It is not uncommon for Muslims to face discrimination when trying to rent or buy property in certain areas, especially in Hindu-dominated neighbourhoods
LUCKNOW — Social media has gone into a tizzy as a Muslim woman in the Uttar Pradesh capital city of Lucknow was allegedly denied a flat on rent purely because of her religious identity.
Lucknow resident Bushra Raza Ali Khan’s video has caused an uproar at the weekend and triggered a sharp debate on housing discrimination after she claimed that she was denied a flat purely because she was a Muslim. According to the account circulating on social media, the landlord initially agreed to rent the apartment but later backed out, citing vague reasons that Khan allege were a cover for communal bias. Since the clip went viral, many internet users have come out in support of her, calling the episode unconstitutional and unacceptable.
Netizens in some of the posts called the alleged refusal “blatant communal discrimination” and argued that such everyday exclusion reflects a deeper, dangerous acceptance of prejudice in society.
It is not uncommon for Muslims to face discrimination when trying to rent or buy property in certain areas, especially in Hindu-dominated neighbourhoods. Some landlords or real estate agents have shown hesitancy in dealing with Muslim tenants or buyers due to biases or fears about the community.
This often leads to Muslims being forced to look for housing in already marginalised areas, which further exacerbates social and economic disparities. Of late, there have been several cases where Muslim families have faced harassment or intimidation when trying to move into new areas.
A section of social media users alleged that the Lucknow woman Bushra Khan had finalised the flat but the landlord began dilly-dallying on learning that she was a Muslim. Several users called the incident “open Islamophobia” and said communal bias is often disguised as “owner’s choice”. One user wrote that it was yet another instance of a Muslim being denied housing in Lucknow, while another asked whether such acts should be seen as “apartheid” or “Islamophobia”.
Supporters said discrimination in renting accommodation based on religion is unconstitutional and should not be normalised. Some posts called the alleged refusal “blatant communal discrimination” and argued that such everyday exclusion reflects a deeper, dangerous acceptance of prejudice in society.
The issue has since snowballed into a wider online debate around discrimination in housing and the way such incidents are framed on social media. While many users have rallied behind Khan and demanded accountability, others have focused on the need for verification and restraint.
