Islam in Mizoram

Islam is a minority religion in Mizoram, a state in northeastern India, where it constitutes approximately 1.35%(14,832) of the total population, according to the 2011 Census. The Muslim community in Mizoram is diverse, with ethnic groups such as the Assamese, Bengali, a small local converts.

History

The advent of Islam in Mizoram dates to the late nineteenth century, when Muslim soldiers serving under the British colonial forces arrived during the Lushai Expedition (1871–1872 and 1889–1890). A number of sepoys who accompanied the expeditionary troops were of Muslim background, marking the first recorded presence of Islam in the region.

Although their numbers remained small, the continued military presence, migration of traders from present-day Assam and Bengal, and later government employment contributed to the gradual settlement of Muslims in Mizoram throughout the twentieth century. The population of the community expanded slowly but consistently, forming small clusters across what became the districts of the modern state.

Culture Muslims in Mizoram celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the high school ground in Zarkawt, Aizawl, which is 15 minutes away from the Aijwal Mosque. The ground is near a church, showing harmony between the Christians and Muslims of Mizoram.

Quran is also Translated in Mizo languages.

Demographics

+ Muslim Population in Mizoram Year (Pop.) (%)1901202 1951 ~1,200 ~0.6 1961 ~1,500 ~0.6 1971 1882 0.40 1981 2,205 0.45 1991 4,538 0.66 2001 10,099 1.01 2011 14,832 1.35

Community The Significant population of muslims in Mizoram are Bengali, Pangals, Assamese and some tribal converts. They live in northern Mizoram districts of Kolasib and Mamit where there are five mosques.

There is also small community of khasi and Chakma, who follow Islam.Dikshit, K. R.; Dikshit, Jutta K. (21 October 2013). "The People of Meghalaya". North-East India: Land, People and Economy. Springer Science+Business Media. p. 361.

Tribal Muslims

+ Muslima among Tribe Groups Tribe Name Total Muslims Chakma 183 Dimasa Kachari 99 Garo 20 Hmar 142 Any Kuki Tribes 205 Any Naga tribes 27 Any Mizo (Lushai) tribes 3,168 Pawi 158 Paite 109 Generic Tribes etc. 65 All Schedule Tribes 4,209

Distribution District PercentPopul. Aizawl 1.31%5,177 Champhai 0.56%483 Kolasib 5.27%4,426 Lawngtlai 0.44%552 Lunglei 0.80%1,164 Mamit 2.06%1,782 Saiha 0.91%514 Serchhip 0.52%335

Education

According to the 2011 Census of India, Muslims in Mizoram had a literacy rate of 81.70%, which was significantly higher than the national Muslim literacy average of 57.28%. The community also recorded a comparatively high proportion of graduates and above (3.93%), reflecting relatively better educational attainment among Muslims in the state.

+ Educational level of Muslims in Mizoram (Population age 7 and above) Education Mizoram Muslims In no. (%) Illiterate 228,110 2,174 14.65% Literate 805,418 12,118 81.70% Graduate and above 73,541 584 3.93% Total population 1,033,528 14,832 100%

Organisations

Mizoram Muslim Welfare Society. Aizawl Mosque Committee (AMC).

Islam in Mizoram

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