How Are Castes Determined Among Muslims, and What Can the Caste Census Benefit the Ajlaf and Arzal?

India is set to conduct its first caste-based census in years, and for the first time, Muslim communities will also be asked about their caste. This new development has sparked political discussions, especially regarding the benefits it could bring to various caste groups within the Muslim community. Let’s explore how castes are determined among Muslims and how this census might impact them.

What Does Islam Say About Caste?

Islam as a religion strictly condemns caste-based discrimination. The Prophet Muhammad's last sermon famously declared that there is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab or a white over a black; all humans are equal except in piety. This teaching emphasizes equality, rejecting any form of social hierarchy based on birth.

However, the reality in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) is different. Despite Islam's teachings of equality, caste distinctions have emerged among Muslims, much like those seen in Hindu society. This practice is often rooted in the complex history of conversion and the social systems that existed before Islam arrived in the region.

Caste Divisions Among Muslims

While Islam rejects caste-based distinctions, social stratification among Indian Muslims has evolved. This is primarily due to the legacy of the Hindu caste system which still persists in Muslim communities today. Dr. Shahnawaz Qureshi, a renowned scholar, points out that when people converted to Islam, they retained their social identities based on their previous caste system. Thus, Muslim society became divided into various social strata based on ancestry, occupation, and social status.

Key Caste Groups Among Muslims:

Ashraf (High Castes)
These are considered the "elite" Muslim groups who claim Arab, Persian, or Central Asian ancestry. Notable Ashraf communities include:

• Sayyid: Descendants of Prophet Muhammad.

• Sheikh: Claim to have Arab origins.

• Pathan: Afghan or Pashtun descent.

• Mughal: Descendants of Central Asian Turkic rulers.

• Rizvi: Associated with Shia communities, often from Sayyid families.

Ajlaf (Middle and Backward Castes)
These communities have historically been linked to professions considered lower in status. Examples include:

• Ansari: Weavers or textile workers.

• Qureshi: Traditionally butchers or related to animal husbandry.

• Nai: Barbers.

• Teli: Oil pressers.

• Dhobi: Launderers.

• Manihar: Makers or sellers of bangles.

Arzal (Lowest Social Stratum)
These groups occupy the lowest rungs of the Muslim caste hierarchy, often associated with menial or "impure" jobs. Examples include:

• Halalkhor: People involved in sanitation work.

• Mehtar: Often referred to as "sweepers" or those in cleaning occupations.

Impact of the Caste Census on Muslims

The government’s decision to include Muslim caste data in the census is expected to have significant implications. According to experts like Dr. Shahnawaz Qureshi, the data collected could enable the government to implement more targeted welfare schemes, including reservation benefits for socially and economically disadvantaged Muslim communities.

Currently, some Muslim communities, such as Gaddi Muslims, Dhuniya, Kasai, and Halalkhor, already benefit from affirmative action policies. The caste census will provide more precise data, which could lead to better representation and tailored benefits for these groups.

However, Maulana Tahzeeb cautions that while the census may promise better schemes for backward Muslims, the actual impact will depend on how effectively the government implements these plans on the ground.

Conclusion

The caste-based census among Muslims is a historic step, as it recognizes the complex social fabric within Muslim communities in India. If effectively utilized, it could provide significant benefits, especially for historically disadvantaged groups like the Ajlaf and Arzal, by enabling more targeted policies and reservations. However, the true success of this initiative will depend on how the data is used to create real, positive change.