A chilling report has come from the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 individuals, primarily tourists, were shot dead in Baisaran Valley. One of the survivors is Debasish Bhattacharya, an associate professor at Assam University, who attributes his survival to reading the Kalma.
While on vacation with his family, Bhattacharya was caught in the ambush when the forests spat out the armed militants. As the people around him panicked, he saw them crouching and repeating something. Understanding that they were chanting the Kalma—a core Islamic prayer—he joined them.
I was spared since I could say the Kalma,” he recollected. “A terrorist approached us and shot the person beside me. Then he pointed at me and asked me why I was doing this. I just said the Kalma in a louder tone and did not answer his query. I have no idea what happened, he just turned away.
Once the terrorists had departed, he and his family hurried away from the area. “I managed to escape by climbing over the fence,” he explained.
Other Survivors Faced Tragic Outcomes
Other victims reported the same. Sushil Nathaniel, a LIC officer hailing from Indore, was asked to say the Kalma before he was shot, reportedly. “They informed us that terrorists asked for Sushil’s name and made him get down on his knees. When Sushil informed them that he was not able to recite Kalma, the terrorists shot him,” informed his cousin Sanjay Kumrawat.
What Is the Kalma?
The Kalma is a statement of faith in Islam, expressing belief in the unity of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad. It is the basis of a Muslim’s faith. There are six Kalmas, each of which expresses basic religious teachings—unity of God, praise, repentance, and denial of disbelief.
Islamic scholars aver that recitation of these verses daily brings peace of mind and reaffirms one’s faith. They are particularly recited during thanksgiving, times of distress, and morning devotion.
