Abdal (caste)
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| India • Pakistan • Nepal | |
| Languages | |
| Urdu • Maithili • Gujarati • Awadhi | |
| Religion | |
| Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Jogi Faqir • Faqir • Qalandar • Rawal • Sai |
The Abdal (Shekh Hashmi) is a Muslim community found in Uttar Pradesh, India. They have Arab lineage and have been Muslims from the beginning, meaning they are not converts. They trace their ancestry to the Arab tribe of Banu Hashim. They claim that their forefathers came to India with Hazrat Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, and this community is also said to be related to his family. After the martyrdom of Hazrat Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud, they served at his shrine. They refer to themselves as khadim and mujawir of the shrine.