It is noteworthy that parts of India ruled by Muslim rulers in centuries past have a smaller concentration of Muslims today than area not ruled by Muslim rulers, so said Mr. Syed Shahabuddin, a veteran Muslim diplomat, politician and strategist in India. He was speaking at a lunch at IIIT on Tuesday, July 22.

 

According to Mr. Shahabuddin, this disparity on Muslim concentration is explained by the fact that Islam was spread across India through teachings of mystics and preachers, and not through force exercised by rulers.

 

Mr. Shahabuddin, who is currently editor of the monthly journal Muslim India and a leading figure in All India Muslim Personal Law Boad and All India Muslim Majlis Mushawaraat, pointed out that the government of India has in principle accepted the Sachar Commission report on the status of minorities in India. This report calls for allocation of seats and opportunities for Indian Muslims in government jobs, education and the economy, almost just as he and other Muslim leaders have advocated for years. However, implementation is very slow.