The discourse on casteism in India predominantly orbits around the Hindu community, often overshadowing the stratified social structures within other religious groups. However, recent discussions, particularly those highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and social media activism by figures like BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla, have brought to light the pervasive issue of casteism among Indian Muslims, focusing on the discrimination faced by the “lower-class” Pasmanda Muslims.
Understanding Pasmanda Muslims
The term “Pasmanda” encompasses the ‘left behind’ or marginalized communities within the Muslim population in India, comprising both the Dalit (Arzal) and backward caste (Ajlaf) Muslims. This categorization reflects a significant portion of the Muslim community, roughly estimated to be around 85%, contrasting with the Ashraf Muslims, who represent the upper echelons of the Muslim social hierarchy.
The Ashraf-Pasmanda Divide
Historically, the Ashraf class, which includes groups claiming foreign descent like Sayyids, Sheikhs, Mughals, and Pathans, has dominated the socio-political landscape within the Muslim community. This dominance has not only been cultural but also economic and political, leading to a system where the Pasmandas, despite their numbers, find themselves at the receiving end of discrimination. This includes, but isn’t limited to, exclusion from religious leadership, economic opportunities, and even social interactions like marriage and community gatherings.
Casteism Exposed
The issue of casteism among Muslims gained national attention when Prime Minister Modi commented on the Congress’s approach to caste division, highlighting an often-ignored aspect: the caste dynamics within the Muslim community itself. Modi’s remarks, coupled with Shehzad Poonawalla’s revelations via social media, shed light on several stark realities:
1. Social Exclusion: Pasmanda Muslims face untouchability-like practices where they are not allowed to use the same water sources, live in the same areas, or even pray in the same mosques as Ashraf Muslims.
2. Political Marginalization: Despite their majority, Pasmanda representation in political spheres is disproportionately low. Their issues are seldom the focus of mainstream Muslim politics, which remains dominated by Ashraf narratives.
3. Economic Disparity: The economic opportunities for Pasmandas are limited due to systemic discrimination, pushing them further into socio-economic backwardness.
4. Cultural Discrimination: There’s a reluctance among Ashrafs to engage in marital alliances with Pasmandas, reinforcing the caste boundaries through endogamy.
The Role of Social Media and Activism
Shehzad Poonawalla, through his posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has actively criticized the Congress and other parties for their silence on Muslim casteism while they actively discuss Hindu caste divisions. His personal accounts of discrimination, where even sitting next to an upper-caste Muslim can be contentious, underline the depth of the issue. This activism has sparked conversations on digital platforms, pushing for a broader acknowledgment of caste issues beyond Hindu society.
Governmental and Political Response
The BJP’s outreach to Pasmanda Muslims, as part of its broader political strategy, aims at integrating them into its voter base by promising welfare schemes and better representation. However, critics argue that this move, while highlighting a genuine issue, might not fully address the structural discrimination without comprehensive social reforms.
The Path Forward
Addressing casteism among Muslims requires:
– Recognition: Acknowledging that caste exists within Muslim communities as a step towards dialogue and reform.
– Representation: Increasing political, religious, and economic representation of Pasmandas to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
– Education and Awareness: Educational initiatives that challenge caste prejudices within all religious communities.
– Legal Measures: Implementing and enforcing laws that prevent discrimination on the basis of caste within all religious frameworks, not just in theory but in practice.
– Community Leadership: Encouraging Pasmanda leadership in religious and community affairs to break the monopoly of the Ashraf class.
The conversation around casteism among Muslims, spearheaded by political figures like Prime Minister Modi and Shehzad Poonawalla, is not just about exposing a hidden facet of Indian society but also about initiating a movement towards a more inclusive and equitable community structure. This discourse challenges the notion of a monolithic Muslim identity in India, urging for a reevaluation of social justice that transcends religious lines, advocating for a unity that respects diversity without enforcing hierarchy.
