NEW DELHI: Six years ago, Muslim women occupying a stretch of road in southeast Delhi transformed Shaheen Bagh into a global symbol of protest. Ahead of Saturday’s demonstration, a very different message travelled through WhatsApp groups, mosque announcements, Instagram reels and X posts across parts of the Muslim community: stay away.Widely shared posts warned Muslim youth that while protests may last a few hours, “the consequences can linger for years for them”. Others advised: “Don’t participate. Don’t even go near the protest site”- arguing if violence or disorder erupted, Muslims would be among the first to face scrutiny. Days before CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke who flew in from the US for the protest announced the date for the congregation, clerics, community figures and ordinary Muslim users circulated warnings urging members not to attend-a sentiment that has gained ground since the anti-CAA protests and the Delhi riots investigations.Ashraf Masood, a college student said his father discouraged him from attending. “He told me it’s wiser to focus on building yourself and your career first and then help people. This way, we don’t invite trouble,” he told TOI. One X post urged Muslims to avoid even the surrounding area. “As always, Muslims will be made the scapegoat,” it said, warning of arrests, media scrutiny and anti-national allegations if unrest broke out. Ashraf Masood, a college student from Sarita Vihar, said his father discouraged him from attending. “He told me it’s wiser to focus on building yourself and your career first and then help people. This way, we don’t invite trouble,” he told TOI. One X post, viewed nearly 200,000 times before the protest, urged Muslims not only to avoid the demonstration but even the surrounding area. “As always, Muslims will be made the scapegoat,” it said, warning of arrests, prolonged incarceration, media scrutiny and anti-national allegations if unrest broke out.The caution is not confined to social media. At a Shaheen Bagh mosque on Friday, an imam used his address after namaz to urge young Muslims to think carefully before joining demonstrations. “Muslim youth should remember that activism is not only on the streets,” he said. “Real change also comes through education, community work. Emotions are important, but decisions should be guided by wisdom, and responsibility.“Imam Ahmad of Masjid Shahab in Batla House told TOI : “Islam teaches us to stand for justice, but also to protect ourselves from unnecessary harm and chaos. Not every protest is the same… before participating, young Muslims should ask: ‘What is the purpose of the protest? Who is organising it? Will it likely remain peaceful or become disorderly? Will attending bring benefit, or expose people to harm…?” Across sections of Muslim leadership, a parallel argument has gained ground: community energies are better invested in education and institution-building.Yet, not everyone agreed. “Peaceful protest remains a democratic right available to every citizen,” one user commented.
