Hinduism in Arab states

Last updated
Hindus in Arab world
Total population
3,062,645
(1.6% of population)
Regions with significant populations
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg  United Arab Emirates 855,738 (2022)
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg  Saudi Arabia 451,347 (2020)
Flag of Kuwait.svg  Kuwait 425,950 (2020)
Flag of Qatar.svg  Qatar 422,118 (2022)
Flag of Yemen.svg  Yemen 297,103 (2022)
Flag of Oman.svg  Oman 279,488 (2022)
Flag of Bahrain.svg  Bahrain 165,706 (2020)
Religions
Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Middle-eastern Buddhists, Middle-eastern Sikhs and Middle-eastern Christians
Hinduism by country
Hinduism percent population in each nation World Map Hindu data by Pew Research.svg
Om symbol.svg
Africa
Asia
Europe
North America
Caribbean
Oceania
South America
Full list

Hinduism can be found in the Arab world from the mid of 19th century, millions of members of the Indian diaspora, of different religions, reside and work in Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Many of them are Hindu. Many came due to the migration of Indians and Nepalese expatriates and employees to the around the Persian Gulf.

Contents

Hindu temples have been built in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Oman. [1]

Demographics

Distribution of Hindus among the Middle Eastern countries

  United Arab Emirates (32.2%)
  Saudi Arabia (15%)
  Kuwait (14%)
  Qatar (11%)
  Yemen (10%)
  Oman (9%)
  Bahrain (5.4%)
  Turkey (3%)
  Jordan (0.3%)
  Lebanon (0.2%)
Hinduism by country in the Middle East
CountryPopulation (2020E) % of HindusHindu total
Flag of the United Arab Emirates.svg United Arab Emirates9,869,00010% [2] [3] 986,900
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Saudi Arabia34,719,0001.3% [4] [5] 451,347
Flag of Kuwait.svg Kuwait4,259,50010% [6] 425,950
Flag of Qatar.svg Qatar2,113,00015.9% [7] [8] 335,967
Flag of Yemen.svg Yemen29,710,3001% [9] 297,103
Flag of Oman.svg Oman5,081,6005.5% [10] [11] [12] 279,488
Flag of Bahrain.svg Bahrain1,690,9009.8% [13] [14] 165,708
Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey84,339,0670.1% [15] [16] 84,340
Flag of Jordan.svg Jordan10,185,5000.1% [17] 10,186
Flag of Lebanon.svg Lebanon6,830,6000.1% [18] [19] 6,830
Total197,438,2671.63,062,645

Historical background

Indian settlers came to live in Oman, creating settlements and practicing Hinduism. Arab sailors were using the southwest monsoon winds to trade with western Indian ports before the first century CE. An Arab army conquered Sindh in 711 and Arab traders settled in Kerala in the 6th century. In the opposite direction, medieval Gujaratis, Kutchis, and other Indians traded extensively with Arab and Somali ports, including Hormuz, Salalah, Socotra, Mogadishu, Merca, Barawa, Hobyo, Muscat and Aden. Arab merchants were the dominant carriers of Indian Ocean trade until the Portuguese forcibly supplanted them at the end of the 15th century. Indo-Arabian links were renewed under the British Empire, when many Indians serving in the army or civil service were stationed in Arab lands such as Sudan. The current wave of Indian immigration to the Arab states of the Persian Gulf dates roughly to the 1960s. Hinduism is also one of the fastest growing religions in the Middle East, [20] mainly due to immigration from the Indian Subcontinent.

In 2001, Belgian speleologists found a large number of inscriptions, drawings and archaeological objects on the Socotra island in Yemen [21] [22] left by sailors who visited the island in the 1st century BC to 6th century AD and most of the texts found were written in the Indian Brahmi script. [23]

Egypt

There were about 2,700 Hindus in Egypt in 2010. [24]

Oman

Shiva temple in Old Muscat is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Middle East. Shiva temple, Muscat.jpg
Shiva temple in Old Muscat is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Middle East.

Oman has an immigrant Hindu minority. The number of Hindus has declined in the 20th century although it is now stable. Hinduism first came to Muscat in 1507 from Kutch. The original Hindus spoke Kutchi. By the early 19th century there were at least 4,000 Hindus in Oman, all of the intermediate merchant caste. By 1900, their numbers had plummeted to 300. In 1895, the Hindu colony in Muscat came under attack by the Ibadhis. By the time of independence, only a few dozen Hindus remained in Oman. The historical Hindu Quarters of al-Waljat and al-Banyan are no longer occupied by Hindus. The most prominent immigrant Hindus, are Visoomal Damodar Gandhi (Aulad Kara), Khimji Ramdas, Dhanji Morarji, Ratansi Purushottam and Purushottam Toprani. [25] The only Hindu crematorium is located in Sohar, northwest of Muscat.

Temples

Hindu temples once located in Ma'bad al Banyan and Bayt al Pir, no longer exist. The only active Hindu temples today are the Shiva temple complex in Muscat (locally known as Motishwar Mandir), [26] and the Krishna temple located in Darsait. [27]

Qatar

Hindus make up 15.1% of Qatar. There are an estimated 422,118 Hindus in the country. [28] [29] Many Hindus are from South and Southeast Asia. [30] [31]

Saudi Arabia

Saudi authorities interpret Hindu icons as idols, and idol worship is strongly condemned in Sunni Islam. This is likely the foundation for the stringent position of Saudi authorities when it comes to idol-worshipping religious practice. [32]

United Arab Emirates

South Asians in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) constitute the largest ethnic group in the country. [33] Over 2 million Indian migrants (mostly from the southern Indian states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) are estimated to be living in the UAE, constituting 28% of the total population of the Emirates as of 2017. [34] A majority of Indians live in the three largest cities of the UAE — Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. From the estimated 2 million migrants, 1 million are from Kerala and 450,000 from Tamil Nadu, thus constituting a majority of the Indian community in the UAE. The population of Indian migrants in the UAE had grown from 170,000 in 1975 to an estimated value of 750,000 in 1999. By 2009, this value had grown to an estimated value of 2 million. A majority of Indians in the UAE (approximately 50%—883,313 in 2011) are from the South Indian state of Kerala, followed by migrants from Tamil Nadu. The majority of Indian migrants to UAE are Muslim (50%), followed by Christian (25%) and Hindu (25%). Estimates suggest Hindu population in UAE to be anywhere from 6-10%.

Temples

Despite a sizable of the population practicing the Hindu faith, there is currently just one Hindu temple in the two largest sheikhdoms. The Hindu Temple, Dubai (locally referred to as Shiva and Krishna Mandir) has been pointed out as just a small prayer hall operating on the upper floor of a rented commercial building, with two altars.

Permitted to be built in 1958, the small temple had become a foreign policy issue during the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UAE in late 2016.

Instead, Hindus living in Abu Dhabi and Dubai practice their religion within their homes. The first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is currently under construction. [35] The new temple, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Abu Dhabi, had its foundation stone laying ceremony in April, 2019. [36] [37]

There are two operating cremation facilities for the Hindu community, one in Abu Dhabi and one in Dubai.

Yemen

There are about 200,000 Hindus in Yemen. [38] Many of them are from India and Nepal. [39]

Hindu temples

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Arab Emirates</span> Country in West Asia

The United Arab Emirates, or simply the Emirates, is a country in West Asia, in the Middle East. It is located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula and shares borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia, while having maritime borders in the Persian Gulf with Qatar and Iran. Abu Dhabi is the nation's capital, while Dubai, the most populated city, is an international hub.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flag of the United Arab Emirates</span> National flag

The national flag of the United Arab Emirates contains the Pan-Arab colors red, green, white, and black. It was designed in 1971 by Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was 19 years old at that time, and was adopted on 2 December 1971. The main theme of the flag's four colors is the unity of Arab nations. In 2008, there was a minor change to the Emblem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Australia</span> Overview of the presence, role and impact of Hinduism in Australia

Hinduism is a third largest religion in Australia consisting of more than 684,002 followers, making up 2.7% of the population as of the 2021 census. Hinduism is the fastest growing religion in Australia mostly through immigration. Hinduism is also one of the most youthful religions in Australia, with 34% and 66% of Hindus being under the age of 14 and 34 respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in the United Arab Emirates</span> Overview of the presence, role and impact of Hinduism in United Arab Emirates

Hindus are a significant minority in the United Arab Emirates and constituting around 6.6%-15% of the population in the nation. Hinduism is followed mainly by the significant Nepali and Indian population in the United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Yemen</span> Religious community in Yemen

Hinduism was introduced to Yemen by immigrant Indian and Nepalese workers. Hinduism in Yemen largely goes under the radar, and is only practiced by small congregations scattered around the country. An estimated 150,000 Hindus resided in Yemen in 2010. That number increased to 202,700 in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in the United States</span>

Hinduism is a minority religion in the United States of America, ranking third-largest after Christianity and Irreligion, and equally ranking with Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism, constituting 1% of the population. The vast majority of American Hindus are immigrants from South Asia. There are also Hindus from the Caribbean, Southeast Asia (mainly Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Indonesia, Canada, Oceania, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, and other countries and their descendants. Additionally, the United States has number of converts to Hinduism. There are also about 900 ethnic Cham people from Vietnam, one of the few remaining non-Indic Hindus in the world, living in America, 55% of whom are Hindus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Kenya</span> Overview of the presence, role and impact of Hinduism in Kenya

Hinduism is a minority faith in Kenya, constituting 0.13% of the population of Kenya. Due to the efforts of the Hindu Council of Kenya, Kenya is one of only three African countries to recognise Hinduism as a religion. Hindus are free to practise their religion in Kenya, and several Kenyan cities have Hindu temples. The Hindu temples in Kenya are mostly of north and west Indian architectural style.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Africa</span> Overview of Hinduism in Africa

Mauritius is the only African Union country where Hinduism is the dominant religion, with about 50% of the population as followers in 2011. Hinduism is the second largest religion in Réunion (6.7%) and Seychelles (2.4%).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Tanzania</span> Overview of the presence, role and impact of Hinduism in Tanzania

The earliest evidence of Hinduism in Tanzania is from the 1st millennium AD when there was trade between East Africa and Indian subcontinent. Most of these traders came from Gujarat, Deccan and the Chola empire. Archaeological evidence of small Hindu settlements have been found in Zanzibar and parts of Swahili coast, Zimbabwe and Madagascar.

Indians in the United Arab Emirates constitute the largest part of the population of the country. Over 3,860,000 Indian expats are estimated to be living in the UAE, which is over 38 percent of the total population of the UAE and the fourth highest number of overseas Indian people in the world, after the United States, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Nepal. Indian contact with the emirates that now constitute the UAE dates back several centuries, as a result of trade and commerce between the emirates and India. The UAE has experienced a tremendous increase in the population of resident Indians who initially migrated to the country as a result of opportunities in petroleum. Now, Indians are key to the UAE's construction, retail, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing and transport sectors. A sizeable minority of Indian migrants are involved in professional services and entrepreneurship. Relations between India and the UAE have traditionally been very friendly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christianity in the United Arab Emirates</span>

Christians account for 19.7 percent of the total population of the United Arab Emirates, according to a ministry report, which collected census data.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Wales</span>

Hinduism is a minority religion in Wales constituting 0.4% of its population. Under half of Welsh Hindus settled there in the second half of the 20th century.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BAPS Hindu Mandir Abu Dhabi</span> Traditional Hindu temple in UAE

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir of Abu Dhabi in UAE is a traditional Hindu place of worship that is being built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The site is located at Abu Mureikhah, which is near Al Rahba off the Dubai–Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. The mandir, upon completion, will be the first traditional Hindu stone mandir in the Middle East. The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, which is headed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, is a denomination of the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. The mandir, inspired by Pramukh Swami Maharaj and blessed by Mahant Swami Maharaj, will be situated on 55,000 square meters of land. The mandir will be hand-carved by artisans in India and assembled in the UAE. The mandir will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu mandir as part of a fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex. The complex will include a visitor center, prayer halls, exhibitions, learning areas, sports area for children, thematic gardens, water features, a food court, a books and gift shop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shiva temple, Muscat</span> Hindu temple in Oman

The Shiva temple, also known as Motishwar Mandir, is a temple complex located near the Al Alam Palace in the Muttrah area of Old Muscat, Oman. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the Middle East region. The temple celebrates numerous Hindu festivals such as Vasant Panchmi, Ramnavmi, Hanuman Jayanti, Shravan and Ganesh Chaturthi. Over 20,000 Hindus visit the temple during Maha Shivaratri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shrinathji Temple, Bahrain</span> Hindu temple in Bahrain

Shrinathji Temple is a heritage Hindu temple in Manama established in the year 1817. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shrinathji, a form of Krishna, manifested as a seven-year-old child. The temple is located in the Bahrain's capital city of Manama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Oman</span> Minority religion in Oman

Hinduism is a minority faith in Oman practised by 5.5% of its population. Oman is the only country in the Middle East with an indigenous Hindu minority. Hindus in Oman are represented by the religious organization Hindu Mahajan Temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United Arab Emirates</span> Church in the United Arab Emirates

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United Arab Emirates refers to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The church's first self-standing meetinghouse in the Middle East was dedicated in Abu Dhabi in 2013. As of 2021, there are four meetinghouses and six congregations. In April 2020, the intent to construct a temple in Dubai was announced.

References

  1. ↑ "Hindu temples of Gulf countries: more exist than you imagined". catchnews. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  2. ↑ "International Religious Freedom Report: United Arab Emirates".
  3. ↑ "Country Profiles". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007.
  4. ↑ "International Religious Freedom Report: Saudi Arabia". 14 September 2007.
  5. ↑ "Religions in Saudi Arabia | PEW-GRF".
  6. ↑ "International Religious Freedom Report: Kuwait".
  7. ↑ "International Religious Freedom Report: Qatar".
  8. ↑ "CIA World FactBook: Qatar". 21 December 2021.
  9. ↑ "Global Religious Futures: Yemen".
  10. ↑ "Religious Freedom Nation Profile: Oman". Archived from the original on 2007-11-06.
  11. ↑ "Religious Freedom Nation Profile: Oman". Archived from the original on September 30, 2007.
  12. ↑ "Religions in Oman | PEW-GRF".
  13. ↑ "Global Religious Landscape: Hindus". Pew Research Center. December 18, 2012.
  14. ↑ "Religions in Bahrain | PEW-GRF".
  15. ↑ "Religious Freedom Nation Profile: Turkey". Archived from the original on 2007-12-04.
  16. ↑ "Religions in Turkey | PEW-GRF".
  17. ↑ "Gloabal Religious Futures: Jordan".
  18. ↑ "International Religious Freedom Report: Lebanon".
  19. ↑ "Religions in Lebanon | PEW-GRF".
  20. ↑ "The Hindu Diaspora In The Middle East". kashmir blogs-Truth about Kashmir-" kashmir blog"". 22 March 2009.
  21. ↑ "La grotte sanctuaire de Suqutra". Archéologia (in French) (396). 26 March 2020.
  22. ↑ Robin, C.; Gorea, M. (2002). "Les vestiges antiques de la grotte de Hôq (Suqutra, Yémen) (note d'information)". Comptes rendus des séances de l'Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres (in French). 146 (2): 409–445. doi:10.3406/crai.2002.22441.
  23. ↑ Bukharin, Mikhail D.; De Geest, Peter; Dridi, Hédi; Gorea, Maria; Jansen Van Rensburg, Julian; Robin, Christian Julien; Shelat, Bharati; Sims-Williams, Nicholas; Strauch, Ingo (2012). Strauch, Ingo (ed.). Foreign Sailors on Socotra. The inscriptions and drawings from the cave Hoq. Bremen: Dr. Ute Hempen Verlag. p. 592. ISBN   978-3-934106-91-8.
  24. ↑ "India and Egypt". www.shvoong.com. Archived from the original on 7 March 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  25. ↑ J.E. Peterson,Oman's diverse society: Northern Oman, Middle East Journal, Vol. 58, Nr. 1, Winter 2004
  26. ↑ "Shri Shiva Temple".
  27. ↑ "Shri Krishna Temple".
  28. ↑ Global Religious Landscape. Pew Forum.
  29. ↑ "Population By Religion, Gender And Municipality March 2004". Qatar Statistics Authority. Archived from the original on 2013-05-18.
  30. ↑ "Population structure". Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics. 31 January 2020.
  31. ↑ "Population By Religion, Gender And Municipality March 2020". Qatar Statistics Authority.
  32. ↑ Marsh, Donna (May 11, 2015). Doing Business in the Middle East: A cultural and practical guide for all business professionals. Little, Brown Book Group. ISBN   9781472135674 . Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  33. ↑ "UAE´s population – by nationality". bq magazine. April 12, 2015. Archived from the original on March 21, 2017. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
  34. ↑ "India is a top source and destination for world's migrants". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 2019-09-09.
  35. ↑ Bhattacherjee, Kallol (6 February 2018). "PM to lay foundation stone of temple in UAE". The Hindu. Retrieved 6 February 2018.
  36. ↑ "First Hindu Mandir In Abu Dhabi, UAE, To Be Built By BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha | Indo American News". www.indoamerican-news.com. Retrieved 2018-05-15.
  37. ↑ "First Hindu Temple's Foundation Ceremony Laying Ceremony in Abu Dhabi". Gulf News.
  38. ↑ "Religions in Yemen".
  39. ↑ "Religious Beliefs In Yemen". 25 April 2017.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.