Introduction

The Kashmir issue is not merely a political dispute or a territorial conflict—it is a deep humanitarian tragedy and a profound moral test for the Muslim Ummah. For more than seven decades, the people of Kashmir have endured oppression, denial of basic rights, and systematic injustice. Despite international resolutions, diplomatic statements, and media narratives, the suffering of Kashmiri Muslims continues largely unchecked.

Islam does not allow its followers to remain indifferent in the face of injustice. The Qur’an, the Sunnah, and Islamic history repeatedly emphasize standing with the oppressed and resisting tyranny. The tragedy of Kashmir demands reflection, moral clarity, and decisive action rooted in faith, justice, and compassion.

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Historical Background of the Kashmir Dispute

Initially, the Dogra ruler Maharaja Hari Singh desired Kashmir to remain independent. However, in October 1947, under pressure from armed conflict and in exchange for military assistance, he decided to accede to India. This decision ignited war between India and Pakistan, prompting India to take the matter to the United Nations.

The United Nations proposed a plebiscite to allow Kashmiris to determine their future. However, this promise remains unfulfilled to this day.

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The Line of Control and International Agreements

In July 1949, India and Pakistan signed an agreement that established a UN-mandated ceasefire line, later known as the Line of Control (LoC). Rather than resolving the conflict, this line merely froze the dispute while leaving millions of Kashmiris in limbo.

For decades, international institutions failed to enforce their own resolutions, allowing the situation to deteriorate further.

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Article 370 and Its Revocation

In 1956, India incorporated Article 370 into its constitution, granting special autonomy to Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. This provision allowed the region limited self-governance and safeguarded the demographic identity of its people.

On 5 August 2019, the Indian government unilaterally revoked Article 370 and Article 35A, stripping Kashmir of its special status and opening the region to demographic change through settlement and land ownership by outsiders.

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Demographic Fears and Ground Reality

Kashmiris fear that the removal of constitutional protections will turn them into strangers in their own land—much like what Palestinians have experienced. Their concerns include:

• Loss of land and property
• Economic marginalization
• Cultural and religious erosion
• Political disenfranchisement

Despite claims that “everything is normal,” suppressed emotions, curfews, arrests, and silenced voices tell a very different story.

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The Pain of the Kashmiri People

Can anyone truly understand the pain of mothers whose sons are imprisoned or buried? Every Kashmiri heart is wounded. Roads may open, electricity may function, but human dignity remains locked behind barbed wire and fear.

Normalcy is not measured by traffic flow—it is measured by freedom, justice, and peace of the heart.

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Failure of the International Community

Seventy years of UN resolutions have failed to bring justice. Global powers selectively advocate human rights while ignoring Kashmir. Western media often underreports or softens the brutality faced by Kashmiri Muslims.

Yet even within the UN Human Rights Council, voices of conscience have broken down in tears while describing the atrocities—proof that truth cannot be buried forever.

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The Consequences of Oppression in Islam

History shows that oppression never goes unanswered. Allah Almighty has destroyed nations that crossed limits and ignored divine warnings.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Has there not come to them the news of those before them—the people of Noah, ‘Aad, Thamud, the people of Abraham, the inhabitants of Madyan, and the overturned cities? Their messengers came to them with clear proofs. Allah did not wrong them, but they wronged themselves.”

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Divine Justice and the Fate of Tyrants

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Allah gives respite to the oppressor, but when He seizes him, He does not let him escape.”

Then he recited:

“Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are committing injustice. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe.”

Oppression may appear victorious temporarily, but its end is always destruction.

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What Is Zulm (Oppression) in Islam?

In Islam, zulm (oppression) includes:

• Violating others’ rights
• Exceeding limits
• Unjust killing
• Abuse and humiliation
• Punishing the innocent

Scholars explain that oppression is placing something where it does not belong—whether power, punishment, or authority.

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Helping the Oppressor or the Oppressed

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.”

When asked how to help an oppressor, he replied:

“By stopping him from oppression.”

Supporting unjust systems, laws, or narratives is itself participation in wrongdoing.

Allah warns:

“Do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire touch you.”

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Shared Guilt in Shedding Muslim Blood

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“If the people of the heavens and the earth were to share in killing a believer, Allah would cast them all into Hell.”

Silence in the face of oppression is not neutrality—it is complicity.

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Jihad: Beyond Warfare

While jihad can mean armed struggle, Islam also defines jihad as:

• Striving against injustice
• Speaking truth to power
• Protecting human dignity
• Resisting tyranny through lawful means

The ultimate goal of jihad is justice, peace, and the protection of the oppressed.

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The Muslim Ummah: One Body

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The believers, in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion, are like one body. When one part suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”

Kashmir is not someone else’s pain—it is our collective wound.

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The Moral Responsibility of Muslim Leaders

Muslim rulers must abandon policies driven by fear, compromise, and personal interests. Silence today will become shame tomorrow. If injustice continues unchecked, history will erase those who remained silent.

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Supplication (Du‘a)

O Allah! Grant freedom to our Kashmiri brothers and sisters. Protect the lives, honor, and dignity of Muslims everywhere. Remove oppression, heal wounds, forgive sins, and unite the Ummah upon truth and justice. Grant our leaders wisdom, courage, and sincerity. Accept our prayers and make us instruments of goodness.
Ameen, O Lord of the worlds.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the Kashmir issue important for Muslims?

Because Islam commands standing with the oppressed and resisting injustice wherever it occurs.

2. What happened on 5 August 2019 in Kashmir?

India revoked Article 370, ending Kashmir’s special status and increasing military control.

3. Does Islam allow silence in oppression?

No. Silence in injustice is considered moral failure and indirect support of wrongdoing.

4. Is jihad only armed struggle?

No. Jihad includes moral, social, and intellectual struggle against oppression.

5. What does Islam say about supporting tyrants?

Islam strictly forbids assisting, justifying, or remaining silent toward tyranny.

6. Are international institutions helping Kashmir?

So far, they have largely failed to enforce justice despite documented violations.

7. What is the duty of the Muslim Ummah today?

To raise awareness, support justice, apply pressure through lawful means, and remain united.