While Islam is built on the principle of equality among all believers and fundamentally rejects the concept of caste, social stratification and hierarchy, often referred to as caste or caste-like systems (biradari or qaum), do exist among Muslim communities, particularly in South Asia (including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh).
This stratification is primarily based on perceived ancestry, traditional occupation, and historical social status, rather than religious sanction.
Categories of Muslim Social Stratification
Muslim communities in South Asia are generally divided into three main hierarchical categories, though these can vary significantly by region:
1. Ashraf (The Nobles/High-Born) 🕌
These groups claim descent from foreign, non-Indian ancestors (Arabs, Persians, Turks, or Afghans) or claim high-caste Hindu lineage before conversion. They are generally considered the elite and have the highest social status.
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Syed (or Sayyid): Claim direct descent from the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and cousin/son-in-law Ali. They generally hold the highest rank.
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Shaikh (or Sheikh): The largest group in this category, often claiming Arab or high-status local descent. The term simply means ‘elder’ or ‘chief’.
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Mughal: Claim descent from the Mongol/Mughal rulers and settlers of Central Asian (Turco-Mongol) origin.
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Pathan (or Pashtun): Claim Afghan/Pashtun ancestry.
2. Ajlaf (The Lowly/Commoners)
These groups are generally believed to be descendants of local converts from lower-caste or peasant Hindu communities. They traditionally did not hold positions of power or engage in high-status occupations.
This category includes many regional groups that vary across states:
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Jolaha (Ansari): Weavers.
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Qassab (Qureshi): Butchers.
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Dhobi: Washermen.
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Nai (Hajjam): Barbers.
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Teli: Oil pressers.
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Labbay, Marakkayar, Rowther: Prominent Tamil Muslim trading and agricultural groups (often considered high-status in their own regional context, but categorized broadly here).
3. Arzal (The Lowest/Outcastes)
These groups are at the bottom of the social hierarchy and correspond historically to the Hindu Dalit (Scheduled Caste) communities. They traditionally performed occupations considered ritually “polluting.”
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Halalkhor (Bhangi/Mehtar): Sweepers and sanitation workers.
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Lalbegi: Another term for sanitation workers.
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Pasmanda: This is an umbrella term and movement used today for all backward and Dalit Muslim communities (Ajlaf and Arzal) to advocate for social justice and recognition.
Regional Variations (Example: Tamil Nadu)
In specific regions, the local social classification often supersedes the pan-Indian model. For example, among Tamil Muslims:
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Marakkayar: Historically wealthy sea traders, often considered high status.
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Rowther: Land-owning and agricultural community.
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Labbay: Religious scholars and some merchants.
These three groups are often treated as distinct social units with endogamous marriage patterns.