12 October, 2025
Web desk
In South Asia, the word “Qaum” is often mistaken as a religious term—used to label people as Muslim, Hindu, or Christian Qaum. But in its true sense, rooted in Arabic and used throughout the Quran, Qaum refers to a people united by heritage, language, and homeland, not by faith. Prophets addressed their Qaum as “my people,” including both believers and non-believers, proving it signifies a shared identity, not religion.
Modern examples strengthen this idea. Egypt’s Coptic Christians fought alongside Muslims for their nation, and Pakistan’s Qaumi Tarana includes citizens of all faiths. Even Palestine’s struggle is one of national identity more than religion.
India, too, has suffered from confusing religion with nationhood—the partition being its biggest outcome. Every Indian, regardless of faith, belongs to the Hindi Qaum, a cultural and civilizational identity beyond religion.
