Indian Muslims Indian Muslim traders have been active in Southeast Asia since the 15th century and settled in Singapore soon after it was founded. In the mid- 19th century, Muslims formed the majority of the Indian population in Singapore. About a quarter of all Indians in Singapore are Muslims.

As with Indians of other religions, there is regional and linguistic variety among Indian Muslims. While Tamil is the most prominent language among Indian Muslims, other languages, such as Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam and Urdu, are also spoken, as well as English and Malay. The partition of British India into India, Pakistan, and later Bangladesh, has also left its mark on Indian Muslims. Each regional group has followed different trajectories in migrating to and settling in Singapore, with trade, the British army and labour migration being the most common factors.

Muslims from southern and western India have a long history as traders and shop- owners in Singapore. Some affluent businessmen have come from among their ranks, especially from the Gujaratis from west India and the Tamils from the south (Chulias). Food- stalls and restaurants run by south Indians have added popular items such as roti prata, biryani and murtabak to Singapore’s culinary landscape.

Indian Muslims in Singapore have founded their own social organizations which conduct religious functions, provide religious education in Indian languages, and offer social services. Many date back to the early 20th century, when organizations such as the Indian Muslim Society (established around 1907) were set up to provide religious education. The organizations cater to particular ethnic groups, such as the Malabar Muslim Jama- ath; religious groups or communities, as did the now- defunct Singapore Dawoodi Bohra Muslim Association; or people from a common hometown in India, such as the towns of Tenkasi, Kadayanallur and Thiruvithancode.

With Singapore’s Independence, many became actively involved in nation- building. The formation of the Federation of Indian Muslims in 1992 provided a forum for Indian Muslims to address a common agenda.

While many Indian Muslims maintain their cultural identity, some— due to inter- marriage, for example— are taking on the cultural attributes, speech and dress of the Malay community.

Photo credit: National Archives of Singapore