A Historical Review of Justice and Cultural Impact under Muslim Rulers❖ Influence of Muslim Rulers: A Historical Reality
Certain biased historians have portrayed history in a way that suggests Muslim rulers oppressed Hindus in India, dishonored their sacred sites, and suppressed religious freedom. However, false accusations cannot overshadow historical facts. The following points, grounded in authentic references, aim to clarify the truth of Muslim governance and its civilizational contributions.
❖ Religious Landscape of India Before Islam
Buddhist Dominance Before Muslim Arrival
Before the advent of Islam, Buddhism was the dominant religion in India, while Brahmanism was in decline. According to the famous historian Mr. Hunter, Buddhists used to include Brahmins in their alms.
(Mukhtasar Tareekh-e-Hind, 1/117–118)
However, Brahmins sought to eradicate Buddhism and restore Aryan (Vedic) dominance.
❖ Decline of Brahmanism
The Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, who spent fifteen years in India (630–645 CE), observed that Brahmins were anti-Buddhist and plunderers, responsible for lawlessness and moral decline in society.
(Aina-e-Haqeeqat Numa, p. 84)
❖ Collapse of Buddhism and Societal Degeneration
Buddhism reached its peak during Emperor Ashoka’s reign, but after the fragmentation of his empire, its religious principles were distorted. Following Ashoka's era, idolatry and sorcery prevailed. According to Akbar Shah, in Sindh, idol worship was rampant, and punishment through fire was common for offenders.
(Aina-e-Haqeeqat Numa, pp. 174–175)
❖ Caste System and Social Oppression
According to Maulana Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi رحمه الله, the caste system among Hindus was extremely harsh. The "Manusmriti" (Manu Shastra) imposed degrading treatment on Shudras:
- If a Shudra touched a Brahmin, his tongue was to be torn out.
- If he attempted to teach a Brahmin, he was made to drink boiling oil.
(Manusmriti, p. 6)
❖ Arab–Indian Relations Before Islam
Trade and Cultural Exchange
Arabs and Indians shared trade and cultural ties even before the Prophetic mission. Tribes like Zutt (Jats), Meds, and Siabjeh had settled in Arabia. According to Tareekh al-Tabari, the delegation from Najran was remarked upon by the Prophet ﷺ as:
“They seem to be of Indian origin.”
(Tareekh al-Tabari, 3/156)
❖ Dawn of Islam in the Indian Subcontinent
Islam reached India as early as the Caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه (15 AH). It began to spread in Malabar and Sarandeep (Sri Lanka). The King of Malabar (Zamorin) is reported to have accepted Islam after witnessing the miracle of the splitting of the moon.
(Aina-e-Haqeeqat Numa, pp. 71–72)
❖ Civilizational Impact of Muslim Rulers on India
A Cultural and Civilizational Transformation
According to Allama Shibli Nomani, conquest in itself is not a crime. What matters is the civilizational impact a ruling nation has. When a civilized nation takes over a land, it transforms the lifestyle, clothing, and commerce of the region.
Muslim rulers uplifted and refined the cultural and civilizational fabric of India through the principles of Islamic governance.
(Islami Hukumat aur Hindustan mein Uska Tamadduni Asar, pp. 1–2)
