Sects Of Islam In India

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Sects of Islam in India: Diversity, Influence, and Social Dynamics

Islam in India is not a monolith; it encompasses a wide spectrum of theological schools, sects, and sub-sects that reflect both global Islamic traditions and local cultural adaptations. Indian Muslims, the second-largest religious group in the country, are internally diverse, representing various Islamic denominations, each with its distinct theological positions, jurisprudence, spiritual practices, and sociopolitical affiliations. Understanding the sects of Islam in India requires a detailed look at their beliefs, demographics, organizational structures, and inter-sect relationships.

1. Sunni Islam – The Majority Denomination

Sunni Muslims constitute the largest sect among Indian Muslims, estimated at over 80% of the Muslim population. Within the Sunni fold, there are important sub-divisions:

a. Hanafi Sunnis

The Hanafi school of jurisprudence is the most dominant among Indian Sunnis. It emphasizes reason and analogy (qiyas) in legal interpretations. Most traditional Sunni Muslims in India follow Hanafi fiqh in matters of personal law, rituals, and jurisprudence.

b. Barelvi Movement

The Barelvi school, which originated in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, emphasizes devotion to the Prophet Muhammad, veneration of saints, and Sufi practices like visiting dargahs (shrines), milad (celebrations of the Prophet’s birthday), and spiritual intercession (wasila). Barelvis are considered theologically moderate, and their practices have significant overlap with Indian Sufism. They have considerable influence in northern India and parts of Maharashtra.

c. Deobandi Movement

Originating from the Darul Uloom seminary in Deoband (Uttar Pradesh), the Deobandis advocate a puritanical and reformist approach. They reject saint veneration and other syncretic practices, adhering strictly to Shariah and Hanafi jurisprudence. Deobandis operate thousands of madrasas across India and wield significant influence in educational and religious spheres. The Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic missionary movement, emerged from this school.

d. Ahl-e-Hadith

A smaller but vocal sect, the Ahl-e-Hadith reject all traditional schools of jurisprudence (including Hanafi) and emphasize a literalist reading of the Quran and Hadith. Their practices are closer to Salafism or Wahhabism, with a strong focus on early Islamic purity. They often oppose shrine worship and Sufi customs and are primarily found in parts of Kashmir, Bihar, and some pockets in southern India.

2. Shia Islam – A Minority with Rich Traditions

Shia Muslims form around 10–15% of India’s Muslim population. Though smaller in number compared to Sunnis, they have historically held significant cultural, political, and theological influence.

a. Twelver (Ithna Ashari) Shias

The largest Shia sub-sect in India, the Twelvers believe in a line of twelve Imams, the last of whom is in occultation and will return as the Mahdi. They observe Muharram with passion, especially in Lucknow and Hyderabad. Rituals include majlis (gatherings), marsiya (elegies), and taziya processions. Shia Nawabs of Awadh (Lucknow) and the Nizams of Hyderabad played a crucial role in shaping Indian Shia identity.

b. Bohras

The Bohras are a Shia sub-sect from the Ismaili branch, primarily settled in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of Madhya Pradesh. They are divided into various groups:

• Dawoodi Bohras – Led by a spiritual head called the Syedna, this group is highly organized and known for discipline, business acumen, and tightly-knit communities.
• Alavi Bohras and Sulaimani Bohras – Smaller factions differing from the Dawoodis over succession disputes in the past.
  Bohras generally blend traditional Islamic theology with progressive practices such as modern education and entrepreneurship.

c. Khojas

Originally a Gujarati trading community, Khojas follow the Nizari Ismaili branch of Shia Islam. They are followers of the Aga Khan, the 49th Imam. The community has adopted many progressive values, emphasizing women’s education, philanthropy, and modernization. Aga Khani Khojas have built schools, hospitals, and development programs, and are particularly visible in Mumbai, Gujarat, and parts of South India.

3. Sufi Orders – Beyond Sectarian Lines

Sufism transcends rigid sectarian boundaries and has historically influenced both Sunnis and Shias in India. Major Sufi orders in India include:

• Chishti Order – Known for love, tolerance, and service to humanity. Famous saints include Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti of Ajmer.
• Qadiri Order – Associated with moral discipline and spiritual healing.
• Naqshbandi Order – More orthodox and popular among Deobandis.

While most Sufi orders align loosely with the Barelvi movement, they have their independent identity based on spiritual lineage (silsila), saints (awliya), and mystic practices like sama (spiritual music).

4. Ahmadiyya Community – Contested Identity

The Ahmadiyya sect, founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 19th-century Punjab, believes that Ahmad was a promised messiah and Mahdi—a view considered heretical by most mainstream Muslims. While Ahmadis identify as Muslim, they face severe marginalization from both Sunni and Shia groups, who declare them non-Muslim. In India, the Ahmadis live peacefully, though with limited social interaction with other Muslim groups. They emphasize peace, education, and interfaith dialogue.

5. Mahdavia Sect

Founded in the Deccan by Muhammad Jaunpuri in the 15th century, the Mahdavis believe their founder was the Mahdi. They are a small sect, mostly located in Hyderabad and parts of Karnataka. They observe strict piety, simplicity, and social justice. While doctrinally distinct, they are often absorbed into broader Muslim demographics in India.

6. Cultural Syncretism and Inter-Sect Relations

Despite the theological rifts, Indian Islam has evolved within a pluralistic and syncretic culture. For centuries, different sects coexisted, sometimes in competition, often in collaboration. However, in recent decades, sectarian polarization has intensified due to:

• Influence from global Islamic movements (e.g., Salafism, Iranian revolution),
• Saudi-funded madrasas promoting stricter interpretations,
• Political mobilization of sect identities for electoral gains,
• Social media debates that inflame theological disputes.

Conflicts occasionally arise over mosque management, shrine control, or religious processions, but open violence between Muslim sects remains rare in India.

7. Political and Legal Dimensions

The Indian state recognizes the religious diversity among Muslims primarily through the lens of personal law, but it does not officially record sectarian identities in the census. This creates challenges in community representation and access to schemes tailored to minority welfare.

Barelvis, Deobandis, Shias, and others operate their own seminaries, religious boards (like All India Muslim Personal Law Board), and community organizations. However, there is growing demand for more unified Muslim representation to negotiate with the state on issues like education, religious freedom, and economic development.

Conclusion

The sects of Islam in India reflect a vibrant mosaic of faith, law, mysticism, and identity. From the orthodox Deobandi clerics to the mystical Sufis, from Shia majlises to Bohra communal structures, Indian Islam encompasses a wide array of theological orientations. While these sects often differ on doctrine and ritual, they coexist within India’s broader secular and democratic framework. Preserving this pluralism while addressing intra-community challenges remains essential for the health of Indian Muslim society.

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