Ghulam Nabi Azad claims 'all were Hindus before, became Muslims after converting' in recent speech | Watch Video

Former Congress leader and chief of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has ignited a contentious debate with his recent comment on the origin of Muslims and their religious conversions. Speaking at a gathering in Doda district on August 14, Azad's remarks have stirred strong reactions due to their historical and religious implications.

Azad's statement suggested that Muslims were originally Hindus who converted to Islam. He claimed that Hinduism predates Islam and that the latter emerged around 1500 years ago. In his speech, Azad cited the example of Kashmir, asserting that 600 years ago, there were no Muslims in the region, and that Kashmiri Pandits had converted to Islam. He further speculated that Islam may have arrived in India through a small number of individuals from the Mughal army, while the majority of Muslims in India converted from Hinduism and Sikhism.

The video of Azad's speech quickly went viral, sparking controversy and heated discussions across social and political circles. Many have criticized his statements for oversimplifying the complex history of religious conversions in India and for promoting a narrow narrative of religious identities.

Ghulam Nabi Azad का बयान - "600 साल पहले कश्मीर में मुसलमान नहीं थे, हिंदुओं का धर्म बदलकर मुसलमान बनाए गए थे" ! pic.twitter.com/uOtkTBWxsg

— Syed Amber Zaidi ???????? (@Amberological) August 17, 2023

Azad defended his remarks by emphasizing the diversity and unity of India's population. He stated that India is a land for Hindus, Muslims, Dalits, and Kashmiris, asserting that no one has come from outside to occupy the land. His comments in the video also included a denial of claims made by a fellow MP in Parliament, where Azad emphasized the historical continuity of Hinduism in the country.