Future of Islam in South Asia

Islam, its birth in Arabia in the 7th century, spread rapidly in all directions and reached the borders of South Asia in the beginning of the 8th century. From that time, it has been a strong force in the lives of about a quarter of the population of South Asia. Today, Islam is the predominant religion in South Asian region. In Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives it is the national religion. There are over 150 million Muslims in India today. After the Black September event, the Muslims of the sub-continent and elsewhere seem to be removed from God’s path directed by Islam through the holy Quran. A handful of troublemakers in the community perpetrate atrocious acts of terrorism while the entire community suffers as a result. It is the responsibility of the true Muslims to shake up the fundamentalist leadership and replace it with pragmatic leaders, who are willing to solve the real problems of the community without mobilizing them on emotional and religious issues. This book presents a broad perspective of the future of Islam in South Asia. It explores the roots of the religion, the factors which contributed to its rapid spread, its contemporary status and future in this region. The book, which provides a many-faceted account of the Islamic life, is a unique contribution to the study of the Islam in South Asia.