Shia Muslims are a large minority among India's Muslims. However, there has been no particular census conducted in India with regards to sects, but Indian sources like Times of India and DNA reported IndianShia population in mid 2005–2006 between 25% and 31% of entire Muslim population of India which accounts them in numbers between 40,000,000[1][1] to 50,000,000[2] of 157,000,000 Indian Muslim population.[3] However, as per an estimation of one reputed Shia NGO Alimaan Trust, India's Shia population in early 2000 was around 30 million with Sayyids comprising just a tenth of the Shia population.[4] According to some national and international sources IndianShia population is the world's second-largest after Iran,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]Shia population was also acclaimed publicly as second largest by the 14th Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh quoted in the year 2005.[14][15] One of the lingering problems in estimating the Shia population is that unless the Shia form a significant minority in a Muslim country, the entire population is often listed as Sunni. Shiites are estimated to be 21–35 percent of the Muslim population in South Asia, although the total number is difficult to estimate due to the intermingling between the Muslim Sects and practice of taqiyya by Shias.[16]
However,some external sources such as the BBC claim that there are close to 20 million Shia's in India [17] and the Pew Research Center figure them between 10 to 14 percent giving the numbers between 16,000,000 to 24,000,000.[18] However, the Pew Research Center report is not considered authentic by many Shias and also national and International reports after taking into consideration the report released by Britannica Book of the year in 1997 which put the estimates of Shia population in India in 1996 over 26,000,000[19][20][21] out of entire Indian Muslim population of 103,000,000 at that time.[22][23]
Shia culture and belief has left its influence all over India with Imam al Husain ibn Ali becoming the revered personality in India not only for the Shias but also from non-Muslim communities, especially the Hindus of northern India who participate in ceremonies commemorating Husain ibn Ali's martyrdom on the day of Ashura.
Its narrated by Abd al Razzaq al Muqarram in his work of Maqtal al-Husayn that prior to his martyrdom, Al Abbas ibn Ali while asking water for Mohammad's family from the Yazid's army expressed his desire to go either Rome or to India. This made some people weep in the army of Yazid.[31]
Most of the PersiansShias migrated to South Asia to prosper and obtain high positions in MuslimSultanates and later Mughal Empire. There were also rebels and nobles who lost royal favour and migrated to Mughal Empire. The Mughals also preferred to employ foreign Muslim officials that had no local interests and thus were loyal to the Mughal emperor. The Humayun has returned from exile in Persia with thousands of Persians soldiers and nobles this increased the influence of the ShiaPersians in Mughal Empire.
Shias also faced persecution in India in Kashmir for centuries, by the Sunni invaders of the region which resulted in massacre of many Shias and as a result most of them had to flee the region.[32]Shias in Kashmir in subsequent years had to pass through the most atrocious period of their history. Plunder, loot and massacres which came to be known as ‘Taarajs’ virtually devastated the community. History records 10 such Taarajs also known as ‘Taraj-e-Shia’ between 15th to 19th century in 1548, 1585, 1635, 1686, 1719, 1741, 1762, 1801, 1830, 1872 during which the Shia habitations were plundered, people slaughtered, libraries burnt and their sacred sites desecrated.[32] Such was the reign of terror during this period that the community widely went into the practice of Taqya in order to preserve their lives and the honor of their womenfolk.[32] Village after village disappeared, with community members either migrating to safety further north or dissolving in the majority faith. The persecution suffered by Shias in Kashmir during the successive foreign rules was not new for the community. Many of the standard bearers of Shia’ism, like Sa’adaat or the descendants of the Prophet Mohammad and other missionaries who played a key role in spread of the faith in Kashmir, had left their home lands forced by similar situations.[32]
India's role in battle of Karbala
Nathanvilal Wahshi, a Hindu Writer narrated about the arrival of a helper for Husain’s cause on the eight day of Moharram. Husain ibn Ali welcomed him and immediately confirmed his Indian Identity. Husain ibn Ali then goes on to praise India and its people in the following words:
"The perfumed fragrance entered the realm of love from your country
The cool breeze came to my grandfather Mohammad from that garden."[33]
Upon asking more about the guest’s background he finds out that he is an Indian merchant residing in neighboring city of Basra, his father had been entrusted with the treasury of the war booty by none other than Ali bin Abitalib. For this reason the merchant holds himself morally responsible for assisting Husain ibn Ali in any possible way when the later is in trouble. Husain ibn Ali appreciated gesture, but discouraged the merchant from taking up arms in following words:
"Brother, in my opinion you are the beloved of the world
In this country you are the treasure of India."[33]
Munshi Premchand further narrates the perception of this merchant on the part of Imam as suspicion about Husain ibn Ali’s sincerity because of being a Hindu.
With tear filled eyes the traveler said:
”I am a Hindu, perhaps my fidelity is not convincing
Master! Even though this heart is the land of Idol Temple
In it is also lit the light of affection”.[33]
Husain ibn Ali said : What have you said in passion, Why should my eyes doubt your fidelity? My lord is aware of my conscience. What’s the difference between Hindu and Muslim is the quest for truth. This has the guiding principle for the People of the Cloak or Ahl al-Kisa. ”.[34]
Shia Muslim Dynasties in India
Shiite Islam has deep rooted influence in present and history of India from North to South with various Shia Muslim dynasties ruling Indian provinces from time to time.
The Bahmani Sultanate also called the Bahmanid Empire or Bahmani Kingdom was a Muslim state of the Deccan in southern India and one of the great medieval Indian kingdoms.[35] Bahmanid Sultanate was the first independent Islamic and Shi'ite Kingdom in South India.[36]
On the establishment of the Bahmani Sultanate in the Deccan (1348), Berar Sultanate was constituted one of the five provinces into which their kingdom was divided, being governed by great nobles, with a separate army. The perils of this system becoming apparent, the province was divided (1478 or 1479) into two separate provinces, named after their capitals Gawil and Mahur.
Bidar Sultanate (1489–1619 AD)
Bidar Sultanate was one of the Deccan sultanates of late medieval India. Its founder, Qasim Barid was a Turk, domiciled in Georgia. He joined the service of the Bahmani sultan Muhammad Shah III. He started his career as a Sar-Naubat but later became the Mir-Jumla (prime minister) of the Bahmani sultanate.
Qutb Shahi dynasty (1518–1687 AD)
The Qutb Shahi dynasty was a Turkic dynasty (whose members were also called the Qutub Shahis). They were the ruling family of the kingdom of Golconda in southern India. They were ShiaMuslims and belonged to Kara Koyunlu.
Adil Shahi dynasty (1527–1686 AD)
The Adil Shahi dynasty ruled the Sultanate of Bijapur in the Western area of the Deccan region of Southern India from 1490 to 1686. Bijapur had been a province of the Bahmani Sultanate (1347–1518), before its political decline in the last quarter of the 15th century and eventual break-up in 1518. The Bijapur Sultanate was absorbed into the Mughal Empire on 12 September 1686, after its conquest by the Emperor Aurangzeb.[37]
Unlike the Sunnis, the Shia Muslims in Kashmir remain supportive of Indian rule and send their children to join the Indian army. They consider those who lost life fighting terrorists as Patriots.[39]
Shias also claim to be sidelined in India, hence the All India Shia Personal Law Board was formed after segregation from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board in 2005 to address the legal needs of the Shia population. AISPLB feels that there should be a national policy for the Shias to prevent their exploitation by vested interests. The attitude of the government towards Muslims especially in Maharashtra came in for criticism.[1] The newly formed All India Shia Personal Law Board had 69 members at the time of formation compared to 204 members in the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.[41]
The Shia body had the support of the erstwhile royal family of Lucknow, some 2000 descendants of the family claim to have extended their support. Shias claim they have been sidelined by the Sunni-dominated law board, which was set up in 1972.[42]
Maulana Mirza Mohammed Athar, president of the breakaway All India Shia Personal Law Board explained the reason for segregation saying that, Shias have formed a forum of themselves because the All India Muslim Personal Law Board never took interest in their well being." Shias and Sunnis do not interpret family laws in a similar way. Shiites also have different Mosques and Burial grounds in India.[42]
Politics
Although a majority of Shia Muslims, like other Muslims of India generally supporters of the Indian National Congress, Shia Muslims are better disposed towards the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) than Sunnis.[43][44][45]
Azadari in India
Husainabad Imambara also known as Chota Imambara at Husainabad, Lucknow, built in 1838 by King Mohammad Ali Shah of Awadh
Azadari or the mourning practice of Imam Husain ibn Ali is very much prevalent across India.[46] One thing which is worth noting in Indian Azadari is the participation of non Muslims in Shia rituals on the day of Ashura.[46][47][48]
The Hindu rulers of Vijayanagar during the 16th and 17th centuries even donned blackened garments and helped to arrange the Kala Tazia (Black Tazia) processions. Even the Scindias of Gwalior and the Holkar Maharajas of Indore conducted Majlis or Muharram congregations.[49] In LucknowHindus regularly join Muslims in the Azadari and Alam processions. The Sufi saints of India along with the Shi'ite Scholars encouraged the mixing and merging of indigenous elements from the rich cultural heritage of the land to that of Muharram thus proclaiming the message of peaceful co-existence among communities and united resistance to tyrannical authority.[49]
The carrying of Alams through fire by men is more common. There are several occasions when these are traditionally practiced particularly in the town of Vizianagaram 550 km outside of Hyderabad where 110 Alams are taken through the fire. A significant aspect of firewalking in the context of Moharram commemorations in Andhra Pradesh is the participation of Hindus in the ceremonies. In Vizinagaram 109 of the Alams are carried by Hindus.[50]
Notable Shia Muslim Personalities of India
Diplomates and Bureaucracrates
Dr. Abid Husain (26 December 1926 – 21 June 2012) was an Indian economist, civil servant and diplomat. He was India's Ambassador to the U.S.A.(1990 to 1992) and a member of the Planning Commission (1985 to 1990). Dr. Husain was honoured in 1988 with the Padma Bhushan (awarded to recognize distinguished service of a high order to the nation).
Professor Saiyed Nurul HasanSaiyed Nurul Hasan was a historian, prolific author, statesman in the Government of India, he served as Union Minister of Education, Social Welfare and Culture (1972–1977), Ambassador to the Soviet Union (1983–1986), Governor of Bengal (1986-1989 and 1990-1993) and Governor of Odisha (1988-1990 and Feb 1993- May 1993).
AyatollahSyed Aqeel-al-Gharavi (born 2 February 1964) is a leading Shia scholar, orator and community activist of India. He is also a professor at Hauz-e-Ilmiya Jamiat-us-Saqalain, Delhi.
Maulana Syed Ibne Hasan Naunaharvi (مولانا سيد ابن حسن نونحروى) was born in Nonahara, Ghazipur in Uttar Pradesh, India in 1899. He graduated from Sultanul Madaris and became a teacher, later principal of Madrasatul Waizeen.
Prof. Allama Syed Shabihul Hasan Nonaharvi of Lucknow University, the last recipient of the combined club prize of AMU Student's Union medal in 1945. Shia Cleric and former principal of Madrasatul Waizeen, Lucknow
Maulana Syed Nasir Husain Nasir-ul-Millat (1867-1942)- a marja'ul-taqlid and a mujtahid of most North Indian Shias was son of Hamid Hussain. He was peshnamaz (leader) of Kufa mosque, Lucknow.[51]
Syed Muhammad Naseer Naseer-ul-Millat (1895-1966)- a mujtahid of most North Indian Shias (until after independence of India when he got involved in politics and asked his muqallids to follow Najaf mutahids, particularly to Ayatollah Seyyed Mohsin Al-Hakim) was son of Nasir Husain Nasir-ul-Millat.[51]
Maulana Syed Mohammad Saeed Saeed-ul-Millat (20th century)- leading cleric of India, son of Nasir-ul-Millat.[51]
Khateeb-ul-ImaanSyed Muzaffar Husain RizviTahir Jarwali (1932-1987)- was one of the prominent and celebrated orator and preacher of late 20th century (1970s & 80s), he was also General Secretary of All India Shia Conference for some time.[52][53]
Mir Anis (1803-1874)– Mir Babar Ali Anis legendary Urdu poet and renowned Marsia writer all over the world. He was born in Faizabad in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh in 1803 and died in 1874.
Mirza Dabeer (1803–1875)– Salamat Ali Dabeer leading Urdu poet of India who excelled and perfected the art of Marsia writing and is considered the leading exponent of Marsiya writing along with Mir Anis.
Mirza Muhammad Rafi Sauda (A.H. 1125 [1713-14]- A.H. 1195 [1780–81]) was the leading Urdu poet of his time. His accomplishments were a cause of pride to the city of Delhi.
Mir Moonis
Josh Malihabadi (December 5, 1894 – February 22, 1982) born as Shabbir Hasan Khan (شبیر حسن خان) was a noted Urdu poet born in British India. He actively participated in freedom struggle of India and came to be called Shaair-e-Inquilaab (Poet of the Revolution). He was an Indian citizen until 1958, when he emigrated to Pakistan and became a Pakistani citizen. He wrote Marsiyaas, ghazals and nazms under the takhallus (Urdu for nom de plume) Josh (جوش) (literally, "Passion" or "Intensity").
Mirza Muhammad Hadi Ruswa (Urdu: مرزا محمد ہادی رسوا) (1857 – October 21, 1931) was an Urdu poet and writer of fiction, plays, and treatises (mainly on religion, philosophy, and astronomy).
Dr. Rahi Masoom Raza Urdu/Hindi writer/Poet he wrote the scripts and dialogues for a many popular TV serials including Mahabharat, films, Novel Neem Ka Ped and many more.
Prof. Naiyer Masud Rizvi - former Professor of Persian in Lucknow University, is one of the foremost short story writers in Urdu. He was awarded the (2001) Urdu prize of the Sahitya Akademi and the Saraswati Samman in (2007). Naiyer Masud is the son of Syed Hasan Masud Rizvi Adeeb, also a Professor of Persian and a famed scholar of dastaan.
Business and politics – present and past
Azim Premji, CEO of India's 3rd largest IT company Wipro Technologies and the 5th richest man in India with an estimated fortune of US$17.1 billion.[54]
Hashim Ali Khan,Has the honor of representing The Nizams own Hyderabad imperial service lancer troops at Her majesty Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1888.
Ali Yawar Jung – Former Indian diplomat and former Governor of the state of Maharashtra from 1971 to 1976. He played a significant role in full scale establishment of Azadari in Mumbai.
Nur Jehan – Mughal Empress, considered mastermind behind Jehangir's rule, family origin in Persia
Muzaffar Ali - Padma Shri (2005) Rajah Muzaffar Ali (born 21 October 1944, Lucknow) is an Indian film-maker, an actor, a fashion designer, a poet, an artist, a music-lover, a revivalist, and a social worker. He belongs to a Royal Muslim Rajput family of Kotwara. He directed and produced Gaman (1978), Umrao Jaan (1981) and many other films, Serials and Plays.
Syed Kirmani - Syed Mujtaba Hussain Kirmani (Kannada: ಸೈಯದ್ ಮುಜ್ತಾಬ ಹುಸೇನ್ ಕಿರ್ಮಾನಿ) (born December 29, 1949, in Madras) played International Cricket for India and Karnataka as a wicket-keeper and batsman. He was awarded the Padma Sri in 1982. He served as the chairman of the selection committee for India in the early 2000s.