Growth and Evolution of Muslim Society

Despite cohabitating for hundreds of years, Muslims of the subcontinent have always maintained
their own unique identity. It has several distinct features that distinguish it from other communities
in the region. This unique nature of Islamic culture is what led to the establishment of Muslim
society in sub-continent, which then gave birth to Two nation theory and ultimately led to the
creation of Pakistan.

There are several factors that led to the growth and evolution of Muslim Society These include not
only the political and economic but also several social and cultural factors, the most import being
the unique ideology adhered to by the Muslims.

Ideological factors

Role of Sufis and silisilahs

Religious affiliations of rulers

Islamic teachings of Monotheism

Political Factors

Military might of Muslim rulers

Divided states VS a united empire

Expansionist policies of Muslim rulers

Economic factors

Focus on trade

Taxation and land reforms

Social factors

Egalitarian nature of Islamic society

Social and liberation and mobilization

Emancipation of Women (Razia Sultana, Noor Jehan)

Cultural factors

Unique cultural identity

Dress, language, festivals, customs etc.

Silsilahs

Chishti-, Nizam Uddin aulia, moeen Uddin Chishti ajmeri- Simplistic and modest lifestyle, people
centric preaching

Suhrawardy- Babahuddin zakriaya- Ideologically orthodox, lavish lifestyle, involvements with royalty

Qadri- Sheikh abdul qadir Jilani, Hazrat Mian Mir, Green turban, only focused on preaching

Naqshbandi: reformist agenda, Sheikh Ahmad sirhindi, Shah wali ullah,