✿ The Arrival of Islam in India and Its Effects
At the time of Islam’s arrival in India, a struggle existed between the two dominant religions—Hinduism and Buddhism. Though Buddhism was once again on the rise, both religions had failed to resolve the issue of social discrimination. In this climate, Islam entered India bearing teachings of equality, brotherhood, and justice. These principles deeply influenced a population weary of the caste system, particularly the oppressed segments of society who sought refuge in Islam.
◈ Causes of the Spread of Islam
✔ Preaching by Arab Traders
Arab traders introduced Islam to the Indian people through their morality, honesty, and pure lifestyle.
✔ Invasions and Settlements by Muslim Rulers
Muslim sultans launched various invasions and established governance in India. The incoming Muslim populations merged with local societies and conveyed the message of Islam.
✔ Scholars’ Educational and Literary Contributions
Islamic scholars disseminated Islamic teachings through teaching, writing, and debates.
✔ Struggles of Sufi Saints
Sufi saints influenced the masses with their practical lives, spirituality, and selfless service.
✔ Belief in Islamic Equality
Islam's concept of equality beyond race and lineage attracted people who were disillusioned with the caste-based hierarchy.
✔ Disgust Toward the Caste System
In Hindu society, the caste system left the lower classes socially and economically backward. Islam opened the doors of honor and dignity for them.
✿ Not Through the Sword, But Through Ideology
It is inaccurate to claim that Islam spread solely by the sword. In reality, multiple factors worked together in its expansion, and ignoring any of them would leave crucial historical questions unanswered.
◈ The Role of Indian Sultans
Although the Indian sultans were not direct representatives of Islam, their governance played a significant role in promoting Islamic values. Many sultans became known for their generosity, justice, and care for the people. Examples include:
- Qutb al-Din Aibak: Attempted to emulate the generosity and justice of Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar (RA).
- Sultan Iltutmish: Kept his doors open to the impoverished and established a chain of justice.
- Ghiyas al-Din Balban: Practiced justice without favoring relatives or close associates.
- Alauddin Khalji and Firuz Shah Tughlaq: Ensured the welfare and justice of their subjects.
◈ The Role of Mughal Emperors
- Babur: Punished his soldiers for committing excesses.
- Akbar: Promoted religious tolerance and attempted to abolish harmful practices like Sati.
- Jahangir: Established a chain of justice for the public.
- Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb: Upheld justice and religious freedom during their rule.
✿ Other Factors in the Spread of Islam
✔ Services of the Sufi Saints
They invited people to Islam with sincerity, love, and spiritual charisma. Their khanqahs (spiritual centers) became hubs of Islamic learning and inner peace for the common people.
✔ Efforts of the Scholars
Scholars awakened religious consciousness in the masses through education and teaching.
✔ Role of Arab Traders
They made Islam known in coastal regions through their honesty and good conduct.
◈ Refuting the Notion of Forced Conversion
The accusation that Islam was spread through force is historically inaccurate. Had that been the case, people would have reverted to their previous religions after the decline of Muslim rule. However, the number of Muslims continued to grow even after their political downfall, demonstrating the truthfulness and spiritual appeal of Islamic teachings.
✿ Conclusion
The spread of Islam in India was the result of collective efforts—from sultans, Sufi saints, scholars, Arab traders, and common Muslims. Through their selfless struggles, Islam emerged as a strong and lasting faith in the Indian subcontinent.
◈ References
- Tabaqat-i Nasiri – Minhaj Siraj
- Tarikh-i Firoz Shahi – Maulana Ziauddin Barani
- Tarikh-i Firoz Shahi – Shams Siraj Afif
- Khazain al-Futuh – Amir Khusro
- Masalik al-Absar
- Tuzuk-i Baburi – Zahir al-Din Babur
- Akbarnama – Abu’l-Fazl
- Tuzuk-i Jahangiri – Jahangir
- Tabaqat-i Akbari – Nizamuddin Bakhshi
- Iqbalnamah-i Jahangiri – Musta‘id Khan
- Badshahnama – Mulla Abdul Hamid Lahori
- Da‘wat-i Islam – T.W. Arnold (Urdu translation: Muhammad Inayatullah), Matba‘ Faiz ‘Am, Agra, 1898
- Tahqiqat-i Islami, Aligarh, July–September 1985: “Sufis’ Role in the Spread of Islam in the Subcontinent” – Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad Zilli
- Tahqiqat-i Islami, Aligarh, Jan–March 1987: “The Spread of Islam in the Subcontinent” – Prof. Yasin Mazhar Siddiqi
- Qawmi Tahzib ka Mas’ala – Syed Abid Hussain
- Hindustani Tahzib mein Islam ka Hissa – N.C. Mehta
- Maqalat-e-Sulaimani – Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, Vol. 1, pp. 381–387
- Islam, Muslim aur Ghair Muslim – pp. 29–33
- History of the Khaljis – Dr. K.S. Lal
- History of the Qaraunah Turks – Dr. Ishwari Prasad
- Politics in Pre-Mughal Times – Dr. Ishwar Topa
- Rise of the Mughal Empire – Dr. Ram Prasad Tripathi
- History of Jahangir – Dr. Beni Prasad
- History of Shah Jahan – Banarsi Prasad
- Alamgirnama – Kazim Shirazi
- A Review of Objections Regarding the Spread of Islam in India – Dr. Mufti Muhammad Shamim Akhtar Qasmi, Department of Sunni Theology, Aligarh Muslim University
