SOCIAL ENGINEERING IN INDIAN MUSLIMS TO NAVIGATE THE EMBEDDED CASTE SYSTEM

"Halalkhor", "Momin" are Muslim backward castes/community among the OBC and EBC list of Bihar state

Halalkhor (Extremely Backward Class - EBC) is one of the most marginalized groups in the state. Traditionally associated with sanitation work and sweeping. They are often referred to as "Dalit Muslims." While they share a similar socio-economic status with Scheduled Castes (SC), under current Indian law, SC status is largely restricted to Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. They are often listed alongside or interchangeably with Mehtar, Lal Begi, or Bhangi in government notifications.

The word Halalkhor literally means "One who eats what is lawful" or "One who earns an honest living". The word Halalkhor is a mix of Arabic "Halal" and Persian "khor". In the past, the community was often referred to by terms like Khakrob (sweeper/earth-cleaner) or Kannas, which carried heavy social stigma. Akbar reportedly introduced "Halalkhor" as a euphemistic title. The logic was that since they performed the essential (though stigmatized) task of cleaning, their earnings were the most "halal" (pure and honest) because they worked harder than anyone else for their livelihood.

The Momin (Backward Class - BC / EBC) community (also known as Ansari or Julaha) is one of the largest and most politically influential Muslim backward groups in Bihar. Traditionally a community of weavers and artisans.

Interestingly, Momin (مؤمن) is an Arabic word derived from the root Iman (faith). It translates to "Believer" or "Faithful." In Islamic theology, a Momin is a higher stage of a Muslim—one whose faith is deep, sincere, and reflected in their actions.

Historically, the weaving community in North India and Bihar was known as Julaha (a Persian term for weaver). Over time, the word Julaha became associated with negative stereotypes—it was often used pejoratively by the elite classes (Ashrafs) to imply that the weavers were "simple-minded" or "low-born."

In the early 1900s, social reformers like Maulana Ali Hussain Aasim Bihari and Abdul Qaiyum Ansari led a movement in Bihar and UP to restore self-respect to the community. They encouraged the community to drop the name Julaha and adopt Momin or Ansari.

Momin: Chosen to emphasize their identity as "True Believers" who are equal to any other Muslim in the eyes of God.

Ansari: Derived from the Ansar (the "Helpers" of Medina who supported Muhammad), linking the community to a prestigious Islamic historical legacy.

Then there are the Qureshi(Kasab/Kasai) Extremely Backward Classes (EBC) who are the meat traders/butchers.

Kasab/Qassab (قصاب): An Arabic word derived from the root q-s-b, meaning "to cut" or "to divide into parts."

Kasai (कसाई): The Indo-Aryan derivative of Qassab, which became the standard term for "butcher" in Hindi, Urdu, and Bengali.

Qureshi (القرشي): A reference to the Quraysh, the noble Arab tribe of Mecca to which the Prophet Muhammad belonged.

The transition from Kasai to Qureshi is a classic example of "Islamization" or social mobility through renaming, similar to how weavers became Momin/Ansaris. In the early 20th century, the community began identifying as Qureshi to claim a more prestigious Islamic heritage. The logic used by community elders was that the Quraysh tribe in Mecca were also involved in the trade and sacrifice of animals during Hajj, thus "sanctifying" the profession.