"When did Muslims first arrive in India?" This seemingly simple question has been clouded by centuries of misunderstanding, political narratives, and incomplete histories. For many Indian Muslims, the answer to their origins remains shrouded in uncertainty. For others, misconceptions about Islamic arrival in India have led to deeply rooted prejudices and historical misunderstandings.

In our new book "The Forgotten Narrative: Uncovering the Origins of Muslims of Indian Subcontinent," Dr. Syed Nooruzuha Barmaver challenges these narratives with something rarely seen in contemporary discussions of Indian Islamic history: extensively documented evidence from authentic historical sources, including hadith literature and accounts of the Prophet's companions (sahaba) and their successors (tabiun).

What emerges is a fascinating story of peaceful trade and cultural exchange that began during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself. Through meticulous research, Dr. Barmaver reveals how the shores of India were already familiar with Islam through merchant traders, how the first mosques were built through peaceful cooperation with local communities, and how centers of Islamic learning flourished in cities like Debul, creating a rich tradition of scholarship that would influence generations.

For young Indians of all backgrounds seeking authentic knowledge about their shared history, this book provides answers backed by verifiable historical sources rather than popular narratives or political agendas.

At Arriqaaq, we share our work freely to benefit others and promote learning, all for the sake of Allah.

🧠 Breaking Down Historical Myths

One of the book's most significant contributions is its systematic dismantling of common misconceptions about how Islam reached India. Using primary sources and authenticated historical accounts, Dr. Barmaver demonstrates that:

  • Commercial and cultural ties between Arabia and India existed long before Islam, creating natural pathways for religious and cultural exchange
  • The first Muslims in India were peaceful traders and scholars, not invaders
  • Several companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ visited and settled in various parts of India
  • India's earliest mosques were built through community cooperation, not conquest
  • Centers of Islamic learning in India contributed significantly to Islamic scholarship

⚡️ Bridging Past and Present

For young Indian Muslims wondering about their heritage, the book provides documented evidence of their ancestors' contributions to both Islamic and Indian civilization. For non-Muslims, it offers insight into how religious and cultural integration actually occurred, far removed from politically motivated narratives.

The book details how:

  • Indian products were used in the Prophet's mosque, showing the deep connection between the two regions
  • The first Muslim communities integrated seamlessly with local populations
  • Early Islamic centers in India became hubs of learning where scholars from various backgrounds studied together
  • Maritime trade routes facilitated peaceful cultural exchange rather than conflict

👀 Why This Book Matters Now

In an era where religious identity and historical origins have become contentious issues, especially in India, "The Forgotten Narrative" provides:

  • Authenticated historical sources rather than popular myths
  • Clear evidence of peaceful religious spread through trade and scholarship
  • Documentation of how early Muslim communities contributed to India's composite culture
  • Examples of peaceful coexistence and cultural integration from our shared past

💯 What Makes This Book Different

The book has been reviewed by Dr. Anand Taneja, Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Vanderbilt University, adding to its academic credibility while remaining accessible to general readers. Unlike typical historical works that might overwhelm you with dates and names, this book weaves together verified historical accounts into a readable narrative.

🌊 Beyond the Standard Narrative

The book is written in accessible language while maintaining academic rigor - perfect for anyone from university students to history enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of this crucial period in South Asian history. "The Forgotten Narrative" serves as:

  • A reliable source for young Indian Muslims seeking to understand their heritage
  • An evidence-based resource for anyone interested in India's religious history
  • A scholarly reference that challenges common misconceptions
  • A tool for building better interfaith understanding based on historical facts

⚜️ Stories Backed by Sources

Each chapter pieces together evidence from authenticated hadith literature and historical documents. Here's what you'll discover:

  • The intriguing account of an Indian king who witnessed the moon-splitting miracle
  • Stories of the earliest Muslim expeditions to Thana, Broach, and Sindh
  • Chronicles of how Arab Muslims settled along India's coastal regions
  • The fascinating journey of Malik bin Dinar and Malik bin Habib to Malabar
  • How Debul became a center for Islamic learning

💪 Why This History Matters

This book addresses several crucial needs:

  1. Correcting Historical Misconceptions: There has been prevalent misinformation and lack of awareness about the origins and historical narrative of Muslim communities in the Indian subcontinent. This book provides verified historical evidence to address these gaps.
  2. Documentation of Cultural Exchange: The book reveals how early Muslim communities were shaped through maritime trade, cultural interaction, and peaceful integration, particularly in coastal regions like Gujarat, Malabar, and Sindh.
  3. Authentication of Sources: Unlike many existing accounts, this work relies heavily on verified historical documents, authenticated hadith literature, and cross-referenced sources to establish its claims. The book carefully distinguishes between verified historical accounts and popular legends.
  4. Uncovering Forgotten Connections: From the early awareness of Islam among Indian residents to the establishment of centers of Islamic learning like Debul (Sindh), the book traces connections that have been overlooked in dominant historical narratives.
  5. Understanding Community Evolution: Through examples like the Navayat community and the establishment of early mosques, the book demonstrates how Muslim communities evolved through gradual cultural fusion rather than sudden changes.
  6. Combating Social Media Misinformation: In an age where social media has become a breeding ground for historical misinformation, this research provides carefully verified historical accounts that help readers understand the actual development of Muslim communities in India.

🫵 Who Would Find This Interesting?

  • History enthusiasts who enjoy discovering lesser-known narratives
  • Students curious about India's diverse religious heritage
  • Readers interested in how trade routes shaped cultural exchange
  • Anyone who wants to understand early Islamic presence in India through verified sources

Each chapter adds a new layer to our understanding of how different communities interacted and influenced each other in ancient India. Here is a preview of what is included in the book.

🌏 Deep Trading Roots

The story begins with ancient trade routes. Long before Islam emerged, Arab traders were already familiar faces in Indian ports, particularly along the Malabar and Gujarat coasts. These established commercial relationships would later serve as natural pathways for cultural and religious exchange.

🕌 Early Connections

Some of the book's most intriguing findings include:

  • The first documented Muslim ship reached Indian shores as early as 630 CE
  • The initial Arab Muslim settlements were established in the late 7th century
  • The first mosques in India were built during this early period, including the historic Juni Masjid in Gujarat and the Cheraman Mosque in Kerala
  • Several companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ traveled to various parts of India, particularly to regions like Thana (near Mumbai), Broach (Gujarat), and Debul in Sindh

🤝 A Story of Cultural Exchange

Dr. Barmaver's research reveals that Islam's spread in India was primarily through peaceful means - trade, cultural exchange, and gradual integration. The book documents how Arab merchants established communities along coastal regions, becoming integral parts of local society while maintaining their religious identity.

📱 Tracing History

This book draws from:

  • Classical Arabic historical texts
  • Archaeological evidence
  • Documented accounts of early travelers
  • Verified hadith literature
  • Local historical records from various regions

💫 Beyond Common Knowledge

The book brings to light several lesser-known aspects of Indo-Islamic history:

  • The development of Debul (Sindh) as an early center for Islamic learning
  • The story of the Navayat community, whose origins trace back to the 1st century CE
  • The establishment of the first mosques in Gujarat and Malabar, each reflecting unique architectural adaptations
  • Detailed accounts of early Muslim scholars who traveled between Arabia and India

🗣️ What Readers Are Saying

Finally, a book that bridges the gap between academic writing and public interest. As a young Indian Muslim, I found answers to questions I've had about our community's earliest presence in India.
The use of hadith literature and historical accounts provides valuable insights into how early Muslim communities developed in India. This research fills important gaps in our historical knowledge.
What impressed me most was how the author handled the maritime trade routes and their role in spreading Islamic influence. The book provides a fresh perspective on how religion and commerce intertwined in medieval India.

⚡️ Read Now!

The book is now available to read for free and on online platforms. For those seeking to understand the authentic history of Islam's peaceful arrival and integration into Indian society, this meticulously researched work provides the answers backed by historical evidence and authentic sources.

🤝 Conclusion

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