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Fear Quote by B.R. Ambedkar

“Similar fear was expressed by Lala Lajpatrai in a letter 49[f.150][f.5] to Mr. C. R. Das — " There is one point more which has been troubling me very much of late and one which I want you to think carefully and that is the question of Hindu-Mohamedan unity. I have devoted most of my time during…” quote by B.R. Ambedkar
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““Similar fear was expressed by Lala Lajpatrai in a letter 49[f.150][f.5]  to Mr. C. R. Das — " There is one point more which has been troubling me very much of late and one which I want you to think carefully and that is the question of Hindu-Mohamedan unity. I have devoted most of my time during the last six months to the study of Muslim history and Muslim Law and I am inclined to think, it is neither possible nor practicable. Assuming and admitting the sincerity of the Mohamedan leaders in the Non-cooperation movement, I think their religion provides an effective bar to anything of the kind. You remember the conversation, I reported to you in Calcutta, which I had with Hakim Ajmalkhan and Dr. Kitchlew. There is no finer Mohamedan in Hindustan than Hakimsaheb but can any other Muslim leader override the Quran ? I can only hope that my reading of Islamic Law is incorrect, and nothing would relieve me more than to be convinced that it is so. But if it is right  then it comes to this that although we can unite against the British we cannot do so to rule Hindustan on British lines, we cannot do so to rule Hindustan on democratic lines. What is then the remedy ? I am not afraid of seven crores in Hindustan but I think the seven crores of Hindustan plus the armed hosts of Afghanistan, Central Asia, Arabia, Mesopotamia and Turkey will be irresistible. I do honestly and sincerely believe in the necessity or desirability of Hindu-Muslim unity. I am also fully prepared to trust the Muslim leaders, but what about the injunctions of the Quran and Hadis ? The leaders cannot override them. Are we then doomed ? I hope not. I hope learned mind and wise head will find some way out of this difficulty.””

B.R. Ambedkar

About This Quote

Source Letter: to C. R. Das, 1920s, India

Ambedkar doubts whether religious doctrine can be set aside for political unity, fearing Islamic law blocks Hindu‑Muslim cooperation against colonial rule.

In simple terms: He worries religion may stop joint action.

Key Takeaway

Seek common political goals beyond religious law.

Themes

religious conflict political unity colonial resistance interfaith dialogue

Mood

anxious hopeful determined

Type

political philosophical reflective

When to use this quote

  • independence movement
  • community negotiations
  • constitutional drafting

Key Concepts

secularism legal pluralism nationalism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can secular frameworks reconcile conflicting religious laws?
  • What mechanisms can protect minority rights in a united state?
A Different Perspective

Religious texts may still dominate political decisions despite compromise efforts.

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