Islam in India

Islam is the second-largest religion in India. About 14% of the country’s people identify as Muslim, making India home to one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. Most of these Muslims are Sunni, with Shia making up a smaller part of the community.

Islam first spread in southern India through trade routes along the Arab coast, especially in places like Gujarat and the Malabar Coast. It later reached northern India in the 7th century. Over time, Islam became an important part of India’s religious and cultural history. Some of the earliest mosques in India, like the Barwada Mosque in Ghogha, the Cheraman Juma Mosque in Methala, Kerala, and the Palaiya Jumma Palli in Kilakarai, Tamil Nadu, were built by Arab traders. According to stories, the first mosque in India was built in Kodungallur in Kerala around the time of the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

History

Origins

Most Muslims in India come from South Asian ethnic groups. Some have a little bit of ancestry from the Middle East and Central Asia. Muslims in India have social groups based on something called Kafa'a. The Ashrafs are thought to have higher status because of their Arab ancestry. Ajlafs are believed to come from people who changed from Hinduism and have lower status.

These social groups are different from Islamic teachings. Islam teaches that all believers are equal. The Quran and Hadith talk about unity and brotherhood. This idea is shown in the Farewell Sermon of Muhammad, which says no one is better than another except by being good and pious. Some Islamic scholars say these social groups go against Islam’s core values. Others think it is better to marry within your own group, which many still do in India.

Early history of Islam in India

Trade between Arabia and the Indian subcontinent has existed for a long time. Even before Islam, Arab traders visited the coasts of Konkan, Gujarat, and Malabar. After Islam began, Arab traders were the first Muslims to reach India. Historians say Muslim travelers came to the Indian coast as early as 630 CE. The first Muslims settled on the coast in the late 700s CE.

Islam is thought to have reached the Lakshadweep islands in 661 CE through Ubaidullah. Some early mosques, like the Masjid Zeenath Baksh in Mangalore, are some of the oldest in the Indian subcontinent. Tradition says the first mosque in India was built in 624 CE in Kodungallur, Kerala, under the Cheraman Perumals. Other early mosques were built along the coast by missionaries such as Malik Dinar.

Arab–Indian interactions

Arabs and Muslims interacted with Indians from the early days of Islam. Arab traders brought goods like dates to India and shared their faith. Many Arab traders married Indian women and settled in India, creating a special Indian-Arabian Muslim community. By the early 800s, Muslim missionaries had converted a local king in Malabar to Islam.

Political history of Islam in India

Muslim invasions of the Indian subcontinent began in the late 600s CE. The Umayyad Caliphate reached Sindh but was later stopped. In the 900s CE, the Ghaznavids, led by Mahmud of Ghazni, invaded and took control of parts of North India. The Delhi Sultanate began in 1206 and ruled much of North India, mixing Islamic and Indian cultures. The Mughal Empire, starting in the early 1500s, brought more changes to culture and government. The empire was known for its wealth and contributions to art, writing, and building.

Role in the Indian independence movement

Many Muslims were important in India’s fight for freedom from British rule. People like Abul Kalam Azad, Hakim Ajmal Khan, and Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan worked for independence. Others, such as Ashfaqulla Khan and Vakkom Abdul Khader, were part of efforts against British rule.

Partition of India

The division of British India in 1947 created the two countries of India and Pakistan. This split caused many people to move and brought challenges for both new nations. The partition created difficulties and tensions affecting India and Pakistan’s relationship.

21st century

In March 2025, India’s Parliament passed a bill to change how Muslim charitable properties, called waqf properties, are managed. The government said the changes would make things clearer, but many Muslims and opposition groups felt the bill treated their community unfairly and broke their rights. The bill has faced legal challenges in India’s Supreme Court.

Demographics

Main article: Islam by country § Countries

India is home to about 204 million Muslims. This makes it the world's third-largest Muslim population. Muslims make up around 10.9% of all people in India.

In some areas like Lakshadweep and Jammu and Kashmir, Muslims are the majority. Many Muslims live in states such as Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Bihar. Other states with notable Muslim communities include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, and Uttarakhand.

After India became independent in 1947 and Pakistan was created, many Muslims moved to Pakistan. Many Muslims stayed in India because leaders promised they would be treated fairly.

India is also home to some refugees from places like Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Denominations

There are two main groups among Muslims in India: Sunni and Shia. Most Muslims in India are Sunni. The Shia are a smaller group.

Sufi Muslims helped spread Islam in India. Their teachings often matched ideas in Indian traditions.

Society and culture

The religious leaders in each state are called Muftis. They work under the Grand Mufti of India, who guides Muslims in India. This system started long ago during the Mughal Empire.

India has many famous Muslim schools and universities with a long history of teaching.

Islamic buildings in India, like mosques and tombs, mix Indian and Islamic styles. They often have domes, arches, and pretty decorations. A well-known example is the Taj Mahal in Agra, a large tomb built by a king to honor his wife.

There are many mosques in India, more than in any other country. Mosques are places where Muslims meet to pray. They often have a courtyard, a dome, and a tower called a minaret. The most important mosques for weekly prayers are called Jama Masjids.

Law, politics, and government

Some rules for Muslims in India, like those about marriage and family, come from old times during British rule. These rules are still part of India’s laws today. The top court in India says these special rules are important for Muslims.

Muslims in India follow rules from "The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937." This helps them with things like marriage and divorce. Most Muslims are Sunni, but some are Shia and have their own ways in certain areas.

India’s constitution says all people, no matter their religion, have equal rights. There have been talks about having one set of rules for everyone, but many Muslims worry this would change their traditions. Groups like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board help protect these special rules.

India has had Muslim leaders in important jobs. The country has had three Muslim presidents and many Muslim leaders in state governments. Muslims have also been chief justices and held other high positions.

The government used to help with travel costs for a special religious journey for Muslims, but stopped this in 2018 after a court decision. Some Muslim leaders thought this was right, saying followers should use their own resources for such trips.

Conflict and controversy

Conversion controversy

See also: Medieval India, Muslim conquests in the Indian subcontinent, and Religious violence in India

There is a lot of talk about how people in India became followers of Islam. Some ideas include:

• Many Muslims in India may come from places like the Iranian Plateau or Arab areas. But DNA studies show the story is more complex.
• Some people chose Islam to keep their jobs or stay safe under rulers. Others changed to fit in better or for social benefits.
• Many turned to Islam for reasons not about religion, like respect or avoiding taxes.
• Some became Muslims because of famous teachers called Sufi saints, and they truly believed.
• Many Buddhists and lower-caste Hindus turned to Islam to escape unfair treatment.
• Some changed under pressure but later truly believed in Islam.
• Over time, many slowly adopted Islam as they mixed with Muslim communities.

These different views show how history can be complicated, and why people still talk and sometimes argue about this today.

Relations with non-Muslim communities

Muslim–Hindu conflict

See also: Persecution of Muslims, Persecution of Hindus § During Islamic rule of the Indian sub-continent, Religious violence in India, and Violence against Muslims in India

There has been tension between Hindus and Muslims in India for a long time. Sometimes, temples were destroyed, and there were fights between groups. Even so, many Hindus still respect and visit places where Muslim holy people are buried.

After India became independent in 1947, there were sad and violent events between Hindus and Muslims. Some big fights happened in places like Gujarat, Bhiwandi, Nellie, and Bhagalpur. These fights were often linked to strong feelings about what it means to be Hindu or Muslim.

One big event was when a very important building called the Babri Mosque was torn down in 1992. This led to more fighting between Hindus and Muslims all over India.

Kashmir (1990s)

In the 1990s, many Hindu people living in Kashmir had to leave because of unsafe conditions. They were told to leave, change their religion, or face danger. Many moved to camps in another part of India called Jammu.

Gujarat (2002)

In 2002, there were very sad riots in Gujarat. Many people lost their lives, and most of them were Muslim. These riots started after a train caught fire with Hindu people inside.

Delhi (2020)

In 2020, there were riots in Delhi linked to protests about a law that many people felt treated Muslims unfairly.

Muslim–Sikh conflict

Main article: Islam and Sikhism

See also: Chhota Ghallughara

The religion of Sikhism began in Punjab during a time when Muslim rulers controlled much of India. There were sad times when Sikh leaders were treated badly. Over time, Sikhs became strong and formed their own army. There were fights and hard times, but also moments of peace.

During the time when India was being split into two countries in 1947, many people had to move from one side to the other. This caused sad events and many people lost their lives.

Indian Muslim News Agencies

Some groups and websites share news and information about Muslims in India. The Milli Gazette is a newspaper that reports on issues important to Muslims. All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) represents Muslim interests and shares statements and reports.

Jaamiat-e-Ulama-i-Hind (Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind) is an old and respected Muslim group that shares news on social, educational, and religious topics. Muslim Mirror is a website that covers news and opinions about Muslims in India and the world. The India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) in New Delhi shares materials on cultural and educational topics for the Muslim community. Naus Network is a YouTube channel that talks about issues facing Muslims and other minorities.

Prominent Muslims in India

India has many famous Muslims who have done great things in many areas of life. Some have been important leaders, like presidents and judges. Others have won the country's highest awards for their work.

Many Muslims are well-known in entertainment, like actors, directors, and musicians. They have brought joy to many people through films, music, and art.

In sports, several Muslim athletes have done well, especially in cricket, where many have played for the national team. There are also Muslim businessmen who have built large and successful companies.

Even in science and the military, Muslims have made important contributions. Some have led big research projects, while others have served bravely in the armed forces.

Overall, Muslims in India have played many important roles in shaping the country's culture, economy, and society.