Bad Times Create Strong Men: Lessons for Indian Muslims
By Mohammad Saif
Pune, 4th October 2025: The saying “Hard times create strong men” carries profound wisdom. Struggles, no matter how painful, often transform individuals and communities into stronger, more resilient forces. Indian Muslims today stand at such a turning point. Despite being the second largest religious community in the country—making up more than 14% of India’s population—the community finds itself lagging behind in education, economic opportunities, and political representation. As per the latest estimate, the population of Muslims in India is about 25 crores.
But history has proven time and again that numbers alone do not guarantee influence or power. What truly matters is discipline, education, unity, and vision. Other communities in India—despite being much smaller in numbers—have managed to establish dominance in certain fields and spheres of influence. Brahmins, for instance, continue to occupy influential positions in government, education, and policymaking. Sikhs, though even fewer in number, have earned a reputation for bravery and sacrifice, dominating India’s armed forces and leaving their imprint globally.
The Jain community in India, though small in numbers, has demonstrated remarkable economic and social influence. Through generations, Jains have emphasized education, entrepreneurship, financial discipline, and philanthropy, creating strong networks in trade, industry, and finance. Their presence in business, banking, and real estate far exceeds what their numbers might suggest. For Indian Muslims, the Jain example offers a critical lesson: strategic investment in education and business, combined with community unity, can translate into disproportionate influence and long-term prosperity.
The question then is simple but urgent: What lessons can Indian Muslims draw from these examples, and how can present struggles be turned into future strength?
The Brahmin Example: Influence Beyond Numbers
Brahmins, historically regarded as custodians of knowledge and rituals, form less than 5% of India’s population. Despite this, their impact on the nation’s socio-political and administrative fabric is outsized. Their influence is not accidental but a product of consistent cultural and educational priorities.
From ancient times, Brahmins emphasized learning, reading scriptures, and mastering knowledge systems—whether in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, or politics. Even after colonial rule disrupted India’s traditional power structures, Brahmins adapted quickly to Western education and English-language learning, which later gave them an edge in civil services, judiciary, academia, and governance.
Today, a significant portion of India’s bureaucracy, judiciary, and intellectual leadership still has strong Brahmin representation. Their story offers a lesson: knowledge is power, and those who lead in education often end up leading in governance and policy.
The Sikh Legacy: Courage, Discipline, and Sacrifice
Sikhs make up just about 2% of India’s population, yet their presence in the armed forces, industry, and diaspora is extraordinary. Their historical struggles shaped their identity: from the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev to the valour of Guru Gobind Singh and the Khalsa, Sikhs cultivated a culture of resilience, discipline, and fearlessness.
Post-independence, Sikhs continued this legacy. They are disproportionately represented in the Indian Armed Forces, with regiments known for their bravery and sacrifice. Their contributions extend beyond defence—Punjab’s Green Revolution, driven largely by Sikh farmers, transformed India’s food security. Globally, Sikhs have built strong communities across Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia, where they are known for entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and political engagement.
The Sikh story underscores another vital lesson: discipline, courage, and collective responsibility can make even a small community an unstoppable force.
Where Indian Muslims Stand Today
Despite being over 25 Crore in number, Indian Muslims remain underrepresented in nearly all influential spheres. The 2006 Sachar Committee report laid bare this reality, showing that Muslims were worse off than even Dalits in several indicators such as education, income, and access to government jobs. Though some progress has been made since then, the gap remains significant.
- Education Gap: A large number of Muslim children still drop out before completing secondary school. Access to higher education remains low, especially in professional fields like engineering, medicine, and civil services.
- Economic Challenges: Many Muslims work in unorganized sectors—small-scale industries, self-employment, and daily wage labor—with limited access to formal banking, credit, or large-scale entrepreneurship.
- Political Underrepresentation: Despite their numbers, Muslim representation in Parliament and state assemblies has steadily declined.
- Social Perception: Rising Islamophobia, stereotyping, and marginalization further create psychological barriers, discouraging youth from fully participating in national growth.
This paradox—large numbers but low influence—highlights the urgent need for reflection and reform.
Democracy and Political Engagement: Beyond Identity Politics
One of the biggest misconceptions within the community is that Muslims must rally behind a single “Muslim party” or identity-based politics. History has shown that such parties rarely succeed on a national scale and often end up marginalizing the very community they claim to represent.
In a democracy, real power lies in being part of the mainstream. Indian Muslims must therefore encourage their youth to join different political parties—be it national or regional outfits, or new-age political movements. This diversification ensures that Muslim voices are present in every table of decision-making.
By joining various parties, Muslims can:
- Influence Policy from Within: A party is more likely to address issues raised by its own cadre rather than outside pressure groups.
- Build Alliances Across Communities: Politics is about coalitions. Muslims embedded in different parties can build bridges with other communities, ensuring their concerns are not isolated.
- Produce Leaders of National Standing: Instead of being reduced to “Muslim leaders,” politicians from the community can emerge as national leaders—appealing to all sections of society.
Hard Times, Strong Communities: What History Teaches
Throughout history, communities facing adversity have often emerged stronger when they used challenges as fuel for collective growth. Jewish history, for instance, is filled with exile, persecution, and discrimination, yet Jews went on to become leaders in science, business, politics, and culture. Similarly, African Americans in the United States, despite centuries of slavery and segregation, gave rise to leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Barack Obama, and countless cultural icons.
For Indian Muslims, current challenges can serve the same purpose. Hard times, if met with determination, can give birth to strong men and women who reshape the community’s destiny.
Lessons Muslims Can Learn from Brahmins and Sikhs
1. Education as a Weapon
Like Brahmins, Indian Muslims must place knowledge at the heart of community life. This does not mean abandoning religious studies, but balancing them with modern education, technology, and professional skills. Every Muslim household should treat education as a sacred duty. Families should aim not only to send their children to school but to encourage them toward excellence in higher studies, civil services, law, medicine, entrepreneurship, and research.
Inspiration: Shah Faesal, the 2009 IAS topper, and Junaid Ahmad (AIR 3, 2018) are shining examples that Muslim youth can excel in India’s toughest exams with determination and preparation.
Sabih Khan from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, is currently the chief operating officer at Apple Inc.
2. Discipline and Sacrifice
From the Sikh community, the lesson is clear: courage, discipline, and collective responsibility create strength. Muslims must encourage physical fitness, defence training, and disciplined community organization. Sacrifice for the larger good—whether through philanthropy, volunteerism, or community service—should be a guiding principle.
Inspiration: Air Chief Marshal Idris Hasan Latif (1923–2018) was a distinguished officer in the Indian Air Force and the first Muslim to serve as its Chief of Air Staff. Commissioned in 1942, he participated in World War II’s Burma Campaign and held various key positions, including Air Defence Commander during the 1971 war. As Chief of Air Staff (1978–1981), he modernized the IAF by introducing aircraft like the Jaguar and MiG-25. Post-retirement, he served as the Governor of Maharashtra and India’s Ambassador to France. Known for his humility and commitment to personnel welfare, he remains a respected figure in India’s military history.
Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid (1933–1965) was an Indian Army hero, posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra for his bravery in the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Serving with 4 Grenadiers during the Battle of Asal Uttar, he destroyed eight Pakistani Patton tanks using a recoilless rifle mounted on a jeep, halting the enemy’s advance before being fatally wounded, leaving a lasting legacy of courage.
Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain, one of the most decorated officers of the Indian Army, has always emphasized the principle of “winning hearts and minds,” especially during his command in Jammu and Kashmir. His leadership, intellect, and later contributions as a public speaker and strategic thinker show how Indian Muslims can achieve the highest ranks in national service through discipline and dedication.
Lieutenant General Zameer Uddin Shah last served as the Deputy Chief of the Indian Army Staff (Personnel & Systems). After retirement, he served for some time as an administrative member on the bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal. He was the vice-chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University.
Lieutenant General Mohammad Ahmed Zaki is a decorated Indian Army officer. Commissioned into the 19 Maratha Light Infantry in 1955, he fought in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars, earning the Vir Chakra. He later served as Director General of Infantry and Commandant of the Indian Military Academy, retiring in 1993. He also contributed to education as Jamia Millia Islamia’s Vice Chancellor.
3. Economic Empowerment
Wealth and economic stability are as crucial as education. Muslims must support entrepreneurship, small businesses, and start-ups within the community. Community-based financial support systems, investment groups, and business mentorship networks can help young entrepreneurs break barriers. Wealth creation also means job creation, which uplifts the entire community.
Inspiration: Dr. Khurshed Patel, often credited as one of the pioneers behind Cipla’s early vision, and more broadly the legacy of Dr. Yusuf Khwaja Hamied, Cipla’s iconic chemist and visionary leader, exemplify how Indian Muslims have made lasting contributions to science, industry, and healthcare.
Entrepreneurs like Azim Premji, former Wipro chairman and one of India’s most respected business leaders, have shown how economic strength combined with philanthropy creates not just wealth but also influence and respect.
M. A. Yusuff Ali from Kerala is a billionaire and the Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International. He moved to Abu Dhabi in 1973 to join his uncle’s business, eventually transforming it into a global retail powerhouse. Under his leadership, LuLu Group operates over 250 hypermarkets and shopping malls across the Middle East, India, and beyond.
4. Unity Over Division
Internal divisions—Sunni vs Shia, Deobandi vs Barelvi, North Indian vs South Indian—have weakened Muslims for too long. Other communities have disagreements too, but they unite when it comes to larger interests. Indian Muslims must learn to put aside minor differences and focus on a common agenda: education, economic growth, and social dignity.
5. Political Awareness
Numbers matter only if they are translated into influence. Political awareness, voter participation, and nurturing leaders at local and national levels must become priorities. But instead of relying on “Muslim-only” leaders, Muslims must enter mainstream parties, think tanks, and policymaking platforms.
6. Culture and Sports as Power Multipliers
Representation is not just about jobs or business—it is also about pride, identity, and influence in popular culture. Muslims in India have left a deep mark in sports, arts, and entertainment, becoming role models for millions.
- Inspiration in Sports: Mohammed Shami, Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Mohammad Siraj, have silenced critics with sheer performance and brought pride to the nation on the cricket field. Similarly, Sania Mirza broke barriers in tennis, inspiring generations of girls.
- Inspiration in Arts & Culture: AR Rahman, the Oscar-winning music composer, proved that talent rooted in humility can touch hearts worldwide. Writers like Javed Akhtar and actors like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Irrfan Khan show how storytelling and cinema shape culture and give Muslims visibility in mainstream India.
The Road Ahead: From Weakness to Strength
The path to revival is not easy, but neither is it impossible. Here are some practical steps that can set the community on a path of transformation:
- Educational Revolution: Establish scholarships, coaching centres for UPSC, IIT-JEE, NEET, and law schools. Encourage parents to think beyond traditional jobs and focus on competitive fields. Build hostels in metro cities, state capitals and district headquarters where students can live at nominal charges. For Indian Muslims, social development is a crucial pillar in the journey from struggle to strength. Beyond education and economic empowerment, focused efforts in health, skill development, and community welfare can create a resilient foundation. Establishing accessible healthcare centers, vocational training institutes, and mentorship programs can uplift underprivileged sections while fostering leadership and self-reliance. Social development also includes nurturing women’s participation, promoting intergenerational learning, and encouraging volunteerism. By investing in these areas, the community can ensure that its growth is not only measured in numbers but also in the quality of life, social cohesion, and collective capacity to contribute meaningfully to society.
- Economic Networks: Build chambers of commerce and trade associations exclusively focused on Muslim entrepreneurs, while also encouraging partnerships with non-Muslims. Mentoring and funding must be prioritised.
- Media and Narrative Building: Strengthen Muslim presence in journalism, film, literature, and digital platforms to challenge stereotypes and present positive stories.
- Community Philanthropy: Wealthier sections of the community must invest in social causes—schools, hospitals, scholarships, skill development centres, hostels and colleges.
- Youth Empowerment: Encourage sports, arts, and leadership training for Muslim youth. Build role models who can inspire the next generation.
Conclusion: Turning Struggle into Strength
The challenges facing Indian Muslims are undeniable, but so too is their potential. History shows that communities with fewer resources and smaller populations have risen to power through knowledge, discipline, courage, and unity.
Brahmins did it through education. Sikhs did it through courage and discipline. Jews did it through resilience and excellence. There is no reason why Indian Muslims, with their large numbers and rich heritage, cannot do the same.
The lesson is clear: bad times do not last, but they can forge strong men and women who reshape the future. The choice before Indian Muslims today is whether to remain trapped in victimhood or to transform adversity into a platform for greatness.
If Muslims embrace unity, prioritize education, strengthen economic foundations, and cultivate disciplined leadership, they will not only uplift their own community but also contribute to the strength and progress of India as a whole.
(Mohammad Saif is a social activist based in Pune, Maharashtra. The article is his opinion.)
