Memon people: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Sunni Muslim community in India and Pakistan}} |
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{{ethnic group| |
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{{pp-semi-indef}} |
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|group= Memon |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2020}} |
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|poptime = 667,000<ref>http://www.joshuaproject.net/peoples.php</ref> |
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{{Use Indian English|date=April 2020}} |
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|popplace = • {{flagcountry|India}} • {{flagcountry|Pakistan}} • {{flagcountry|Sri Lanka}} • {{flagcountry|South Africa}} |
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{{other uses|Memon (disambiguation)}} |
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|langs = • [[Memoni]] • [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] • [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]] • [[Hindi language|Hindi]] • [[Urdu language|Urdu]] • [[Kutchi Language|Kutchi]] • [[English Language|English]] |
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{{Infobox ethnic group| |
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|rels= • [[Image:Allah-green.svg|18px]] [[Islam]] • |
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| group = Memon People |
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|related= • [[Gujarati Muslim]]s • [[Lohana]] • [[Khoja]] • [[Bohra]] |
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| pop = 1,800,000<ref name="TimesOfIndia">{{cite news|first=Mohammed|last=Wajihuddin|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Memon-association-to-congregate-today/articleshow/30365875.cms|title=Memon association to congregate today|website=[[The Times of India]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218185758/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/memon-association-to-congregate-today/articleshow/30365875.cms|archive-date=18 December 2024|date=14 February 2014 }}</ref> |
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| languages = [[Memoni language|Memoni]],<ref name="Fazal" /> [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]],<ref>{{cite journal |last1=O’Sullivan |first1=Michael |title=No Birds of Passage - A History of Gujarati Muslim Business Communities, 1800–1975 |journal=PART I |date=19 September 2023 |page=44 |doi=10.4159/9780674294974-003 |url=https://doi.org/10.4159/9780674294974-003 |publisher=Harvard University Press |language=en}}</ref> [[Kutchi language |Kutchi]], [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]] |
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| religions = [[Islam]] |
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| popplace = |
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| region1 = India |
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| pop1 = 900,000 (including 200,000 in [[Mumbai]] and suburbs) |
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| ref1 = <ref name="TimesOfIndia"/> |
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| region2 = Pakistan |
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| pop2 = 700,000 |
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| ref2 = <ref name="TimesOfIndia"/> |
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| region3 = Elsewhere |
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| pop3 = 200,000 |
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| ref3 = <ref name="TimesOfIndia"/> |
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}} |
}} |
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The '''Memon''' are a Muslim community in [[Gujarat]] India, and [[Sindh]], Pakistan, the majority of whom follow the [[Hanafi]] [[fiqh]] of [[Sunni Islam]].<ref name="Levin">{{cite journal|title=The Upper Bourgeoisie from the Muslim Commercial Community of Memons in Pakistan, 1947 to 1971 |first=Sergey |last=Levin |year=1974 |journal=Asian Survey |issn=0004-4687|volume=14|issue=3|pages=231–243|doi=10.2307/2643012 |jstor=2643012}}</ref> They are divided into different groups based on their origins: [[Memons (Kathiawar)|Kathiawari Memon]]s, [[Kutchi Memon]]s and [[Bantva Memons]] from the [[Kathiawar]], [[Kutch]] and [[Bantva]] regions of Gujarat respectively, and [[Sindhi Memon]]s from Sindh. |
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Memons have cultural similarities with the [[Khoja]], [[Sunni Bohra|Bohra]], and other [[Gujarati people]]s. They speak the [[Memoni language]] as their first language, which shares vocabulary with the [[Sindhi language]], [[Kutchi language]] and [[Gujarati language]]s.<ref name="Fazal">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OT2OAQAAQBAJ&q=memons+speak+memoni+language&pg=PT201|title=Minority Nationalisms in South Asia|last=Fazal|first=Tanweer|date=2013-10-18|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781317966463|language=en}}</ref> |
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'''Memons''' ({{lang-gu|મેમણ}}; {{lang-sd|ميمڻ}}; {{lang-ur|میمن}}; {{lang-hi|मेमन}}) are an [[ethnic group]] who trace their roots largely to [[Sindh]], [[Kutch]] and [[Kathiawar]] in [[South Asia]], and are sometimes seen as transitional between the three regions.<ref name="origin">{{cite book|url=http://www.memon.com/community/history |title=Origin of Memons - three versions |publisher=Memon.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-20}}</ref> Memons predominantly adhere to [[Hanafi|Sunni Islam]] . Historically Memons are a mercantile community (and are generally referred to as a business community in [[Pakistan]] and [[India]]). |
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Today Memons are connected through globally recognized organisations such as the World Memon Organisation (WMO)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wmoworld.com/|title=World Memon Organisation {{!}} Serving Mankind|website=wmoworld.com|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref> and International Memon Organisation (IMO).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.internationalmemon.org/|title=IMO - International Memon Organization|website=www.internationalmemon.org|access-date=2019-10-09}}</ref> |
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== History == |
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== History == |
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Traditionally, the name ''Memon'' is an adaptation of ''Momin'' ({{lang-ar|مومن}}) meaning ''faithful''. This was used when this community converted to [[Islam]]. |
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=== Sindhi, Gujarati origins === |
=== Sindhi, Gujarati origins === |
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[[File:Baroda-gujarat.png|thumb|upright=1|Gujarat, India, circa early 20th Century]] |
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More than one hypothesis has been forwarded about the origins of the Memon community. one of the main school of thought is that they are [[jatt]] of [[lohana]] tribeThese hypotheses, although similar, differ in their details. This could be because Memons have had to rely on [[oral history]] in order to determine their origins.<ref name="origin"/> |
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Memon lineage traces back to the [[Lohanas]] who traditionally practiced [[Hinduism]].<ref name="Pirbhai2009">{{cite book |last1=Pirbhai |first1=M. Reza |title=Reconsidering Islam in a South Asian Context |date=30 September 2009 |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |location=[[Leiden]] and [[Boston]] |isbn=978-90-474-3102-2 |page=128 |language=en |quote=Thus, it was established that Khojas and Memons converted from Hinduism under the influence of Ismai'li and Sunni ''pirs'', respectively.}}</ref><ref name="Goswami2016">{{cite book |last1=Goswami |first1=Chhaya |title=Globalization before Its Time: The Gujarati Merchants from Kachchh |date=18 February 2016 |publisher=[[Penguin Books]] |isbn=978-93-85890-70-3 |language=en |quote=Most of the Muslim traders were Hindus of different castes who had converted to Islam. The Memons were said to have been Lohanas}}</ref> The origin of the name comes from [[Mu'min]] ({{lang|ar|مؤمن}}, "believer" in Arabic) and later evolved to present name Memon.<ref name="Goolam 2006">{{cite journal |last=Vahed |first=Goolam |date=January 2006 |title='Unhappily Torn by Dissensions and Litigations': Durban's 'Memon' Mosque, 1880–1930 |journal=Journal of Religion in Africa |volume=36 |issue=1 |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |location=[[Leiden]] and [[Boston]] |pages=23–49 |doi=10.1163/157006606775569631 |eissn=1570-0666 |issn=0022-4200 |jstor=27594362}}</ref> The Memon community was founded in the 15th century by 700 families comprising 6,178 persons total.<ref name="Numbers">{{cite journal |title= All for 'Izzat' |first=R |last= Ghadially |url=http://www.manushi-india.org/pdfs_issues/PDF%20files%2066/all_for_izzat.pdf | journal=Manushi |year=1991 |access-date=2017-06-11 |issue=66 |pages=17–20 |pmid=12285436 }}</ref> According to Anthovan, those Lohanas of [[Thatta]], [[Sindh]] who converted from Hinduism to Islam became Memons and were invited by Rao Khengarji Jadeja, ruler of [[Bhuj]] in the 16th century, to settle in Bhuj.<ref name="Pirbhai2009"/><ref name="Goswami2016"/> It is from there that [[Kutchi Memon]]s migrated to [[Kathiawar]] and mainland [[Gujarat]]. [[Surat]] in Gujarat was an important trading centre from 1580 to 1680.<ref name="origin3">Islamic Perspective, a Biannual Journal. A special issue on Bohras, Khojas and Memons. Ed. by Asghar Ali Engineer, Bombay, Institute of Islamic Studies. vol.1, Jan 1988, pp. 41-48 [http://memon.freeservers.com/surveyKM.htm]</ref> <ref name="Goolam 2001">{{cite journal |last=Vahed |first=Goolam |date=January 2001 |title=Mosques, Mawlanas and Muharram: Indian Islam in Colonial Natal, 1860–1910 |journal=Journal of Religion in Africa |volume=31 |issue=3 |publisher=[[Brill Publishers]] |location=[[Leiden]] and [[Boston]] |pages=305–335 |doi=10.1163/157006601X00194 |eissn=1570-0666 |issn=0022-4200}}</ref> |
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=== Merchant tradesman === |
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According to Anthovan, those [[Lohanas]] of [[Thatta|Thhato]] who converted to Islam became Memons and were invited by [[Jarejho Roa Khanghar]], ruler of [[Bhuj]] (1548–1584) to settle in [[Bhuj]]. It is from there that [[Kutchi Memon]]s migrated to [[Kathiawar]] and [[Gujarat]]. [[Surat]] in [[Gujarat]] was an important trading center from 1580 to 1680 and Memons made their bounty there. Later, the Memons reached [[Bombay]].<ref name="origin3">Islamic Perspective, a Biannual Journal. A special issue on Bohras, Khojas and Memons. Ed. by Asghar Ali Engineer, Bombay, Institute of Islamic Studies. vol.1, Jan 1988, pp. 41-48 [http://memon.freeservers.com/surveyKM.htm]</ref> Diwan Bherumal M. Advani writes that ''all the Memons of Bombay, Gujarat and Kutch are Lohanas from Sindh''. (A volume written by Mr. Anthovan, part 2, pages 52 and 53).<ref name="origin3"/> |
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[[File:Mehmans (9727923226).jpg|thumb|upright=1|Memon men, from ''Photographs of Western India Series 1855-1862'']] |
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Due to the mercantile nature of the community, Memons began a significant migration beyond the borders of India in the 18th and 19th centuries. This led to communities developing in the Middle East, [[Memons in South Africa|South Africa]], Sri Lanka and East Asia.<ref name="Goolam 2006"/> Memon traders set up a network of joint stock companies acting in coordination with other members in an area ranging from Central Africa to China.<ref name="Levin"/><ref name="Tradesmen">{{cite journal|title=Pakistan's Big Businessmen: Muslim Separatism, Entrepreneurship, and Partial Modernization |first=Hanna |last=Papanek |year=1972 |journal=[[Economic Development and Cultural Change]] |volume=21 |issue=1 |pages=11 |doi=10.1086/450605 |s2cid=86853602 }}</ref><ref name="Diaspora">{{cite journal|title=The Politics of Diaspora and the Morality of Secularism: Muslim Identities and Islamic Authority in Mauritius |first=Patrick|last=Eisenlohr |year=1972 |journal=[[Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute]] |volume=12 |issue=2 |pages=400 }}</ref> Memon donors made significant financial contributions to construct mosques during this time, including [[Juma Masjid Mosque]]<ref name="Goolam 2006"/> and [[Jamia Mosque (Hong Kong)|Jamia Mosque]].<ref name="Jamia">{{cite journal|title= Historical Analysis of Islamic Community Development in Hong Kong: Struggle for Recognition in the Post-colonial Era |first= Ho |last= WAI-YIP |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2001 |journal= [[Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs]] |volume=21 | pages=65 }}</ref> By late 19th century several thousand Memons had settled in Mumbai due to trading.<ref name="Levin" /> The area of Mumbai in which the Memon traders congregated later became known as the Memonwada.<ref name="Memonwada">{{cite journal|title=Refiguring the Colonial City: Recovering the Role of Local Inhabitants in the Construction of Colonial Bombay, 1854-1918 |first= Preeti |last= Chopra |year=2007 |journal= Buildings & Landscapes |volume=14| pages=109–125 |doi=10.1353/bdl.2007.0007|s2cid= 161702822 }}</ref> |
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=== 20th century === |
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Another theory states that Memons originated in 1422 CE from [[Thatta]] in Sindh. The converts were first called Momins or Mumins and the term, with the march of time, changed to Memons.<ref>'Abraazul Hq' by Sayed Ameeruddin Nuzat, under the guidance of one Peer Buzrug Alli, published in Bombay in 1873</ref> The story related therein states that some 700 Lohana families, (inclusive, perhaps of some earlier convert and neo-Muslim converts) comprising of some 6178 individuals, converted to [[Islam]] at the hands of one [[Yusuffuddin Qadri]] and finding themselves forced to migrate.<ref name="origin"/> This was also stated by Hussain Kassim Dada from his Presidential Chail at the first ever All [[India]] Memon Conference in [[Rajkot]] in the year 1931. |
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The early 20th century saw a consolidation of the Memon community in South Asia as well as South Africa. They began to organise important societies including Memon Education and Welfare Society and Memon Chamber of Commerce.<ref name="Levin" /> Memon community made significant financial contributions to preserve the [[Ottoman Empire]] but were unable to prevent its decline.<ref name="Moosa">{{cite journal|title=Role of Memon Community during the Caliphate Movement |first=Ismail |last=Moosa |year=2014 |journal=British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences |volume=11 |issue=1 }}</ref><ref name="Oishi">{{cite journal|title=Muslim Merchant Capital and the Relief Movement for the Ottoman Empire in India, 1876-1924 |first=Takashi|last=Oishi |year=1999|journal=Minamiajiakenkyu |volume=11|pages=71–103 }}</ref> The [[partition of India]] led to significant migration in both directions for the community. The principal mass of Memons was and is composed of petty tradesmen, |
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shopkeepers, grocers, wandering peddlers, and agents and clerks in firms.<ref name="Levin" /> In regions of Kutch (India), and near [[Karachi]] and on the Makran coast of present day Pakistan, the Memons are still engaged in commercial agriculture, gardening, and fishing.<ref name="Levin" /> |
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=== Branches === |
=== Branches === |
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====Main subgroups==== |
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{{main|Memons (Kathiawar)|Sindhi Memon| Cutchi Memon}} |
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Memon community may be divided into three main groups. Those who traced their ancestors from [[Kutch]] region are identified as [[Cutchi Memon]] and they speak Kutchi dialects. Those who traced their ancestry to [[Kathiawar]] are identified as simply Memon or Dhoraji{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} memons, [[Kathiawadi Memons]] or Halai{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} Memons and they speak the [[Memon language]]. Those Memon who remained in Sindh (their ancestor never migrated to neighboring regions such as Kutch and Kathiawar) are identified as [[Sindhi Memon]] and speak the Sindhi language. |
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====Subgroups of Memons from Kathiawar==== |
====Subgroups of Memons from Kathiawar==== |
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{{main|Memons (Kathiawar)}} |
{{main article|Memons (Kathiawar)}} |
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Many Memons, especially Kathiawadi Memons, further distinguished themselves into various sub-groups which generally refer to their ancestral villages or towns such as Kutyana Memons, originated from Kutyana in Junahgarh (now India).[[Bantva|Bantva Memons]], [[Jetpur Navagadh|Jutpur Memons]], Dhoraji Memons, Rajkot Memons with other 18 jamats are now collectively called Halari Memon which is the largest jamat in Pakistan, [[Bombaywala Memon]] (whose ancestors used to live in the main city of Bombay and its suburbs)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pmjamaat.org/eng/index.htm |title=Pakistan Memon Jammat |publisher=Pmjamaat.org |date= |accessdate=2010-01-20}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> and [[Deeplai Memon]]. It is estimated that the number of Kathiawadi Memon, other than Cutchi and Sindhi Memon, worldwide are over one million.<ref name="Census">[http://www.memonworld.com.pk/memom_population.htm Estimate of Memon Population by Mr. Ali Mohammad Tabba]</ref> |
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Generally a Memon is a [[Muslim]] person born within a Memon family which traces its ancestry back to the descendants of the community originating from Sindh whose members first embraced [[Islam]], including [[Halai Memon]], [[Okhai Memon]], [[Sindhi Memon]], [[Cutchi Memon|Kutchi Memon]], [[Kathri]], [[Tharati]], [[Nasarpuria]] and others<ref>The world memon Organisation constitutio http://www.city-deal.co.uk/wmo/statutory/WMO_Constitution.pdf</ref> |
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=== Languages === |
=== Languages === |
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{{main|Memon language|Sindhi language|Kutchi language |
{{main article|Memon language|Sindhi language|Kutchi language}} |
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Kathiawadi Memons speak an unwritten language called [[Memon language|Memon]], a mixture of Sindhi and [[Kutchi language|Kutchi]] {{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} which belongs to the [[Indic languages|Indic]] [[List of Indo-Aryan languages|North-Western Zone]] family of languages. While the Sindhi and Kutchi languages are spoken by both [[Muslims]] and non-Muslims, Memoni refers exclusively to the vernacular of the [[Kathiawadi Memons]] who are predominately [[Sunni Muslims]] that migrated from Sindh to the neighbouring regions of [[Kutch]] and [[Kathiawar]] in [[Gujarat]] several centuries ago.<ref name="Katiya">{{cite web|url=http://www.as-sidq.org/memoni/ |title=Memoni Language Project |publisher=As-sidq.org |date= |accessdate=2010-01-20}}</ref> |
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In stress, intonation, and everyday speech, Memoni is very similar to Sindhi, but it borrows vocabulary extensively from [[Gujarati language|Gujarati]], [[Urdu language|Urdu]] and lately [[English language|English]] {{Citation needed|date=April 2009}}. Like most languages of the [[Indian subcontinent]] the [[sentence (linguistics)|sentence structure]] of Memoni generally follows [[subject–object–verb]] order. |
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Sindhi Memons speak [[Sindhi language|Sindhi]], while Kutchi Memons speak Kutchi. |
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==Social structure== |
==Social structure== |
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===Role of the Jamaat=== |
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Memons generally tie to their respective locally societies called "Jamat", literally means congregation, which are generally established for the betterment and social welfare of its members which may include issuance of marriage license, matrimonial dispute resolution, adaptation and enforcement of the rules and guidelines against certain undesirable customs, establish healthcare and education centres, provide various facilities for the community need and also financial support and housing for the poor and needy members and sometime non-members. |
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===Cultural traditions=== |
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The following are some common well organized societies or welfare associations called ''Jamaat'' ([[Gujarāti script]]: જમાત) of the Memons community which generally refer to their ancestral village or town. |
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[[File:Mehman Women (9727859254).jpg|thumb|upright=1|Memon women, from ''Photographs of Western India Series 1855–1862'']] |
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While Memons are generally [[Sunni Muslims]], many continue to follow [[Modern Hindu law]] in matters regarding property inheritance, community leadership structure and mutual support for members. Memon see themselves to be from the Buddhist [[Kshatriya]] lineage. Even within Memons, there are [[caste]] hierarchies that some follow regarding marriage practices.<ref name="Levin" /><ref name="Traditions">{{cite journal|title=Escaping the Grip of Personal Law in Colonial India: Proving Custom, Negotiating Hindu-ness |first=Chandra |last=Mallampalli |publisher=[[American Society for Legal History]] |year=2010 |journal=Law and History Review |volume=28 |issue=4 |pages=1060 |doi=10.1017/S0738248010000763 |s2cid=144494384 }}</ref>{{qn|date=April 2018}} |
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According to folklore, the blessings of the Islamic saint Sayad Kadiri upon the Memons are responsible for their success in business and trade.<ref name="Goolam 2006"/> A more pragmatic explanation for their success is that Memon have been historically considered honest brokers. Following commercial caste model, Memons also offer support community members in financial matters by giving loans and offering business assistance.<ref name="Levin"/> The community annually celebrates 11 April as "Memons Day" through acts of humanitarian service.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/humanitarian-work-marks-memons-day/articleshow/58136957.cms|title=Humanitarian work marks Memons' Day|date=12 April 2017|newspaper=The Times of India|first=Mohammed|last=Wajihuddin|access-date=26 May 2020}}</ref> |
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==== Memon Jamats ==== |
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* [[Bhavnagar (also known as, Bhaonagar)]] |
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* [[Upleta]] |
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* [[Kutiyana]] |
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* [[Amreli]] |
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* [[Bantva]],Bagasra |
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* [[Ladhubhai]] |
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* [[Bombay]] |
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* [[Dhoraji]] |
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* [[Gondal, India|Gondal]] |
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* [[Halari Memon general jamat]] |
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* [[Jamnagar Wehvaria Memon Jamat]] |
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* [[Jetpur, Navagadh|Jetpur]] |
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* [[Karachi Tharadri Gujrati Memon jamat]] |
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* [[Manavadar Sardargadh Memon Jamat]] |
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* [[Morbi|Morbi-Tankara Memon Association also called M.T.M.A]] |
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* [[Nasserpuria Memon Jamat - Kenya]] |
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* [[Okhai]] |
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* [[Porbandar]] |
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* [[Rajkot]] |
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* [[Sourashtra]] |
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* [[Tharti]] |
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* [[Vanthli]] |
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* [[Veraval Patan]] |
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* [[Vasavad|Vasawad]] |
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* [[Nasarpur|Kathiawar Nasarpurmemon Jamat]] |
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* [[Jamnagar Memon Jamat]] |
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* [[deeplai]] |
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* [[Walakh]] |
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* [[Ranvave Memon Jamat]] |
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* [[Cutchi Memon Jamaat]] |
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===Memon associations=== |
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* [http://monaconnect.com/ Memon Organization of North America (MONA) ] |
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* [http://www.samemonfoundation.org Southern African Memon Foundation (SAMF) ] |
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* Memon Youth Alliance(MYA) |
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* Memon Youth Parliament (MYP) |
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* Memon Youth Forum (MYF) |
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* Association of International Memon (AIM) |
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* [http://www.chicagomemons.com Chicago Memon Association, Chicago, IL USA] |
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* Memon Professional Forum (MPF) |
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* Memon Association of North Texas |
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* [http://www.csma-online.co.uk Cutchi Sunni Muslim Association, Leicester, England, UK] |
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* [http://www.memoncentre.com Memon Association Leicester, England, UK] |
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===Memons worldwide=== |
===Memons worldwide=== |
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[[File:Katchi Memon Masjid 01.jpg|thumb|upright=1|Katchi Memon Masjid]] |
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Today, Memon communities are scattered throughout the world including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, [[Memons in Sri Lanka|Sri Lanka]], South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.<ref name="WorldLocations">{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/242684/karachi-300-bed-teaching-hospital-planned|title=Karachi: 300-bed teaching hospital planned|last=DH|date=17 April 2007|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|access-date=4 August 2015}}</ref> However, major concentrations of Memon remain located in Karachi, Pakistan and Gujarat, India. In [[Karachi]] there is a community of Memon people from [[Bantva]] and their descendants known as [[Bantva Memons]]. United under the banner of Halari Memon General Jama'at, the Halari Memon are another category and followers of the [[Hanafi]] school.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-24718975_ITM|title= City Nazim praises services of Memon community |date=13 October 2003|work=Pakistan Press International|publisher=Asia Africa Intelligence Wire |access-date=20 January 2010}}</ref> |
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Memons were also one of three classes living in South Africa when [[Mahatma Gandhi]] went there in 1893, Memons were traders serving the [[Indians in South Africa|Indian diaspora in South Africa]]. Memons are known for their involvement in [[business]] and [[philanthropy]], with Memons having played a major part in the building of Pakistani industry.<ref name="Levin" /><ref name="Industry">{{cite news|url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1138032|title=CM wants constitutional path to resolve OGDC issue|last=DH|date=15 October 2014|work=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]|access-date=5 August 2015}}</ref> |
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Memons migrated from Sindh to Kutch, and later to [[Kathiawar]] (Kathiawad) and other part of [[Gujarat]]. Memons spread throughout the [[Indian Ocean]] basin in the 19th century, but most Memons lived in Kathiawar, prior to the independence of [[Pakistan]]. Many later settled in [[Pakistan]]. Today, they are scattered throughout [[India]] but majority of them live in the port city of [[Karachi]] in [[Pakistan]], with significant communities in the [[United Kingdom]], [[Canada]], [[USA]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[UAE]], [[Saudi Arabia]], [[Tanzania]], [[Botswana]], [[Namibia]], [[Memons in South Africa|South Africa]], [[Malawi]], [[Kenya]], [[Mauritius]], [[Singapore]], [[Australia]] and [[Burma]]. In [[Karachi]] today there is a community of Memon people from [[Bantva]] and their descendants known as [[Bantva Memons]]. Also another prominent category is Halari Memon who works under the banner of Halari Memon General Jama'at. Halari Memon is a group of several subcategories and are also the follower of Hanfi Muslim.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-24718975_ITM|title=City Nazim praises services of Memon community |date=October 13, 2003|work=Pakistan Press International|publisher=Asia Africa Intelligence Wire |accessdate=20 January 2010}}</ref> |
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Memons are known for their involvement in [[business]] and [[philanthropy]], with Memons having played a major part in the building of Pakistani industry, an increasing number of Memons are turning to professional occupations.<ref>{{cite journal|title=The Upper Bourgeoisie from the Muslim Commercial Community of Memons in Pakistan, 1947 to 1971 |first=Sergey |last=Levin |publisher= |year=1974 |journal=Asian Survey |accessdate=2010-01-20|issn=0004-4687|volume=14|issue=3|pages=231|doi=10.1525/as.1974.14.3.01p04292 |jstor=2643012}}</ref> |
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Owing to their tradition of management and attention to detail, Memons are a prosperous community. They have built vast business legacies and a high percentage of Memons around the world belong to the upper-middle class.<ref>The Upper Bourgeoisie from the Muslim Commercial Community of Memons in Pakistan, 1947 to 1971, Sergey Levin, Asian Survey, Vol. 14, No. 3, Soviet Scholars View South Asia (Mar., 1974), pp. 231</ref> |
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=== Sri Lanka === |
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{{main|Memons in Sri Lanka}} |
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Memons first arrived in Sri Lanka during the 1870s as traders. Initially the Memon traders resided in Sri Lanka temporarily for business purposes, however after independence of India and Pakistan in 1947, many settled in Sri Lanka along with their families. In the 1980s they numbered to the tune of 7,000. |
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=== South Africa === |
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{{main|Memons in South Africa}} |
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An estimated 16 000 people of Kathiawadi Memon descent live in South Africa. |
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==Religious practices== |
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Memons mostly follow the [[Hanafi]] school of [[Sunni Islam]] although some are known to follow other Sunni schools such as the [[Maliki]] and [[Shafi`i]] schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://richpaki.tripod.com/memons.htm |title=Memons |publisher=Richpaki.tripod.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-20}}</ref> |
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==Notable Memons== |
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Some Memons have achieved notability in activities ranging from business and philanthropy to terrorism, as follows: |
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===Arts=== |
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* [[Ismail Merchant]] India born Hollywood film director and producer |
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* [[Liaquat Soldier]] Pakistani born stage and television comedy actor, writer and director |
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* [[Amean J]] Photographer (b Karachi (PAK), July 22nd, 1974) |
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===Community leaders=== |
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* Sir [[Iqbal Sacranie]], leader of the [[Muslim Council of Great Britain]] award for social services from the Queen of England |
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===Criminals=== |
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* [[Dawood Ibrahim]], leader of [[D-Company]] |
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===Education=== |
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* Mushtaq Chhapra - Entrepreneur and one of the founding members and directors for [[The Citizens Foundation]], the Pakistani charity school chain that has set up over 500 schools in Pakistan. |
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* Educator [[Hajiani Khatijabai]], a semi-literate widow who founded a chain of schools and colleges for girls in Pakistan |
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===Entrepreneurs=== |
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* [[Siddiq Memon]], Chairman Traders Action Committee Pakistan |
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* [[Haji Ali Mohammad]]- Pakolawala's |
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* Haji [[Abdul Razzak Yaqoob]], prominent Pakistani businessman, president of [[ARY Group]] of Companies and [[World Memon Organization]] (WMO) |
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===Industrialists=== |
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* Adamjee Haji Dawood, [[Adamjee Group|Adamjee business empire]], Provided assistance in creating Pakistan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memon.com/community/personalities |title=Personalities |publisher=Memon.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adamjee-engg.com/history.htm |title=Web Design | News Sites |publisher=Adamjee-engg.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-20}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
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* [[Ghulam Muhammad A. Fecto]], prominent industrialist, founder and chairman of [[Fecto Group of Industries]], philanthropist, and former president of All Pakistan Memon Federation |
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===Law=== |
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* [[Ismail Mahomed]] First Chief Justice of a democratic South Africa formerly Chief Justice of a democratic Namibia. |
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===Military=== |
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* Major General [[A.O. Mitha|Abu Bakr Osman Mitha]] |
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===Philanthropy=== |
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* [[Abdul Sattar Edhi]], was awarded [[Nishan-e-Imtiaz]] for his services by the [[Government of Pakistan]]. Abdul Sattar Edhi started Ambulance and Hospital Services, burial of homeless, Women Welfare orphanage, Founder of Edhi Welfare trust foundation. |
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===Politics=== |
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* [[G.M. Banatwalla]] - an Indian politician Member of the House of the People (Lok Sabha), the lower house of the Parliament of India |
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* Hussain Bhaila M.P.- Former deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sri Lanka [http://sundaytimes.lk/101212/Plus/plus_01.html] |
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* [[Abdul Rashid Godil]] MNA of Pakistan. Member finance & rev standing committee and member of textile standing com.Supreme council member of APMF and board member of WMO, law & order of K.C.C.I. and others [http://www.nazim-memon.00server.com] |
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* [[Farooq Sattar]], MNA, MPA, Mayor of Karachi, MQM. Currently, he is the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis.He has also been the Chairperson, Foreign Affairs Standing Committee in the National Assembly of Pakistan. |
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=== Sporting figures === |
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* [[Iqbal Qasim]], Pakistani cricketer in the 1980s - a left arm spinner most notable for his performance against India in the final test of 1987 in Bangalore. |
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=== Terrorists === |
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* [[Saud Memon]], Pakistani businessman who was a prominent financial supporter of the [[Harakat ul-Mujahedeen Al-Almi]], [[Al Qaeda]] and [[Taliban]] terrorist groups and who owned the building where [[Daniel Pearl]] was killed. |
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* [[Tiger Memon]], prime accused in the [[1993 Bombay bombings]] and wanted by Interpol<ref>[http://cbi.nic.in/rnotice/memon.htm Tiger Memon wanted by Interpol Delhi]</ref> and the [[CBI]]. |
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* [[Yakub Memon]], convicted in the [[1993 Bombay bombings]] |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[List of Memon people]] |
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*[[Memon Day]] |
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==References== |
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* [[World Memon Organization (WMO)]] |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category-inline}} |
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===India=== |
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* [http://peperonity.com/go/sites/mview/gulistanememon 1st Memon Web] |
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===Pakistan=== |
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* [http://www.memonyouthforum.org Memon Youth Forum] |
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* [http://aim2memon.webstarts.com Association of International Memon] |
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* [http://www.memon.com The Online Memon Community] |
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* [http://www.wmopc.com/ The World Memon Organisation ("the WMO") Pakistan Chapter] |
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* [http://vanthali.com/ The Vanthali Memon Community] |
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* [http://memonforums.com/vma The Vanthali Memon Community Forum] |
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* [http://www.dhorajiassociation.org/ Dhoraji Association Dhoraji Colony, Karachi Pakistan] |
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* [http://memonpakistan.com/ All Pakistan Memon Federation Karachi Pakistan] |
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* [http://www.memonworld.com.pk/memoni_language.htm Memoni Language by Abdur Razzaq Thaplawala] |
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* [http://okhaimemon.com Okhai Memon Jamat Karachi Pakistan] |
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* [http://www.omys.org Okhai Memon Youth Services] |
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* [http://cutchimemon.net/index.html Cutchi Memon Jamat Sadar] |
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* [http://pmjamaat.org/eng/index.htm Pakistan Memon Jamaat Karachi Pakistan] |
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* [http://www.memongodilrashid.00server.com/ Dhorajian,Karachi] |
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* [http://www.memon-world.net Memon World] <!-- same as http://www.memonworld.com.pk --> |
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* [http://www.memon.com Memon personalities and their achievements] |
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* [http://www.halarimemon.org Halari Memon General Jamat] |
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===Sri Lanka=== |
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* [http://www.memonsrilanka.com/ Memon Association of Sri Lanka] |
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* [http://www.memonaid.org/ MemonAid Sri Lanka] |
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===Western Countries=== |
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* [http://www.worldmemon.org/ The World Memon Organisation (“the WMO”) Acton United Kingdom] |
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* [http://www.memons.ca/index.php Memon Association of Canada Toronto Ontario] |
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* [http://www.memon.com Memon.com Etobicoke, Ontario Canada] |
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* [http://www.chicagomemons.com Chicago Memon Association, Chicago, IL USA] |
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* [http://www.razzak.com/fte/biography.php A. Razzak Memon United States] |
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* [http://www.memonpoint.com Memon Po!nt By Abdul Ghaffar Variend, Chicago IL USA]''' |
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* [http://www.as-sidq.org/memoni/ Memoni Language Preservation Project Montreal Canada] |
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* [http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dcmemons Memon community of Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia and surrounding areas] |
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* [http://www.nmjcanada.com Nasserpuria Memon Jamat Canada] |
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* [http://www.cutchimemon.org The Cutchi Memon Jamat of North America “CMJNA”) New York, USA ] |
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===Others=== |
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* [http://www.wikimapia.org/#y=21504186&x=70408630&z=11&l=0&m=a Bantva, Junagadh, Vanthli Dhoraji Kutiyana Upleta Jetpur - Saurashtra (formally Kathiawar) Gujarat India: WikiMapia Google Maps Satellite Imagery] |
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* [http://www.rootsweb.com/~lkawgw/memon.htm 'The Memons - Important Muslim minority of Sri Lanka'] - Hameed Karim Bhoja - DN Wed May 31, 2006 |
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* [http://web.archive.org/web/20050206161127/http://www.geocities.com/godilrashid/ World Memon 1st Convention 2001 Dubai] |
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* [http://www.ethnologue.com/show_language.asp?code=MBY Description of the Memon language from Ethnologue.com] |
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* [http://members.tripod.com/richpaki/memons.htm An examination of Memon business in Pakistan] |
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* [http://www.dalsabzi.com/books/Sindhi_surnames/chapter%206.htm#LOHANA Lohana-Conversion to Memons] |
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* [http://www.memongodilrashid.00server.com/ memon from dhoraji] |
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* [http://peperonity.com/go/sites/mview/gulistanememon GULISTAN-E-MEMON] |
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* [http://www.sindhiwelare.com Sindhi Welfare World] |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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{{Indian Muslim}} |
{{Indian Muslim}} |
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{{Muhajir communities}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Memon|*]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Muhajir communities]] |
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[[Category:Memon| ]] |
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[[Category:Memon people| ]] |
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[[Category:Social groups of India]] |
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[[Category:Social groups of Pakistan]] |
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[[Category:Social groups of Sri Lanka]] |
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[[Category:Muslim communities of India]] |
[[Category:Muslim communities of India]] |
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[[Category:Social groups of Gujarat]] |
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[[Category:Muhajir communities]] |
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[[Category:Muslim communities of Gujarat]] |
[[Category:Muslim communities of Gujarat]] |
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[[Category:Sindhi tribes in India]] |
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[[ |
[[Category:Lohana]] |
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Latest revision as of 19:01, 18 December 2024
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,800,000[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India | 900,000 (including 200,000 in Mumbai and suburbs)[1] |
| Pakistan | 700,000[1] |
| Elsewhere | 200,000[1] |
| Languages | |
| Memoni,[2] Sindhi,[3] Kutchi, Gujarati | |
| Religion | |
| Islam | |
The Memon are a Muslim community in Gujarat India, and Sindh, Pakistan, the majority of whom follow the Hanafi fiqh of Sunni Islam.[4] They are divided into different groups based on their origins: Kathiawari Memons, Kutchi Memons and Bantva Memons from the Kathiawar, Kutch and Bantva regions of Gujarat respectively, and Sindhi Memons from Sindh.
Memons have cultural similarities with the Khoja, Bohra, and other Gujarati peoples. They speak the Memoni language as their first language, which shares vocabulary with the Sindhi language, Kutchi language and Gujarati languages.[2]
Today Memons are connected through globally recognized organisations such as the World Memon Organisation (WMO)[5] and International Memon Organisation (IMO).[6]
History
Sindhi, Gujarati origins
Memon lineage traces back to the Lohanas who traditionally practiced Hinduism.[7][8] The origin of the name comes from Mu'min (مؤمن, "believer" in Arabic) and later evolved to present name Memon.[9] The Memon community was founded in the 15th century by 700 families comprising 6,178 persons total.[10] According to Anthovan, those Lohanas of Thatta, Sindh who converted from Hinduism to Islam became Memons and were invited by Rao Khengarji Jadeja, ruler of Bhuj in the 16th century, to settle in Bhuj.[7][8] It is from there that Kutchi Memons migrated to Kathiawar and mainland Gujarat. Surat in Gujarat was an important trading centre from 1580 to 1680.[11] [12]
Merchant tradesman
.jpg)
Due to the mercantile nature of the community, Memons began a significant migration beyond the borders of India in the 18th and 19th centuries. This led to communities developing in the Middle East, South Africa, Sri Lanka and East Asia.[9] Memon traders set up a network of joint stock companies acting in coordination with other members in an area ranging from Central Africa to China.[4][13][14] Memon donors made significant financial contributions to construct mosques during this time, including Juma Masjid Mosque[9] and Jamia Mosque.[15] By late 19th century several thousand Memons had settled in Mumbai due to trading.[4] The area of Mumbai in which the Memon traders congregated later became known as the Memonwada.[16]
20th century
The early 20th century saw a consolidation of the Memon community in South Asia as well as South Africa. They began to organise important societies including Memon Education and Welfare Society and Memon Chamber of Commerce.[4] Memon community made significant financial contributions to preserve the Ottoman Empire but were unable to prevent its decline.[17][18] The partition of India led to significant migration in both directions for the community. The principal mass of Memons was and is composed of petty tradesmen, shopkeepers, grocers, wandering peddlers, and agents and clerks in firms.[4] In regions of Kutch (India), and near Karachi and on the Makran coast of present day Pakistan, the Memons are still engaged in commercial agriculture, gardening, and fishing.[4]
Branches
Subgroups of Memons from Kathiawar
Languages
Social structure
Cultural traditions
.jpg)
While Memons are generally Sunni Muslims, many continue to follow Modern Hindu law in matters regarding property inheritance, community leadership structure and mutual support for members. Memon see themselves to be from the Buddhist Kshatriya lineage. Even within Memons, there are caste hierarchies that some follow regarding marriage practices.[4][19][need quotation to verify]
According to folklore, the blessings of the Islamic saint Sayad Kadiri upon the Memons are responsible for their success in business and trade.[9] A more pragmatic explanation for their success is that Memon have been historically considered honest brokers. Following commercial caste model, Memons also offer support community members in financial matters by giving loans and offering business assistance.[4] The community annually celebrates 11 April as "Memons Day" through acts of humanitarian service.[20]
Memons worldwide
Today, Memon communities are scattered throughout the world including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.[21] However, major concentrations of Memon remain located in Karachi, Pakistan and Gujarat, India. In Karachi there is a community of Memon people from Bantva and their descendants known as Bantva Memons. United under the banner of Halari Memon General Jama'at, the Halari Memon are another category and followers of the Hanafi school.[22]
Memons were also one of three classes living in South Africa when Mahatma Gandhi went there in 1893, Memons were traders serving the Indian diaspora in South Africa. Memons are known for their involvement in business and philanthropy, with Memons having played a major part in the building of Pakistani industry.[4][23]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d Wajihuddin, Mohammed (14 February 2014). "Memon association to congregate today". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 December 2024.
- ^ a b Fazal, Tanweer (18 October 2013). Minority Nationalisms in South Asia. Routledge. ISBN 9781317966463.
- ^ O’Sullivan, Michael (19 September 2023). "No Birds of Passage - A History of Gujarati Muslim Business Communities, 1800–1975". PART I. Harvard University Press: 44. doi:10.4159/9780674294974-003.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Levin, Sergey (1974). "The Upper Bourgeoisie from the Muslim Commercial Community of Memons in Pakistan, 1947 to 1971". Asian Survey. 14 (3): 231–243. doi:10.2307/2643012. ISSN 0004-4687. JSTOR 2643012.
- ^ "World Memon Organisation | Serving Mankind". wmoworld.com. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
- ^ "IMO - International Memon Organization". www.internationalmemon.org. Retrieved 9 October 2019.
- ^ a b Pirbhai, M. Reza (30 September 2009). Reconsidering Islam in a South Asian Context. Leiden and Boston: Brill Publishers. p. 128. ISBN 978-90-474-3102-2.
Thus, it was established that Khojas and Memons converted from Hinduism under the influence of Ismai'li and Sunni pirs, respectively.
- ^ a b Goswami, Chhaya (18 February 2016). Globalization before Its Time: The Gujarati Merchants from Kachchh. Penguin Books. ISBN 978-93-85890-70-3.
Most of the Muslim traders were Hindus of different castes who had converted to Islam. The Memons were said to have been Lohanas
- ^ a b c d Vahed, Goolam (January 2006). "'Unhappily Torn by Dissensions and Litigations': Durban's 'Memon' Mosque, 1880–1930". Journal of Religion in Africa. 36 (1). Leiden and Boston: Brill Publishers: 23–49. doi:10.1163/157006606775569631. eISSN 1570-0666. ISSN 0022-4200. JSTOR 27594362.
- ^ Ghadially, R (1991). "All for 'Izzat'" (PDF). Manushi (66): 17–20. PMID 12285436. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
- ^ Islamic Perspective, a Biannual Journal. A special issue on Bohras, Khojas and Memons. Ed. by Asghar Ali Engineer, Bombay, Institute of Islamic Studies. vol.1, Jan 1988, pp. 41-48 [1]
- ^ Vahed, Goolam (January 2001). "Mosques, Mawlanas and Muharram: Indian Islam in Colonial Natal, 1860–1910". Journal of Religion in Africa. 31 (3). Leiden and Boston: Brill Publishers: 305–335. doi:10.1163/157006601X00194. eISSN 1570-0666. ISSN 0022-4200.
- ^ Papanek, Hanna (1972). "Pakistan's Big Businessmen: Muslim Separatism, Entrepreneurship, and Partial Modernization". Economic Development and Cultural Change. 21 (1): 11. doi:10.1086/450605. S2CID 86853602.
- ^ Eisenlohr, Patrick (1972). "The Politics of Diaspora and the Morality of Secularism: Muslim Identities and Islamic Authority in Mauritius". Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute. 12 (2): 400.
- ^ WAI-YIP, Ho (2001). "Historical Analysis of Islamic Community Development in Hong Kong: Struggle for Recognition in the Post-colonial Era". Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs. 21. Taylor & Francis: 65.
- ^ Chopra, Preeti (2007). "Refiguring the Colonial City: Recovering the Role of Local Inhabitants in the Construction of Colonial Bombay, 1854-1918". Buildings & Landscapes. 14: 109–125. doi:10.1353/bdl.2007.0007. S2CID 161702822.
- ^ Moosa, Ismail (2014). "Role of Memon Community during the Caliphate Movement". British Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 11 (1).
- ^ Oishi, Takashi (1999). "Muslim Merchant Capital and the Relief Movement for the Ottoman Empire in India, 1876-1924". Minamiajiakenkyu. 11: 71–103.
- ^ Mallampalli, Chandra (2010). "Escaping the Grip of Personal Law in Colonial India: Proving Custom, Negotiating Hindu-ness". Law and History Review. 28 (4). American Society for Legal History: 1060. doi:10.1017/S0738248010000763. S2CID 144494384.
- ^ Wajihuddin, Mohammed (12 April 2017). "Humanitarian work marks Memons' Day". The Times of India. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
- ^ DH (17 April 2007). "Karachi: 300-bed teaching hospital planned". Dawn. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
- ^ "City Nazim praises services of Memon community". Pakistan Press International. Asia Africa Intelligence Wire. 13 October 2003. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
- ^ DH (15 October 2014). "CM wants constitutional path to resolve OGDC issue". Dawn. Retrieved 5 August 2015.
External links
Media related to Memon people at Wikimedia Commons
