Momin
 Historical Momna gathering | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Gujarat, India, and diaspora communities | |
| Languages | |
| Gujarati | |
| Religion | |
| Shia Ismaili, Sunni, Wahhabi Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Ismailis, Khoja, Satpanth |
The Momna (Momin) (Arabic: مؤمن), also spelled Mumna or Momina, are a Muslim community originating from the state of Gujarat in India. Historically, the Momna trace their lineage to Hindu castes—particularly the land owning Patidar caste—who converted to Islam under the influence of Ismaili Shia missionaries.[1] Over centuries, they have experienced religious persecution, changing religious affiliations, and migrations, leading to distinct subgroups and diaspora communities worldwide.
History and Origin
[edit]The Momna community’s origins are linked to the fifteenth-century Satpanthi Ismaili tradition, influenced by religious figures such as Pir Satgur Noor and Imam al-Din (Imamshah).[2] They were among the earliest Ismaili Shia groups in South Asia. During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, the Ismaili Momnas faced persecution and employed taqiyyah (pious dissimulation) to survive.[3][4] Over time, some lost contact with their original Ismaili faith.
Those who retained their Ismaili identity are referred to as “the Momnas of the old faith” (junā dharma nā moman), while those who embraced Sunni Islam are known as “the Momnas of the new faith” (navā dharma nā moman).[2]
Over time, particularly within the Ismaili Momna subgroup, family names and clan associations evolved, with many community members adopting surnames reflecting their clan heritage and identity. Examples include Maknojia, Charolia, Maredia, Prasla, Sunesara, Karedia, Kadiwal, Ali, Charania, Umatiya, Dholasaniya, Manesia, Dhuka, Karowadia, and Badarpura.[2]
Religious Divisions
[edit]The Momna community today is broadly divided into three endogamous groups:
- Shia Ismaili Momna: Originate from 26 specific villages near Siddhpur. They are now located around the world in cities such as Karachi, Mumbai, Houston, and in over 25 different countries. They remain aligned with the Shia Imami Ismaili Nizari sect under the Aga Khan..[1]
- Sunni Momna: Concentrated in about fifty-four villages in Wankaner and Morbi talukas of Rajkot District, and nine villages (Momin Navgam Sunni Jamat) in the Sanand Taluka of Ahmedabad District.[1]
- Wahabi Momna: Present in parts of Mehsana and Banaskantha Districts.[1]
Present Circumstances
[edit]Historically, the Momna community were agricultural landowners, but over time many members relocated to urban areas across South Asia, taking on roles such as tailors, taxi drivers, trade merchants, and restaurant owners.[1] Aligning increasingly with their Khoja counterparts, who have a long-established mercantile tradition, the Momna in the diaspora have transformed into entrepreneurs owning a diverse range of businesses including gas stations, wholesale outlets, manufacturing facilities, liquor retail & distribution, restaurants, franchised enterprises, hotels, car dealerships, television networks, steel fabrication plants, and venture capital funds. This evolution signifies substantial socio-economic progress, as community members not only operate various businesses but also hold corporate positions and pursue careers in finance, IT, engineering, healthcare, and other professional fields. This dual role enhances their integration into mainstream economies and fosters greater professionalization within the Momna community.
Notable individuals of Momna heritage include:
- Shams Charania, a prominent NBA reporter for ESPN known for his breaking news and insights into professional basketball.
- Amin Maredia, the former CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market, who played a significant role in scaling the grocery chain into a major national brand.
Diaspora and Institutions
[edit]The Momna diaspora has established various institutions to support community development. The Pioneer Muslim Federal Credit Union (PMFCU), founded in 1981 by the Momin community from Sidhpur and headquartered in Houston, Texas, with a branch in Austin.[5][6]
Established in 1999 by members of the Momin community, the Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association, Inc. (GHRA) aims to enhance the purchasing power and professional development of independently owned convenience stores in the Greater Houston area.[7] Approximately one-third of all convenience stores in Greater Houston—spanning 37 counties with nearly 2,000 members—are affiliated with GHRA. Beyond purchasing power, GHRA collaborates with government agencies, develops safety and compliance programs, and provides training and certification support. In 2010, GHRA established the Greater Houston Retailers Charitable Foundation (GHRCF) to financially assist families of local peace officers and firefighters who lose their lives in the line of duty.[7]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e People of India Gujarat, Volume XXI, Part Two, edited by R.B. Lal, P.B.S.V. Padmanabham, G. Krishnan & M. Azeez Mohideen, pp. 965–971.
- ^ a b c Asani, A. (2002). Ecstasy and Enlightenment: The Ismaili Devotional Literatures of South Asia. I.B. Tauris.
- ^ Daftary, Farhad (1990). The Ismailis: Their History and Doctrines. Cambridge University Press.
- ^ Hollister, John Norman (1953). The Shi‘a of India. Luzac & Company.
- ^ PMFCU Official Documentation, Houston, Texas.
- ^ Daftary, Farhad (2007). The Ismailis: An Illustrated History. Azimuth Editions.
- ^ a b About Us. GHRA. Retrieved 2024-12-16 from: https://www.ghraonline.com/about-us