The Ghazwa-e-Hind hadith, often cited by various groups for different purposes, refers to the prophecy of a military campaign in Hind. Islamic scholars, or Ulema, widely agree that this event occurred over a thousand years ago during the early Islamic conquests in the Indian subcontinent. Historical records support that these events have long since transpired, while others think it will occur when Jesus (pbuh) returns at the end of the world.
Complete Hadith Reference:
The hadith in question is narrated in Sunan An-Nasa’i:
“Two groups of my Ummah Allah has protected from the Hellfire: a group that will conquer India and a group that will be with ‘Isa bin Maryam (Jesus) (peace be upon him).”
(Sunan An-Nasa’i: 3175)
A series of events will unfold at the time of Qayamah (Doomsday), including Ghazw-e-Hind, the return of Jesus, the emergence of a talking animal from the earth, the destruction of the Kaaba by a black man, and other occurrences detailed in the ten signs of Doomsday.
Now, imagine an extremist claiming that Muslims believe in the Ghazw-e-Hind hadith, which suggests that Muslims will one day conquer India. However, it’s essential to understand that Muslims also believe their most beloved place, the Kaaba, will be destroyed by a black man. Does this mean Muslims should fight black men? No, it signifies that a series of events will happen at the end of the world.
Gazwa-e-Hind hadith also mentions that Allah will protect the group that will be with Jesus. Does this imply that Muslims should convert to Christianity? No, it means that Jesus will return as a common man, not as a prophet, at the end of the world to eliminate corruption and spread peace.
Quoting a single hadith out of context for evil purposes reveals an evil mind.
Scholarly Consensus:
Ulema highlighted that any attempt to use this hadith for contemporary political or militant agendas is a gross misinterpretation and misuse of Islamic teachings. If someone use it to justify acts of violence and terrorism, claiming they are fulfilling a divine prophecy, then it clearly shows the ignorant of that person. This interpretation is not supported by mainstream Islamic scholarship and is condemned for promoting violence and discord.
Some Islamic scholars believe it happened over a thousand years ago, while others think it will occur when Jesus (pbuh) returns at the end of the world, which is one of the ten major signs of Doomsday. Ulema label those who fit this hadith into our current times as ignorant, asserting they manipulate it for personal agendas.
Extremist Response:
On the other side, Some ‘Hindu’ extremist groups exploit the misinterpretation of the Ghazwa-e-Hind hadith to incite fear and hostility against Muslims. They portray it as evidence of a perpetual Islamic threat to India, thereby fueling communal tensions and justifying anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions. This reactionary stance overlooks the historical context and scholarly interpretations of the hadith.
Conclusion:
The misuse of the Ghazwa-e-Hind hadith by both Islamist and Hindu extremist groups is a clear example of how religious texts can be distorted to serve ideological purposes. It is crucial to refer to credible and knowledgeable scholars when interpreting religious texts to avoid misguidance and the spread of misinformation. Promoting understanding and dialogue is essential to counteract these extremist narratives and foster peaceful coexistence.