gives them a false sense of legitimacy. This psychological effect is heightened by the quality of the propaganda, which often includes high-quality audio-visual elements.
In this climate of fear and mistrust, the importance of counter-narratives cannot be overstated. Faqurudheen emphasizes the need for Muslims to seek out supportive communities where they feel safe and understood. These communities can provide the emotional and psychological support necessary to navigate the challenges posed by the current socio-political environment. Kamath suggests creating engaging content that debunks disinformation and promotes communal harmony. This requires a concerted effort from civil society, media organizations, and individuals committed to fostering a more inclusive and tolerant society.
The spread of anti-Muslim rhetoric and misinformation through social media platforms is a dangerous development that threatens to deepen societal divides in India. It is imperative to address this issue with urgency, by promoting accurate information, fostering supportive communities, and challenging hate speech. Only through collective effort can we hope to mitigate the psychological and social damage caused by this wave of Islamophobia.