Kashmiri People - Conversion To Islam

Conversion To Islam

Islam had swayed over vast territories around Kashmir, and the new faith had made its entry gradually into Kashmir. By the 14th century, Islam gradually became the dominant religion in Kashmir Valley, starting with the conversion in 1323 of Rincana, the first king of a new dynasty from Ladakh, at the hands of the famous saint, Bulbul Shah. After conversion to Islam He called himself Malik Sadur-ud-Din and was the first Muslim ruler of Kashmir. He was subsequently killed by the Kashmiris. The majority of the Brahmins of Kashmir (Pandits) converted to Islam, and a few from Afghanistan and Iran also settled in Kashmir and vice-versa. Many of these people retain their identity. The Muslims and Hindus of Kashmir lived in relative harmony as under the Sufi (Islam) and Reshi (Hindu) tradition of Kashmir. Other Kashmiri rulers such as Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, were tolerant of all religions in a manner comparable to Akbar. In the late 18th century during the reign of Emperor Alamgir, many converted to Islam. Today, many people are Muslims, although some Kashmiri Pandits still practice Hinduism.