Curating a National Narrative: The Danger of Deleting Unpalatable Truths in Indian Textbooks

The Indian government has selectively edited textbooks to create a specific narrative, deleting uncomfortable truths such as references to Mughal rulers, Gandhi's criticisms by the Hindu right wing, and the 2002 Gujarat riots during Narendra Modi's tenure as chief minister. This practice of concealing or altering the truth goes against the teachings of Islam, as Allah warns against mixing truth with falsehood and urges believers to be truthful and just. The Prophet (pbuh) also emphasized the importance of honesty and the dangers of falsehood. Therefore, prioritizing a national narrative over inclusivity and honesty goes against the principles of fairness and kindness that Islam promotes.

Allah says,

وَلَا تَلْبِسُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ بِٱلْبَٰطِلِ وَتَكْتُمُوا۟ ٱلْحَقَّ وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

- "And do not mix the truth with falsehood or conceal the truth while you know [it]." (Quran 2:42

 The verse also implies a criticism of the Jews who were accused of altering or concealing some parts of their scriptures. The verse urges them to follow the truth that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and not to reject it out of pride or prejudice. The verse also applies to all people who are aware of the truth but choose to ignore it or oppose it. 

In another verse, Allah SWT says,

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَكُونُوا۟ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰدِقِينَ

- "O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are truthful." (Quran 9:119)

Prophet (pbuh) said,

"The signs of a hypocrite are three: whenever he speaks he tells a lie; whenever he is entrusted with something he proves dishonest; whenever he promises he breaks his promise." (Sahih Bukhari)

- "Be truthful, for indeed truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. And a man keeps on telling lies until he is written as a liar before Allah." (Sahih Bukhari)

These verses and sayings highlight the importance of being truthful, just, and kind. They also emphasize the need to treat others fairly and not to mix truth with falsehood or hide the truth. They suggest that the pursuit of a national narrative at the expense of truth and inclusivity is not in line with the Islamic principles of fairness and kindness.