Al Haqeeqa
The perception of Indian Muslims as a monolithic, homogenous community often oversimplifies the rich diversity and entrenched inequalities within the community. Among these, the presence of caste-based stratification stands out as a stark contradiction to the egalitarian ethos that Islam professes. Despite the theological insistence on equality among believers, the Indian Muslim community mirrors the broader socio-cultural hierarchies of the subcontinent, perpetuating a caste system that continues to dictate socio-economic and political realities.
The caste system among Indian Muslims, though not sanctioned by Islamic tenets, is deeply rooted in historical and cultural factors. The conversion of large swathes of the Indian population to Islam occurred within the framework of a caste-based society. Consequently, the pre-existing social hierarchies were assimilated into the Islamic social order, creating a complex stratification that persists to this day. At the lowest rung of this complex stratification are the Arzals, whose stratification is not merely symbolic; it manifests in tangible socio-economic and cultural disparities. For instance, the Arzals are often excluded from mosques, denied access to burial grounds, and segregated in community spaces, starkly contradicting the Islamic principle of universal brotherhood. The caste-based stratification among Muslims has profound implications for economic and social mobility. The Dalit Muslims, lacking access to resources, education, and opportunities, are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and marginalization. For example, many lower-caste Muslims continue to perform stigmatized, low-paying jobs that reinforce their socio-economic inferiority. Their economic vulnerability is compounded by educational deprivation, further entrenching intergenerational inequalities. The Sachar Committee Report (2006) laid bare the extent of internal stratification within the community, showing that lower-caste Muslims fare significantly worse than their upper-caste counterparts. Despite these findings, caste-related disparities within the Muslim community are often overlooked in policy discussions, perpetuating their invisibility. The Kaka Kalelkar Commission (1955) and the Mandal Commission (1980) recognized certain Muslim communities as Other Backward Classes (OBCs), granting them some degree of affirmative action. However, the benefits under the OBC category are less robust than those provided to SCs, and many Dalit Muslims fall through the cracks. The Ranganath Misra Commission (2007) recommended making SC status religion-neutral, but this proposal remains unimplemented, perpetuating the disenfranchisement of Dalit Muslims. Dalit Muslims face a unique form of double discrimination, where their caste identity intersects with religious marginalization. They often endure social exclusion and stigmatization within their own community. This dual oppression creates a compounded disadvantage, making them one of the most marginalized groups in the country. Moreover, they are often excluded from community-driven initiatives aimed at Muslim empowerment, which tend to be dominated by upper-caste Muslims.
Acknowledging caste-based discrimination within the Muslim community is essential for dismantling the myth of uniformity and addressing the unique challenges faced by Dalit Muslims. Civil society organizations, policymakers, and community leaders must prioritize this issue in their efforts to promote social justice and equality. There is a need for targeted interventions to address the specific vulnerabilities of Dalit Muslims, such as scholarships, skill development programs, and access to healthcare and housing. Within the Muslim community, religious leaders and scholars must confront the entrenched caste biases that contradict the Islamic ethos of equality. Initiatives to foster intra-community solidarity and inclusivity are crucial for dismantling caste hierarchies and creating a more equitable social order. The caste system within Indian Islam underscores the need to challenge the homogenized view of the Muslim community and recognize its internal diversities and inequalities. The entrenched discrimination faced by Dalit Muslims reflects the deep-rooted socio-cultural hierarchies that continue to pervade Indian society, irrespective of religion. Addressing these inequities is not only a moral imperative but also a constitutional duty to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and fraternity for all citizens. Only by breaking the myth of Muslim uniformity can we move towards a truly inclusive society.
– Mohd. Saleem,
PhD, Jamia Millia Islamia
