Islam in Mizoram

Islam is a minority religion in Mizoram, a state in northeastern India, where it constitutes approximately 1.35% of the population, according to the 2011 Census. ^[1] The Muslim community in Mizoram is diverse, with ethnic groups such as the Assamese, Bengali, a small local converts , This article explores the demographics, cultural integration, challenges faced by the Muslim community, and their contributions to the state's social fabric.

Culture

Muslims in Mizoram celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the high school ground in Zarkawt, Aizawl, which is 15 minutes away from the Aijal Mosque ^[a] . The ground is near a church, showing harmony between the Christians and Muslims of Mizoram. ^{[3] [4]}

Demographics

The Significant population of Muslims in Mizoram are Bengali, and Assamese living in northern Mizoram districts of Kolasib and Mamit where there are five mosques.^{[ citation needed ]} and there is also small community of khasi people who follow Islam. ^[5]

Muslim population by district

District [6]	Percent	Popul.
Aizawl	1.31% [7]	5,177
Champhai	0.56% [8]	483
Kolasib	5.27% [9]	4,426
Lawngtlai	0.44% [10]	552
Lunglei	0.80% [11]	1,164
Mamit	2.06% [12]	1,782
Saiha	0.91% [13]	514
Serchhip	0.52% [14]	335

Ethnic composition

The Muslim community in Mizoram is not homogenous but consists of different ethnic groups:

• Bengali – The largest group, originating mainly from Sylhet and Chittagong regions. Many are engaged in tailoring, trade, and small-scale businesses. They are primarily concentrated in Aizawl, Lunglei, and border districts such as Kolasib.

• Assamese – Migrants from neighbouring Cachar and Barak Valley districts of Assam. They are involved in government service, trade, and education-related occupations.

• Bihari – A smaller community that migrated as labourers, mechanics, and construction workers, particularly during the late 20th century. They tend to be concentrated in urban areas such as Aizawl.

• Pangals – A small but historically significant group of Muslims from Manipur, known as Pangals. They are represented mainly in education, government service, and trading professions. Some Pangal families have settled permanently in Aizawl since the mid-20th century.

See also

• Islam portal

• Religion in Mizoram
• Buddhism in Mizoram
• Hinduism in Mizoram
• Islam in India

References

1. The Aijal Mosque, established in 1909, is the only mosque in Aizawl and the oldest mosque in Mizoram ^[2]

1. "C-01: Population by religious community, Mizoram - 2011". Census Department, Government of India. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
2. ""As it is a mandatory in Mizoram, we must make sure that during your stay in Mizoram you should hold a valid ILP," - Md. Mamon Majumdar". EXPLORE MIZORAM - Mizoram's Most Trusted Website | Mizoram's Online Encyclopedia. 2025-06-07. Retrieved 2025-10-03.
3. Fanai, Ezrela Dalidia (August 12, 2019). "Muslims offer namaz near church in Christian-majority Mizoram". EastMojo.
4. Verghese, C. G. (1997). A History of the Mizos. Vikas Publishing House. p. 26. ISBN   978-81-259-0307-9.
5. Dikshit, K. R.; Dikshit, Jutta K. (21 October 2013). "The People of Meghalaya". North-East India: Land, People and Economy. Springer Science+Business Media. p. 361.
6. "Mizoram Hindu Muslim Population". www.census2011.co.in. Retrieved 2024-12-20.
7. "Aizawl District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim". www.census2011.co.in.
8. "Champhai District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim". www.census2011.co.in.
9. "Kolasib District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim". www.census2011.co.in.
10. "Lawngtlai District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim". www.census2011.co.in.
11. "Lunglei District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim". www.census2011.co.in.
12. "Mamit District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim". www.census2011.co.in.
13. "Saiha District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim". www.census2011.co.in.
14. "Serchhip District Religion Data - Hindu/Muslim". www.census2011.co.in.