India is a land of diverse cultures and religions, and Islam has a rich and significant history in the country. The arrival of Islam in India can be traced back to the 7th century when Arab traders started visiting the western coast of India. However, it was not until the 12th century when Muslim rulers established their rule in India, which led to the spread of Islam throughout the country. The Muslim rule in India began with the conquest of Sindh in 711 AD by the Arab general Muhammad bin Qasim. The establishment of the Delhi Sultanate in the 13th century marked the beginning of the Islamic rule in India. Islam flourished in India during the Mughal Empire, which lasted from the 16th to the 19th century.
The Muslim rulers of India, particularly the Mughals, contributed significantly to the country’s art, culture, and architecture, leaving behind a legacy that is still admired and celebrated. The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is a prime example of the Mughal era’s architectural grandeur.
As of 2021, the population of Muslims in India is estimated to be around 200 million, which is the third-largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia and Pakistan.
India’s Muslim population is approximately 14.2 per cent of the total population, making it one of the countries with a significant Muslim population. However, in terms of the percentage of the Muslim population, India ranks lower than several other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Mauritania, and others, where Muslims make up a much higher percentage of the population.
Ramadhan, the holy month of fasting, is one of the most important events in the Islamic calendar. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. The purpose of this fast is to purify the body and soul, practice self-discipline, and empathise with those who are less fortunate. In India, Ramadhan is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion. Muslims wake up before dawn to have their pre-fast meal, called Suhoor. After breaking the fast in the evening, they perform their prayers, followed by a grand feast, called Iftar, where families and friends gather to share food and celebrate the spirit of Ramadhan.
In India, Ramadhan is a time of communal celebration. Mosques are filled with people who gather to pray, recite the Quran, and listen to sermons. Muslims also visit each other’s homes to break the fast together. Special foods are prepared for iftar, such as samosas, kebabs, and sweets.
One of the most significant events during Ramadhan in India is the night of Laylat Al Qadr, which is considered the holiest night of the year. Muslims spend the night in prayer and reflection, seeking the blessings and forgiveness of Allah.
Ramadhan culminates in the festival of Eid Al Fitr, which marks the end of the month-long fast. On this day, Muslims gather in mosques for prayers, exchange greetings and gifts, and feast with their families and friends. In India, Eid is celebrated with great fervour and is a public holiday.
Several Muslim personalities in India have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, sports, arts, and literature. One of the most popular and influential Muslim personalities in India is the former president, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was widely admired for his contributions to science and his role as a statesman.
In the field of literature, the famous Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib is still revered for his works that reflect the essence of the Mughal era. The legendary cricketer, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, is also remembered for his contribution to Indian cricket and for being a trailblazer for Muslim athletes in the country.
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