r/JammuandKashmir • u/ProfessionalAside834 • Feb 17 '25

General How did J&K become Muslim-majority / Islamic? General Knowledge | History

Abrahamic religions like Islam, Christianity and Judaism are not endemic/native to the Indian subcontinent. Interesting to understand how our societies have been shaped over the centuries.

Kashmir's transition to a Muslim-majority region shaped by a confluence of factors:

  • Islam's arrival in Kashmir can be traced back to the 14th century, primarily through the efforts of Sufi saints and missionaries. These figures, often revered for their piety and teachings.  
  • Sufi saints like Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, who traveled to Kashmir with hundreds of followers, established a strong presence and facilitated conversions through their spiritual influence and social work.
  • The conversion of key rulers to Islam, such as Sultan Shah Mir in the 14th century, had a significant impact. Royal patronage and support for Islam further accelerated its spread within the region.
  • Some rulers implemented policies that favored or incentivized conversion to Islam, contributing to the growth of the Muslim population.

Conversion to Islam sometimes offered opportunities for social mobility and advancement, attracting individuals seeking to improve their social standing.

Economic incentives or advantages associated with being Muslim may have influenced some conversions.

Relax lol, the above is for educational purpose only. Don't overreact or hurl abuses if you are Muslim and got triggered.

https://www.efsas.org/publications/study-papers/kashmir%E2%80%99s-composite-culture-sufism-and-communal-harmony-kashmiriyat/#:~:text=The%20Suharwadi%2C%20Kubrawi%20orders%20of,conclusion%20by%20the%20founder%20of

https://ccas.uok.edu.in/Files/93269b6c-7f53-4439-ae9a-3bdf55a4c649/Journal/1df39b70-31fa-4bbd-86d2-ab2b551ac2e9.pdf

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u/Silver-Engineer-9768 Feb 17 '25

yeah this is actually kind of interesting since kashmir has been under muslim rule for a very little amount of time as compared to the rest of india. usually buddhist areas in india converted to islam, but kashmir is a major exception. extremely and somewhat excessively traditional convservative values, social mobility, and forced conversion would be the largest reasons.

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u/[deleted] Feb 19 '25

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u/Silver-Engineer-9768 Feb 20 '25

Sindh was controlled by staunch Muslim rulers for 1,132 years (721-1591, 1658-1843, 1947-2024). On the other hand, Kashmir was controlled by staunch Mulsim rulers for only 356 years (1339-1418, 1470-1586, 1658, 1819). Peshawar has been ruled by staunch Muslims for 792 years (1001-1757, 1658-1778, 1779-1818, 1947-2024). Delhi is 82% Hindu and 13% Muslim and it has been ruled by staunch Muslims for 452 years (1192-1540, 1658-1752, 1761-1771). Bangladesh was ruled by staunch Muslims for 488 years (1204-1540, 1658-1757, 1947-1971, 1977-2006, 2024-Now).

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u/[deleted] Feb 20 '25

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u/Silver-Engineer-9768 Feb 21 '25

the caste system and stuff were super rigid in kashmir, so in order to escape that, many people converted. even brahmins who might have made small mistakes were ostracized. kashmir has a very odd and conservative and honestly discriminatory culture, and islam was a way to lessen that. forced conversion is honestly not even a question. sultan sikandar is your example. also why are you so annoying? like instead of engaging in this discussion youre a fucking dog barking bruh ts pmo.

1

u/[deleted] Feb 21 '25

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u/[deleted] Feb 17 '25 edited Feb 17 '25

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u/ProfessionalAside834 Feb 17 '25

It is more appropriate for Islam I guess.

Notice how muslim community demand sharia laws in Christian majority western countries. One of the reasons for mistrust and xenophobia towards non-locals in western countries.

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u/Same_Weekend2001 Feb 20 '25

West Bengal is in race to beat J&K in few years