Mukhtar Ansari: Why we need to choose our heroes wisely

Gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari passed away due to a heart attack on Thursday night. A significant turnout marked the funeral procession of Ansari, who had served as a five-time MLA. To ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incidents, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC were imposed across the state, which were defied by the large number of attendees coming out for his funeral. Both Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and local police teams were deployed in strategic locations such as Banda, Mau, Ghazipur and Varanasi to maintain law and order during the funeral proceedings.

Ansari’s path from a background marked by criminal activities to achieving political prominence illustrates the intricate intertwining of crime and politics. His ascent through the corridors of power, despite facing a multitude of criminal allegations such as murder and violations of the Gangster Act, underscores the symbiotic relationship between coercive influence and electoral dynamics. Despite the shadow cast by his reputation, Ansari skillfully manoeuvred within the political landscape, leveraging the vulnerabilities of the system and exploiting the convergence of criminal networks with political ambitions to advance his own goals.

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The act of idolising individuals, especially those with criminal histories, prompts significant inquiries into ethical leadership and societal norms. When figures like Mukhtar Ansari are celebrated as icons within the Muslim community, it not only undermines the pursuit of justice and social unity but also sustains stereotypes and reinforces adverse perceptions. The glorification of individuals tainted by criminal activities perpetuates a cycle of lawlessness and diminishes public confidence in the integrity of political institutions. Furthermore, it diverts attention away from the accomplishments of admirable individuals who exemplify values such as advancement, prosperity, and communal concord.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s recent visit to the home of Mukhtar Ansari following his passing illustrates the intricate dynamics of selecting heroes and the risks associated with communal politics. Owaisi’s actions, aimed at securing support from the Muslim electorate in Uttar Pradesh, highlight the ethical complexities inherent in political manoeuvring. By offering condolences and paying tribute to an individual with a past like Ansari’s, Owaisi perpetuates a narrative that blurs the lines between communal identity and moral endorsement. This presents a dilemma for Owaisi, as it contradicts his proclaimed dedication to justice while aligning himself with individuals involved in criminal activities. Such contradictions exemplify the moral challenges faced by Indian Muslims when navigating their political affiliations.

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Indian Muslims have a rich tapestry of leaders and luminaries whose contributions to nation-building and social upliftment serve as beacons of hope and inspiration. First of all, the examples of unsung heroes from the Muslim community in India’s struggle for Independence need to become household names. Figures like Abdul Khader, Abid Hasan Safrani, Allah Baksh, Aruna Asaf Ali, Asaf Ali, Azimullah Khan, Azizan Bai, Maqbool Sherwani, Maulana Baqir, Mir Akbar Ali Khan, Peer Md. Ansari, Saifuddin Kichlew, Yusuf Meherally are just some of the names that an average Muslim can look up to. These were the people who fought for an inclusive, progressive, cohesive nation state built on the ideals of progress and development.

In contemporary times, a notable figure is Syed Asif Ibrahim, an Indian diplomat and former director of the Intelligence Bureau, India’s primary internal intelligence agency. Serving from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014, he became the first Muslim in India to hold this pivotal position. In June 2015, Ibrahim assumed the role of Indian prime minister’s special envoy on “Countering Terrorism and Extremism,” tasked with fostering diplomatic relations and cooperation with governments in West Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. His appointment underscores his expertise and diplomatic acumen in addressing critical issues of terrorism and extremism, further solidifying his reputation as a distinguished diplomat and advocate for peace and security.

Idris Hasan Latif, who served as the 10th Chief of Air Staff (CAS) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) from 1978 to 1981, Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi, an Indian judge who was the 26th Chief Justice of India, Syed Akbaruddin, the Indian diplomat who served as India’s permanent representative at the United Nations at New York from January 2016 to April 2020 and Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain, a retired General of the Indian Army and a political commentator are some of the shining stars within the Muslim community.

APJ Abdul Kalam, often referred to as the “Missile Man of India”, stands as an exemplary role model for Indian Muslims for numerous reasons as well. Beyond his significant contributions to science, technology, and national security, Kalam embodied values of integrity, humility, and inclusivity. His profound respect and admiration for Hindu scriptures, notably the Bhagavad Gita, exemplify his commitment to interfaith harmony and understanding. Kalam’s life and teachings transcend religious boundaries, inspiring individuals of all backgrounds to strive for excellence, serve their nation with dedication, and foster communal unity. Through his actions and words, Kalam epitomised the essence of leadership, compassion, and communal harmony, making him a revered figure not only among Indian Muslims but across the entire nation.

In the realm of sports, legendary cricketers such as Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Zaheer Khan and Mohammed Shami have left an indelible mark on Indian cricket, inspiring generations with their skill and passion for the game. Similarly, tennis player Sania Mirza and badminton player Syed Modi have brought glory to the nation on the international stage, showcasing the talent and dedication of Indian Muslim athletes.

The world of cinema has been enriched by multifaceted talents like Shah Rukh Khan, whose journey from humble beginnings to becoming a global icon symbolizes the transformative power of perseverance and inclusivity. Khan’s contributions to Indian cinema go beyond entertainment, as he has used his platform to promote cultural diversity and communal harmony.

In music, the legendary AR Rahman has transcended boundaries of language, religion, and nationality with his groundbreaking compositions, serving as a unifying force through the universal language of music. Rahman’s impact extends far beyond India, as his music resonates with audiences worldwide, fostering communal understanding and unity. Ustad Zakir Hussain, hailed as the greatest tabla player of all time, is the son of the legendary tabla maestro Ustad Allah Rakha. Beyond his extraordinary musical talent, Hussain’s immersion in Indic spirituality is noteworthy. From infancy, he demonstrated a unique connection to rhythm, with his father considering rhythm syllables as his prayer, symbolising his spiritual connection. Despite his Muslim background, Hussain holds profound reverence for Hindu deities like Maa Saraswati and Lord Ganesha, underscoring his and his family’s deep-rooted ties to their cultural and spiritual heritage. Through music, they traverse spiritual realms, bridging divides and embodying the essence of their civilization’s ethos.

Collectively, these individuals exemplify the rich tapestry of talent, diversity, and communal harmony within the Indian Muslim community, serving as sources of inspiration for generations to come.

The phenomenon of hero worship among Muslims in India necessitates a paradigm shift towards selective heroism and conscious hero selection. By endorsing leaders who embody the values of progress, development, and communal harmony, Indian Muslims can reclaim the narrative of inclusive leadership and contribute meaningfully to the nation-building endeavor. It is a matter of concern when a Sadhvi Pragya becomes a member of the Lok Sabha or when the accused of mob-lynchings are garlanded, similarly, coming out in huge numbers to show support to proven criminals like Mukhtar Ansari further leads to polarisation in the society. How we choose our heroes within the community is how we communicate to the larger society; therefore, it is imperative for the Muslim community to heed the examples of luminaries who champion ethical leadership and strive towards a future characterised by unity, justice, and collective prosperity.

The writer takes special interest in history, culture and geopolitics. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.