Raah e Emaan

There are many Fires

11 May 2025

Once Again, Shaytan Has Played His Part Well – A Reflection on the Pain in Pahalgam

Once Again, Shaytan Has Played His Part Well – A Reflection on the Pain in Pahalgam Once again, Shaytan has succeeded in igniting flames of hatred in human hearts—flames that do not merely burn the one who holds them but also consume countless innocent souls. As you are already aware, a horrifying tragedy unfolded this week in the beautiful valley of Pahalgam, Kashmir. Unknown assailants attacked and mercilessly killed 26 innocent people. The grief we feel today is not new; it is part of a long, painful history. It is as if Shaytan has entrenched himself in the hearts of many, setting them ablaze from within, and that fire has taken nearly 80,000 lives in Kashmir over the decades. These attackers—whoever they may be—are not just enemies of peace or people; they are allies of Shaytan. They walk his path, guided by his whispers, blinded by hatred, vengeance, and destruction. Shaytan needs no bombs or bullets; he simply needs to sow seeds of hatred. That hatred grows silently, and then one day, it explodes, like it did in Pahalgam. But even in the darkest times, Allah places His light in the hearts of some people. These are people who walk the path of righteousness no matter how heavy the burden becomes. They are guided not by revenge, but by divine mercy. They choose not to return evil with evil, but to spread peace, understanding, and compassion. They stand firm against Shaytan’s deception, pulling others out of his misguiding traps. Allah is their friend, their helper, and their strength. During the tragic attack in Pahalgam, there were also those righteous individuals who, despite the chaos, chose to protect others. Some even gave their lives so that others might live. These are the true heroes—those who stood between death and the innocent, proving once again that goodness still exists, that faith is alive. However, Shaytan did not stop there. After the bloodshed, he performed yet another evil act: he poured hatred into the hearts of the survivors, turning them against the saviors. That is his oldest tactic—he plants suspicion, division, and vengeance even where sacrifice has been made. The challenge now is not only to mourn the dead but to protect the living from this spiritual fire that Shaytan has lit. We must understand one truth: this is not a battle between two countries. This is not about India vs Pakistan, nor is it about religion or politics. This is a battle between good and evil. Between light and darkness. Between the path of Allah and the path of Shaytan. As our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in a hadith, “A group from my Ummah will fight in hind, and Allah will grant them victory.” This prophecy reminds us that those who fight against injustice—those who strive in the path of truth—will ultimately be granted victory by Allah. But this victory is not measured merely in battles won. It is measured in hearts that remain pure, in patience that does not break, in the ability to forgive when hatred tempts us toward revenge. We, as Kashmiris, must hold on to patience. We must walk on the path that Allah has shown us, no matter how hard it may be. Yes, we are broken. Yes, we are grieving. But we must not let that grief become fuel for Shaytan’s fire. We must not let him deceive us into becoming what we hate. Instead, let us become what Allah wants us to be—people of light, people of peace, people of resilience. Let us remember every soul lost not just with tears, but with resolve. Resolve that their deaths will not be in vain. Resolve that we will stand against hatred, not with more hatred, but with the strength of faith. That we will protect our hearts from the fire Shaytan ignites and instead fill them with the light of Allah. This is our test. This is our battlefield. And victory belongs only to those who choose the side of truth, even when it is the hardest path to walk. May Allah grant patience to every grieving heart, justice to every oppressed soul, and peace to the valley that has seen too much pain. Ameen.

Leaders across the country have condemned the act and promised swift action. Meanwhile, local communities are rallying together in support of the victims and their families.

Pahalgam Valley
Pahalgam Valley - a site of peace now troubled by violence
Security forces in Kashmir
Security forces patrolling the region post-attack
Peace in Kashmir
Hope for peace in the valley of Kashmir