Islam is widely known for promoting equality and fraternity among all believers. However, in practice—particularly in South Asia—social stratifications similar to the caste system have emerged among Muslim communities. These hierarchies vary across regions, especially when comparing India with the global Muslim world. This article explores the list of castes in the Islam or Muslims caste system globally and in India, providing an insightful comparison for better understanding.
🌍 Global Perspective: Muslim Social Stratification
While Islam as a religion rejects caste or racial superiority, certain social hierarchies have historically evolved based on ethnicity, lineage, occupation, and region. Below is a generalized structure found in various parts of the Muslim world:
🔹 Global Muslim Caste-Like Categories
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Ashraf | Considered elite, claiming descent from the Prophet Muhammad or Arab lineage. Includes Sayyids, Shaikhs, Pathans, and Mughals. |
| Ajlaf | Local converts to Islam, often engaged in various artisan or occupational roles. |
| Arzal | Historically considered “lower status,” including those engaged in menial or “impure” jobs like scavenging. Often associated with Dalit Muslims. |
| Ethnic Divides | In the Middle East and Africa, divisions exist based on tribal or ethnic lines, such as Arabs, Kurds, Berbers, Persians, etc. |
🇮🇳 Muslim Caste System in India
In India, the Muslim caste system mirrors the Hindu caste hierarchy in many respects. The Muslim population in India is internally divided, particularly across three main categories:
🔹 List of Muslim Castes in India
| Caste Category | Common Castes/Groups | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ashraf (Noble) | Sayyid, Sheikh, Mughal, Pathan (khan) | Considered upper-caste Muslims; often claim foreign descent. |
| Ajlaf (Clean Artisan) | Qureshi, Ansari (Julaha), Saifi, Rangrez | Converted from Hindu artisan castes; socially middle-tier. |
| Arzal (Lowest Castes) | Halalkhor, Lalbegi, Bhatiyara | Historically involved in low-status jobs; often aligned with Dalit backgrounds. |
The Muslims in India are broadly categorized into four:
Ashrafs — highest caste comprising of the Muslims of foreign origin and converts from Hindu high castes.
Atrafs/ Ajlafs — converted from the lower caste Hindus.
Arzals — converts from the Hindu Dalits.
Ashraf — Syeds, Sheikhs, Mughals, and Pathans fall here, with the Syed being equivalent to the Brahmins.
Atrafs/ Ajlafs — The Julaha (weavers), Dhuniya (cotton carders), Teli (oil pressers), Badhai (carpenters), etc.
Arzals — The Bakho (gypsies), Qasai (butchers), Halalkhors (sweepers), Dhobis (launderers), etc.
4. The Atraf/ Ajlafs and Arzals together are called the Pasmandas. In other words, any Muslim who is not an Ashraf is a Pasmanda.
🧾 Key Differences Between Muslim Caste System in India vs. Rest of the World
| Aspect | India | Rest of the World |
|---|---|---|
| Caste Awareness | Strong, socially recognized | Less formalized, more based on tribe/ethnicity |
| Reservation System | Yes (Some OBC/SC Muslim castes get benefits) | Rare or non-existent |
| Marriage Restrictions | Endogamy within caste common | Less emphasis in Arab and Western countries |
| Social Mobility | Restricted by caste in rural areas | Relatively more open |
📌 Why Does Caste Exist in Islam?
Even though Islam preaches social equality, the persistence of caste-like divisions stems from:
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Historical Hindu caste influence (especially in India)
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Occupational divisions inherited over generations
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Tribal customs and regional practices
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Colonial census classifications in South Asia
📚 Government Recognition of Muslim Castes in India
many Rajputs who converted to Islam were given title of Khan, Brahmin converts were given title of Sheikh.
The Indian government classifies some Muslim groups under: Afghan Pathan who can speak native Pashto, I think first you should find out that if you are a Pashtoon(Pathan)
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OBC (Other Backward Classes) – e.g., Ansari, Qureshi, Saifi
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SC (Scheduled Castes) – e.g., Dalit Muslims (if converted from Dalit Hindu castes)
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General Category – e.g., Sayyid, Sheikh (Ashraf castes)
famous Pathans such as Genghis Khan (Who was the biggest ruling Khan),the Mongols (Babur,Humayun,Akbar.etc. who ruled over the Sub-Continent)
💬 FAQs: Muslims and Caste System
🔸 Q1: Does Islam support caste discrimination?
Ans: No. Islam does not recognize caste; all Muslims are equal in the eyes of Allah. However, social hierarchies have developed culturally, not theologically.
🔸 Q2: Are there lower castes in Muslims like in Hinduism?
Ans: In India, yes. Castes such as Arzal are considered socially inferior, similar to Dalit Hindu castes.
🔸 Q3: Which Muslim castes are considered upper class?
Ans: Sayyids, Shaikhs, Pathans, and Mughals—collectively known as Ashrafs—are considered upper caste.
🔸 Q4: Can a lower caste Muslim become an upper caste?
Ans: While Islam allows social mobility, societal norms and prejudices often restrict this in practice, especially in rural or traditional settings.
🔍 Conclusion
The Muslim caste system, while non-Islamic in origin, remains a complex social reality—particularly in India. Globally, caste-like divisions manifest more through ethnic and tribal identities than structured caste hierarchies. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for both social reform and policy-making aimed at achieving equality.
🕌 Sunni vs Shia Muslims – With Examples and Famous Names
Islam is divided into two major sects: Sunni and Shia. Both follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), but they differ on leadership succession, religious practices, and historical perspectives.
Sunnis believe the Prophet Muhammad did not designate a successor, and the first caliph, Abu Bakr, was elected through consensus. Shias believe the Prophet Muhammad had appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor, and leadership should be passed down through Ali’s lineage.
🔸 Basic Difference: Leadership After Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
| Aspect | Sunni Muslims | Shia Muslims |
|---|---|---|
| Successor to Prophet | Abu Bakr (close companion) | Ali (cousin and son-in-law of Prophet) |
| Belief | Caliph should be chosen by consensus | Only Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt) can lead |
| Population | ~85-90% of world’s Muslims | ~10-15% of world’s Muslims |
🌍 Real-World Examples of Sunni and Shia Countries
| Country | Majority Sect |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Sunni |
| Egypt | Sunni |
| Turkey | Sunni |
| Pakistan | Sunni (majority), Shia (minority) |
| Iran | Shia |
| Iraq | Shia (majority), Sunni (minority) |
| Azerbaijan | Shia |
| Yemen | Mixed (Sunni and Shia – Houthi rebels are Shia) |
👤 Famous Sunni Muslim Personalities
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Recep Tayyip Erdoğan | President of Turkey – Sunni |
| Imran Khan | Former PM of Pakistan – Sunni |
| Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Sudais | Imam of Masjid al-Haram (Makkah) – Sunni |
| Dr. Zakir Naik | Islamic preacher from India – Sunni |
👤 Famous Shia Muslim Personalities
| Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Ayatollah Ali Khamenei | Supreme Leader of Iran – Shia |
| Imam Musa al-Kadhim | Historical figure – 7th Shia Imam |
| Muqtada al-Sadr | Iraqi Shia cleric and politician |
| Hassan Nasrallah | Leader of Hezbollah – Shia |
🧕 Sunni vs Shia Religious Practices – Example Differences
| Practice | Sunni | Shia |
|---|---|---|
| Prayer | 5 times a day | 5 prayers in 3 sessions |
| Ashura | Observed as a fast (optional) | Major mourning day (death of Imam Hussain) |
| Hands in Prayer | Folded | Often kept at sides |
| Call to Prayer | Standard | Includes additional line praising Ali in some areas |
📌 Summary Table: Sunni vs Shia Comparison
| Feature | Sunni | Shia |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Caliph (elected) | Imam (divinely appointed) |
| Majority | Yes | No |
| Countries | Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey | Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan |
| Key Figures | Abu Bakr, Umar | Ali, Hussein, Khomeini |
| Historical Split | After Prophet’s death (632 AD) | Same |
| Celebrates Ashura | Minor fast | Major mourning for Imam Hussain |
💬 FAQs
Q1: Who was the first Shia Imam?
A: Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
Q2: Can Sunnis and Shias pray together?
A: Yes, they can. Both follow the same Quran and basic pillars of Islam, but there are ritual differences.
Q3: Are there other sects in Islam?
A: Yes. Apart from Sunni and Shia, there are smaller groups like Ibadi (mainly in Oman), Sufis (mystical tradition), and others.