1. Muslims in South Asia
Chapter 8

2. How does this make sense?

6. Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid in the Malabar Coast, probably the first Mosque in India

8. Arab-Indian Interactions
Pre-Muhammad
Arab traders transmitted the numeral system developed by Indians to the Middle East and Europe.
Post-Muhammad
Most of the converts were won through contact with merchants
Muslim population of India also grows due to migration

9. Sufis (Islamic mystics)
Interpreted Islam in a liberal (mystical) way
Similar to gurus in style and message
Welcomed low-caste and outcast Hindus
Successful in spreading Islam
Aspects of Sufi belief systems parallel Indian philosophical literature
examples: nonviolence and monism

10. Are Muslims friends with the Buddhists?
Buddhists made up the majority of converts to Islam
Attracted to more egalitarian nature of Islam
Maybe because they were trying to get around taxes

11. Islamic Challenge and Hindu Revival
Bhaktic Cults
devotional cults
emotional bond approach: Shiva, Vishnu, Kali especially
caste distinctions dissolved through drugs, prayer, worship
tried to stop flow of converts to Islam

12. What do the Brahmans do about it?
Infidel
Destroyers of Hindu Temples
Polluted Meat-eaters
Ulama - Religious Experts
Tried to blend the two together - Islam doesn't really allow for that
South Asia remains one of the least converted areas
Hindus &
Muslims
Forever

13. What about Southeast Asia?
Mostly around the straits of Malacca
As in India
Voluntary conversion happens first through trade contact
Sufis are important to spreading Islam
Combine traditional practices with Islam beliefs