Momna

The Momna or sometimes referred to as Momin are a Muslim community found in the state of Gujarat in India.^[1]

History and origin

The term momin in Arabic means someone who is a true follower of Islam, and this term was given to Hindu converts from a number of Hindu castes who adopted the Shia faith. They were converted by a number of Shia preachers, the most prominent by naran bapa from virani (kutch). A number of Momna were later converted to the Sunni sect, thereby creating a division within the community.^[2]

Present circumstances

The Momna are now divided into three endogamous groups, the Shia Momna found in Mehsana District, Ahmedabad city, and the talukas of Dholka and Dhandhuka of Ahmadabad District, the Sunni Momna who re concentrated in fifty four villages of Wankaner and Morbi talukas of Rajkot District and the Wahabi Momna of Mehsana and Banaskantha Districts. Their mother tongue is Gujarati. In addition to the three divisions, the Momna community are also divided into a number of clans, the main ones being the Shersia, Khorzia, Wankaneri, Paradha, Badi, Serasia, Vakalya, Dholkhawalia, Godhrawalia, Kapadia and Chaudhary, all of equal status. Their main occupation is farming, while many urban Momna are involved with weaving. Like other Gujarati Muslims, the Momna have a caste association, the Momin Jamat.^[3]

There are Other Momna also call "Mumana" still residing in 22 villages near sidhpur, they are follower of Agakhan and their religion is Shia Imami Ismaili Nizari sect. Nowadays they spread in Pakistan, USA, New Zealand, Canada, England and other countries.

See also

• Momin Ansari
• Khoja

References

1. ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 965-971
2. ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 965-971
3. ^ People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen pages 965-971