Introduction
Islam is the second-largest religion in India, with a rich history dating back to the 7th century. It arrived in India through Arab traders on the Malabar Coast and later expanded through the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire. Today, Indian Muslims form a significant part of the country’s cultural and religious diversity, following various traditions and sects.
Core Beliefs of Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran. The key beliefs include:
- Tawhid (Oneness of God): Belief in one God, Allah, who is eternal and has no partners.
- Prophet Muhammad: The final prophet who delivered Allah’s message through the Quran.
- Quran: The holy book of Islam, revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
- Five Pillars of Islam:
- Shahada: Faith in Allah and Muhammad as His messenger.
- Salah: Five daily prayers facing Mecca.
- Zakat: Giving alms to the poor.
- Sawm: Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca for those who are able.
- Belief in the Day of Judgment: Faith in the afterlife and accountability for one’s deeds.
Major Islamic Sects in India
Islam in India is broadly classified into two major sects, Sunni and Shia, along with various sub-sects and traditions.
- Sunni Islam
- The largest Muslim sect in India.
- Follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad as interpreted by the four Sunni schools of law: Hanafi, Shafi'i, Maliki, and Hanbali.
- The Hanafi school is predominant in India.
- Sunni mosques and madrasas are found across the country.
- Shia Islam
- A minority sect that believes in the leadership of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
- Further divided into sub-sects like Twelver Shias, Ismailis, and Bohras.
- Major Shia populations in Lucknow, Hyderabad, and parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra.
- Sufi Islam
- A mystical branch of Islam focusing on spiritual connection with God through meditation, poetry, and devotion.
- Prominent Sufi orders in India include Chishti, Qadiri, and Naqshbandi.
- Famous Sufi shrines include Ajmer Sharif (Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti) and Nizamuddin Dargah (Delhi).
- Ahmadiyya Community
- A reformist sect founded in the 19th century by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.
- Considered non-mainstream by orthodox Muslim groups.
- Presence in cities like Qadian (Punjab) and Hyderabad.
Variations in Islamic Beliefs Across Sects
While all Muslims share core beliefs in Allah, the Quran, and Prophet Muhammad, differences exist in religious interpretations and practices.
| Belief/Practice | Sunni | Shia | Sufi |
|---|
| Leadership | Caliphs & scholars | Imams (descendants of Ali) | Spiritual guides (Pirs) |
| Prayer Method | Hands folded on chest | Hands open at sides | Often follows Sunni or Shia methods |
| Major Festivals | Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha | Eid-ul-Ghadeer, Ashura | Urs (death anniversaries of saints) |
| Importance of Saints | No intercession | Revered Imams | Deep devotion to Sufi saints |
| Shrines & Dargahs | Less emphasis | Visitation common | Major pilgrimage sites |
Common Names and Surnames Among Indian Muslims
Muslim names in India are primarily derived from Arabic, Persian, and Urdu influences.
- Common Muslim First Names:
- Male: Mohammad, Ali, Ahmed, Hassan, Hussain, Umar, Farhan, Salman, Imran, Faizan, Zubair
- Female: Aisha, Fatima, Zainab, Yasmin, Rabia, Sumaiya, Farheen, Shaista, Sana, Hina
- Surnames Used in Different Muslim Communities:
- Sunni Muslim Surnames: Khan, Sheikh, Siddiqui, Farooqi, Ansari, Qureshi, Chishti
- Shia Muslim Surnames: Rizvi, Naqvi, Zaidi, Jafri, Mir, Abidi
- Bohra Muslim Surnames: Malkani, Lokhandwala, Shabbir, Kanchwala
- Pashtun/Pathan Surnames: Khan, Afridi, Yousufzai, Ghilzai
- Syed (Claiming descent from Prophet Muhammad): Syed, Hashmi, Bukhari, Geelani
Muslim Population in India: Major States
Muslims in India are widely spread across the country, with significant concentrations in certain states.
| State | Muslim Population (%) |
|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir | 68% |
| Assam | 34% |
| West Bengal | 27% |
| Kerala | 26% |
| Uttar Pradesh | 19% |
| Bihar | 17% |
| Maharashtra | 12% |
| Karnataka | 13% |
| Telangana | 12% |
Birth, Marriage, and Burial Traditions in Indian Islam
- Birth Traditions:
- The Azaan (call to prayer) is recited in the newborn’s ear.
- The Aqeeqah ceremony involves shaving the baby’s hair and donating its weight in silver to charity.
- Boys are circumcised as a religious practice.
- Marriage Traditions:
- Nikah (Islamic marriage) is a legal contract performed in the presence of a Qazi (Islamic judge) and witnesses.
- Mehr (a mandatory gift from the groom to the bride) is agreed upon.
- Sunni weddings follow a simple ceremony with Quranic recitations.
- Shia weddings include additional rituals such as Muttah Nikah (temporary marriage in some communities).
- Some communities celebrate Walimah, a feast hosted by the groom’s family after marriage.
- Burial Traditions:
- Bodies are washed (Ghusl), shrouded in white cloth (Kafan), and buried facing Mecca.
- Janazah (funeral prayers) are performed before burial.
- Unlike Hindu or Christian traditions, cremation is strictly prohibited.
- Mourning periods vary; Sunnis observe three days, while Shias may mourn longer, especially for religious figures.
Conclusion
Islam in India is a diverse and integral part of the country’s cultural and religious heritage. With its multiple sects, traditions, and customs, Indian Islam reflects the historical and regional influences that have shaped the community over centuries. From the grand mosques of Delhi and Hyderabad to the peaceful Sufi shrines, the Muslim community in India continues to thrive with deep spiritual and cultural roots.
