For years, the phrase “Atank ka koi dharm nahi hota” (Terrorism has no religion) has been repeated in media, politics, and public discourse. It sounds noble, inclusive, and idealistic. But is it really true? Or is it a blanket used to hide a very uncomfortable reality?
Let’s break the silence.
Terrorism Has No Dharma — But It Clearly Has a Majhab
In the Indian spiritual context, “Dharma” means righteousness, a path of moral duty. No true Dharma – be it Sanatan, Buddhism, Sikhism, or Jainism – preaches hatred, violence, or mass murder. So yes, terrorism has no Dharma.
But what many hesitate to say openly is this:
Terrorism does have a religious identity — a Majhab. And in most modern global and regional terror incidents, that Majhab is Islam, particularly the radicalized versions followed by extremist groups.
Look at the Pattern – The Truth is Not Hidden
Across the world — from 9/11 in New York, the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai, Pulwama, to the beheadings of French cartoonists, London stabbings, ISIS genocide of Yazidis, or Boko Haram in Nigeria — a majority of terrorists were not just claiming Islamic identity but also justifying their actions in the name of jihad.
They didn’t hide their intent.
They shouted “Allahu Akbar” as they killed.
They issued fatwas.
They quoted verses.
They targeted non-Muslims, ex-Muslims, and even moderate Muslims who refused to conform.
Victims: Almost Always Non-Muslims
From the Kashmiri Pandits, to Hindus in Bengal, Sikhs in Afghanistan, Jews in Israel, Christians in Africa and the Middle East, and even atheists and rationalists in Bangladesh — the victims of Islamic terrorism have overwhelmingly been non-Muslims.
So, when someone says terrorism has no religion, one must ask:
Then why do all these terrorists follow the same one?
And why are their targets always those outside it?
Why the Silence? Why the Hypocrisy?
Calling out this pattern is not “Islamophobia.”
It is not hate.
It is truth-telling.
Moderate Muslims themselves are often victims of this radicalization. But when the global system refuses to name the source of ideological terrorism, it does a disservice to the real victims — and even to reformers within Islam who want change.
If we continue this politically correct denial, we empower radical groups hiding behind religious freedom while they exploit religion to spread terror.
Conclusion: Speak the Truth, Not Just What Sounds Good
Yes, terrorism has no Dharma – because no righteous path justifies it.
But terrorism certainly has a Majhab – and until we recognize that, fight it ideologically, and demand accountability from within, the victims will keep increasing — and they’ll keep being non-Muslims.
Truth may be bitter.
But silence is deadly.
Unmukt 