❀ Geographical and Historical Background of Sindh
Approximately 1,300 years ago, Sindh was much larger than its current boundaries:
- West: Extended to Makran
- South: Reached the Arabian Sea and Gujarat
- East: Stretched to Malwa and Rajputana
- North: Included Multan and Southern Punjab
According to Arab historians, the entire region was referred to as Sindh. The early history of Sindh is ancient and vague, and the origin of its name remains uncertain.
➤ Aryan Influence
The Aryans referred to the Indus River as Sindhu (meaning “river” in their language), which later became Sindh.
➤ Evolution of the Name
- Persians transformed Sindh into Hind.
- Greeks changed the "h" sound to a glottal stop, forming Ind.
- Romans modified Ind into India, which is still used today.
❀ Ruling Dynasties Before Islam
Before Islam, the Rai dynasty ruled over Sindh. They were adherents of Buddhism and governed for 137 years.
Notable rulers:
- Rai Dewānach
- Rai Sahasi
- Rai Sāh Si
- Rai Sahasi II
(Source: Tārīkh Sindh – Ejazul Haq Quddusi, pp. 1–4)
❀ Raja Dahir and His Controversial Reign
After the Chach dynasty took control, Raja Dahir rose to power following internal family disputes.
- Based on astrological advice, Dahir married his own sister to maintain power.
- This act caused outrage, particularly from his brother Dahar Siah, who attempted rebellion but died of illness.
- Dahir’s era was marked by moral decay, lawlessness, and piracy, with raiders often finding refuge under his rule.
(Source: Tārīkh Sindh, pp. 45–46)
❀ The Arrival of Islam in the Subcontinent
➤ Early Muslim Traders and Preachers
Islam reached South India first through Arab traders and missionaries shortly after the Prophet’s ﷺ passing (632 CE).
- These Muslims displayed honesty, integrity, and exemplary conduct.
- As a result, many locals embraced Islam, including the ruler of Malabar.
➤ Factors Aiding the Spread of Islam in South India
- Religious competition between Buddhists, Jains, and Hindus
- Discontent with caste-based discrimination
- Appeal of Islam’s message of equality and justice
❀ Formal Campaigns Toward Sindh
✔ During the Caliphate of ʿUmar رضي الله عنه
- Governor ʿUthmān ibn Abī al-ʿĀṣ of Bahrain and Oman sent a mission to the Indian coastal city of Thāna (near modern Mumbai).
- Caliph ʿUmar رضي الله عنه expressed displeasure as it was launched without permission.
(Tārīkh Pāk o Hind, p. 18)
✔ During the Caliphate of ʿUthmān رضي الله عنه
- ʿAbdullah ibn ʿĀmir, Governor of Iraq, sent Ḥakīm ibn Jibalah to assess the region.
- Report: Water scarce, fruits poor, and bandits brave—thus, invasion was avoided.
(Tārīkh Pāk o Hind, p. 19)
✔ During the Rule of Muʿāwiyah رضي الله عنه
- Commander Muhallab ibn Abī Ṣufrah advanced as far as Lahore.
- Tribes such as Qiqān were subdued.
(Tārīkh Pāk o Hind, p. 19)
❀ Muhammad bin Qasim's Campaign (93 AH / 712 CE)
At the age of 17, Muhammad bin Qasim entered Sindh and conquered Debal, Nīrūn, Sīwastān, Brahmanābād, and Multān.
➤ Reason for the Campaign
- Muslim women traveling from Serandīb (Sri Lanka) were captured by pirates off the coast of Debal.
- Governor Ḥajjāj ibn Yūsuf demanded their release.
- Raja Dahir refused, leading to military action.
(Chach Nāmah, pp. 121–131)
❀ Administrative Policies of Muhammad bin Qasim
After conquering Sindh:
✔ Religious Freedom:
- Non-Muslims were granted freedom of worship.
- Temples were protected.
- Jizyah (a tax for non-Muslim protection) was imposed.
✔ Tolerant Governance:
- Local Brahmins and administrators retained positions of authority.
(Tārīkh Pāk o Hind, p. 35)
❀ Controversy Regarding Muhammad bin Qasim's Death
A fabricated story claims that Raja Dahir’s daughters accused him of violating their honor, prompting Caliph Sulaiman to order his execution.
- Allegedly, he was suffocated in a raw ox hide.
- However, authentic Arab historians do not mention this story.
- More credible reports state he died in prison, due to political rivalries.
(Tārīkh Sindh – Ejazul Haq Quddusi, pp. 228–229)
❀ Key Factors in the Spread of Islam in Sindh
① Moral character of Arab traders
② Teachings of Sufi saints
③ Justice and tolerance of Muslim rulers
④ Islam’s rejection of caste and untouchability
❀ Significance of Sindh in Islamic History
Sindh became the gateway of Islam into the Indian subcontinent.
- Mosques, schools, and Islamic centers were established.
- Qur’ān translations and teachings flourished.
(Jannat al-Sindh, pp. 102–103)
✿ Conclusion
Islam’s arrival in Sindh was not a mere conquest, but a transformative civilizational encounter led by Muhammad bin Qasim—a noble, young commander guided by principle and justice. His administration laid the foundation for Islamic culture, education, and coexistence in South Asia.
