Draft:Islam in Meghalaya

Islam in Meghalaya refers to the presence, historical development, and socio‐cultural impact of the Islamic faith in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Although Muslims constitute a minority in Meghalaya, making up approximately 4–4.5% of the state’s population, Islam in Meghalaya is notable for its diverse origins, syncretic interactions with indigenous tribal traditions, and unique manifestations of religious identity among ethnic groups such as the Khasi and Garo.

History

Islam was introduced into the northeastern region of India in the 13th century following attatcks by Muslim Rulers; for example, Malik Yuzbak is said to have built one of the earliest mosques in Assam around 1257. Over subsequent centuries, various Muslim traders, wanderers, and missionaries made contact with the tribal communities. In the Khasi and Garo hills, for instance, Muslims—often serving as traders, fortune tellers, hunters, or even local chieftains—visited periodically. Over time, some intermarriages took place; children born to a Muslim father and a Khasi mother were often raised as Muslims while remaining culturally Khasi.

During the British colonial period, Christian missionary activity became the dominant religious influence in Meghalaya. Nevertheless, Islam continued to be practiced by a small but persistent minority. In recent decades, the growth of Islamic institutions has underscored the community’s efforts to consolidate its religious identity while engaging with the broader social landscape of Meghalaya.

Demographics

According to the Census of India 2011, Muslims constitute approximately 4.39% of Meghalaya’s population, with a higher concentration in parts of the West Garo Hills where they make up about 16.6% of the local populace. The community is heterogeneous, including converts from tribal groups (for example, among the Khasi) as well as migrants from other parts of India and Bengal.

Cultural and Social Impact

Islam in Meghalaya has interacted in complex ways with indigenous tribal traditions. In many cases, the social life of Muslim communities reflects a syncretism between Islamic principles and local customs. For example, while Islamic rituals and teachings provide the basis for religious observance, some practices—such as the celebration of local festivals or cultural norms related to family and inheritance—continue to reflect the influence of Khasi and Garo traditions.

The process of cultural assimilation has resulted in unique forms of religious expression. In some instances, Muslim Khasi groups maintain many aspects of traditional Khasi identity even as they adhere to Sunni Islam.

Institutions and Organizations

A number of Islamic institutions are prominent in Meghalaya. Among the best known is the Madina Mosque in Shillong—a four-storey glass mosque noted as India’s first glass mosque, which has become a landmark of the region. It was built with the involvement of local organizations such as the Shillong Muslim Union and was spearheaded by community leaders including politician Sayeedullah Nongrum.

Other institutions include mosques, madrasas, community centers, and organizations (for example, the Shillong Muslim Union) that support education, social welfare, and interfaith dialogue. These efforts are aimed at both preserving Islamic heritage and addressing the socio-economic challenges of the local Muslim community.

Madina Mosque

The Madina Mosque in Laban, Shillong, is a major symbol of Islamic architecture in Meghalaya. Built over a span of one and a half years, the mosque is 120 feet high and 61 feet wide and can accommodate approximately 2,000 worshippers. It is notable for its extensive use of glass in its dome and minarets, which has drawn both local and international attention. The mosque complex also includes an orphanage, a library, and an Islamic theological institute, reflecting the community’s commitment to education and social welfare.

See also

Madina Mosque, Shillong

Khasi people

Garo people