A viral video from The Times on Instagram shows a sad but strong moment of faith in India. An elderly Muslim man faces harassment from a group of men who drag him and demand he chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, see as a test of loyalty. But the man stands firm. When they push him, he replies with calm power: “You say Allahu Akbar.” It echo his deep belief.
The clip, posted recently, has millions of views and shares. It shows the man in simple clothes, looking scared but steady, as the harassers shout and surround him. No punches are thrown in the video, but the fear is clear. The caption reads: “An elderly Muslim man was harassed and forced to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai,’ but he replied, ‘You say Allah-o-Akbar.’
This is not new in India. In 2024, a similar case happened in Hisar, Haryana, where trader Muhammad Haroon was slapped for refusing the chant during prayer. Police arrested the attacker, but many say these acts spread hate against Muslims. Groups like Bajrang Dal are often blamed, though they deny it.
Comments on the post are full of support. “This is true courage – faith over fear,” one user wrote. Others called it “heartbreaking Islamophobia” and shared prayers. Some debated: “Patriotism shouldn’t hurt religion.” Human rights rats say such videos show rising tensions, with over 200 hate crimes against minorities in 2025.
The man’s reply has become a symbol of quiet strength. In a country of many faiths, it reminds us: Real unity comes from respect, not force.
