In a unified and peaceful response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, members of the Muslim community across India expressed deep grief and condemnation during Friday prayers. The attack, which took place earlier this week, claimed the lives of 26 individuals and left many injured. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting citizens of all faiths to demand justice and stronger counter-terrorism action. From Delhi to Hyderabad and Bhopal to Varanasi, mosques were filled with worshippers participating in a symbolic and somber protest. Wearing black bands on their arms, Muslim devotees offered their Friday Juma Namaz while silently mourning the victims of the terror strike. The black bands, a gesture of solidarity and resistance, served as a visual protest against terrorism and the ideologies that fuel it.
In Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi, the chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led the community in protest. He was seen distributing black bands among those attending prayers at a mosque in Shastripuram. Addressing the gathering, Owaisi strongly condemned the attack and extended his heartfelt support to the families of the deceased. In the national capital, Delhi, AIMIM’s state president Dr Shoaib Jamai spearheaded a similar protest during Friday prayers. Speaking to attendees, Jamai denounced the act of terror, saying, “What happened in Pahalgam is extremely unfortunate for the country, and curse be upon the terrorists who carried out this heinous act.” Wearing a black armband himself, he joined the congregation in prayers for peace.
In Bhopal, members of the Muslim community gathered in local mosques donning black bands as they came together for Juma Namaz. A young member of the community said, “We will offer prayers while wearing black bands in protest against the Pahalgam attack.” The sentiment echoed across other states as well, reflecting a collective national grief. One protester passionately expressed frustration with cross-border terrorism and the government's handling of Pakistan, widely suspected of harboring groups responsible for such acts. “If the government cannot punish a ruthless country like Pakistan, then open the borders. We, Hindus and Muslims together, will teach such a nation a lesson,” he said. “We don’t even want to utter its name.”
Varanasi, one of the most spiritually significant cities in India, also witnessed a large turnout at Jama Masjid in Nadesar. Thousands gathered to offer prayers for the souls of those lost in the attack. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as the faithful prayed for unity and peace in the wake of the tragic event. In Lucknow, the historic Asifi Masjid in the famed Imambara served as a focal point for peaceful demonstrations. Worshippers raised slogans condemning terrorism and criticized Pakistan’s alleged role in harboring extremists. They joined others in offering prayers not only for the victims but for the long-term peace and unity of the nation.
These acts of solidarity come at a time when the nation is grappling with the emotional toll of recurrent terrorist attacks. The unified protest from the Muslim community stands as a powerful statement against terrorism and extremism in all forms. By choosing a non-violent, prayer-led demonstration, the community emphasized the values of peace, compassion, and justice. Across every city, the message remained consistent: terrorism has no place in any religion, and those responsible for such violence must face the full force of justice. While mourning the dead, the community simultaneously prayed for harmony and strength for the nation to rise above hatred and violence.
As India continues to recover from the Pahalgam tragedy, the call for unity among communities has grown stronger. The peaceful and dignified manner in which the Muslim community chose to protest has earned widespread praise on social media and from public leaders. It reinforces the belief that in the face of terror, the nation can stand united across religious and political lines to reject violence and uphold the values of peace and coexistence.
