Arif Aajakia: The Journey of a Muslim-Born Advocate for Hindu Dharma

“Embracing Hindu Dharma was not leaving one religion for another; it was stepping into a world where faith empowers, not frightens.”

Arif Aajakia, a former mayor and human rights activist, shares his transformation from being raised in a strict Muslim family in Pakistan to becoming a fervent advocate for Hindu Dharma. Aajakia’s journey began with his upbringing in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, where, despite the prevailing anti-Hindu sentiments in education, he found himself drawn to the cultural richness and historical ties of India, largely due to his parents’ fond memories of their homeland in Gujarat. His disillusionment with Islamic heroes like Mahmud Ghaznavi, who he realized had devastated his own ancestral lands, marked the beginning of his critical engagement with religious ideologies and eventual gravitation towards Hindu Dharma.

Upon moving to Europe for greater freedom and safety, Aajakia’s encounter with the Bhagavad Gita deeply influenced him, contrasting with his experiences of Islam’s teachings on fear and punishment. He highlights the egalitarian and inclusive aspects of Hindu Dharma, which appreciates all forms of life and encourages personal choice and responsibility, unlike the fear-based approach he attributes to Islam.

Aajakia discusses the challenges faced by the Muhajir community in Pakistan, including discrimination and violence, which motivated his human rights activism. His professional journey took him from Karachi to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Europe, and eventually the UK, where he continues to advocate for human rights and reform within Islam.

He criticizes the traditional Islamic education system, particularly the Madrassas, for promoting intolerance from a young age. Aajakia argues for the banning of Madrassas and for mosques to be places solely for prayer, not political lectures, to combat extremism effectively. He also touches upon the global influence of left-leaning media, which he believes undermines the complexities of religious conflicts and contributes to a one-sided narrative, particularly in the context of Hindu-Muslim relations.

Aajakia’s personal transformation is underscored by his pilgrimage to Hindu holy sites in India, which further cemented his faith in Hindu Dharma. Despite his estrangement from the Muslim community and even his family due to his beliefs, he advocates for dialogue and understanding. He calls for reforms within Islam, akin to those undertaken by Christianity in Europe, to foster coexistence and mutual respect among different religious communities.

Moreover, Aajakia addresses the challenges posed by Islamic extremism in Europe, predicting potential civil unrest. He criticizes political and media reluctance to confront these issues head-on, suggesting that a more robust legislative and possibly military response may be necessary to preserve social order. He contrasts the reception of religious minorities in India with the treatment of converts and dissenters within Islamic societies, advocating for a more inclusive and humane approach to religious belief and practice.

In conclusion, Arif Aajakia’s narrative is one of profound personal and ideological evolution. His advocacy for Hindu Dharma, coupled with his critical stance on the doctrinal and social aspects of Islam, highlights the potential for interfaith understanding and the necessity of reform within religious communities. His story is a testament to the power of personal conviction and the ongoing struggle for human rights and religious freedom in an increasingly polarized world.

About Arif Aajakia

Arif Aajakia is a remarkable personality representing a fusion of a diverse set of global influences. He was born in Pakistan in a Muslim family, holds French citizenship, and currently resides in the United Kingdom. His ancestral roots trace back to the state of Gujarat in Bharat. In fact, his last name is derived from his father’s birthplace, the town of Ajak in Gujarat, which explains why he feels much closer to his Bhartiya roots than to the country of his birth. He has served as the mayor of Jamshed Town, a suburb of Karachi, but his best introduction is as a Human Rights Activist.

From a cultural and civilizational perspective, Arif Aajalia has been a strong supporter of Sanatan Dharma and formally performed his Ghar Vapsi to Hindu Dharma in February 2022.