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{{Short description|Religious-ethnic group}}
{{pp-extended|small=yes}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Tamil Muslims
| native_name =
| native_name_lang =
| image = File:Muslims of tamilnadu (cropped).jpg
| image_caption = Rowthers of [[Madras Presidency]] in 1830
| population = {{Circa|10 million|lk=yes}}
| popplace = [[Peninsular India]], [[Maritime Southeast Asia]], [[Arabian Peninsula]], [[Western Europe]], [[North America]]
| languages = [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| rels = [[Islam]] (Sect – [[Sunni]], Madhab – Majority [[Shafi'i school|Shafi'i]])
| related = [[Tamils|Tamil people]], [[Rowther|Rowthers]], [[Marakkar]], [[Labbay]]
}}
{{Tamils}}
{{Islam}}
'''Tamil Muslims''' are [[Tamils]] who practise [[Islam]]. The community is 10 million in [[India]], primarily in the state of [[Tamil Nadu]] where 90% of the Muslim community identified themselves{{When|date=September 2025}} as Tamil Muslims.<ref>{{cite book |first=Mattison |last=Mines |chapter=Social stratification among the Muslims in Tamil Nadu, South India |title=Caste and Social Stratification Among Muslims in India |editor-first=Imtiaz |editor-last=Ahamed |publisher=Manohar |year=1978}}</ref><ref>''Muslim Merchants'' – ''The Economic Behaviours of the Indian Muslim Community'', Shri Ram Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources, New Delhi, 1972</ref> In Tamil Nadu, the majority of Tamil-speaking Muslims belong to the [[Rowther|Rowthers Community]] while other Muslims live in coastal Tamil Nadu. There is a substantial diaspora, particularly in Southeast Asia, which has seen their presence as early as the 13th century. In the late 20th century, the diaspora expanded to Western Europe, Persian Gulf and North America.<ref>{{cite book |first=A. R. |last=Sayeed |chapter=Indian Muslims and some Problems of Modernisation |title=Dimensions of Social Change in India |editor-first=M. N. |editor-last=Srinivas |year=1977 |page=217}}</ref>

==Ethnic identity==
[[File:Erwadimasjid.jpg|thumb|A typical minaret of a mosque in Tamil Nadu as seen here of [[Erwadi]] in [[Ramanathapuram District]]]]
Though numerically nominal, the community is not homogeneous. Its origin is shaped by centuries trade between the [[Bay of Bengal]] and the [[Maritime Southeast Asia]]. By the 20th century, certain Tamil races began to be listed as [[social class]]es in official gazettes of different clans as [[Rowther]], [[Marakkar]], and [[Labbay]].<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20100215215455/http://www.hanafionline.com/2007/10/branding-study-of-booming-mamak-food.html Tamil Muslims dominate restaurant industry in Malaysia]}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |journal=The Indian Economic & Social History Review |url=http://ier.sagepub.com/content/14/1/47.extract |title=Kings, Sects and Temples in South India, 1350–1700 A.D |first=Arjun |last=Appadurai |volume=XIV |issue=1 |year=1977}}</ref><ref>Hiltebeitel, A (1999) ''Rethinking India's oral and classical epics''. p. 376 (11). University of Chicago Press.{{ISBN|0-226-34050-3}}</ref><ref>Zafar Anjum, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20101214083356/http://littleindia.com/news/123/ARTICLE/1267/2005-11-12.html Indians Roar In The Lion City]}}. littleindia.com</ref>

=== Rowther ===
{{Main|Rowther}}
The Rowther community is a large population of Muslim landowning community in the [[Chola Nadu|deltaic districts]] and [[Pandya Nadu|Southern districts]] of Tamil Nadu. They were famous for their cavalry and horse trade. Politicians [[M. Muhammad Ismail|Quaid-e-Millath]], [[P. Khalifulla Sahib|Dewan Khan Bahadur Khalifulla Sahib]] (he was the first Muslim from [[Madras Presidency]] go to London for studies), [[Karim Ghani]] veteran freedom fighter and a close associate of [[Subhas Chandra Bose|Netaji Subash Chandra Bose]], First woman judge of Supreme court of India [[Fathima Beevi]], Poets like [[Umaru Pulavar]], [[Kunangudi Masthan Sahib]], Fourth Nakkeerar [[Gulam Kadir Navalar]], [[P. Dawood Shah|Dawood Shah]] all are from Rowther Community. Rowthers constitute large part of the multi-ethnic Tamil Muslim community.<ref>{{Cite book |title=People of India: India's communities |date=1998 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=0-19-563354-7 |editor=Singh, K. S. |location=New Delhi, India |pages=3001–3002 |oclc=40849565}}</ref> Ravuttars have also been found as Tamil [[polygar]]s, [[zamindar]]s and chieftains from the 16th to 18th centuries.<ref name=":7">{{Cite book |last=Hiltebeitel, Alf |title=The cult of Draupadī |date=1988–1991 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=0-226-34045-7 |location=Chicago |pages=13–14, 102 |oclc=16833684}}</ref> Traditionally, they were known as [[Maravar]]s, but after the arrival of Islam, they transformed into horseback warriors, hence adopting the Tamil name Rowther. The traditional homelands of the Rowthers were in the interior of South [[Tamilakam]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=More |first=J. B. Prashant |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=11FYACaVySoC&dq=ravuttars++in+tamil+country&pg=PA13 |title=Muslim Identity, Print Culture, and the Dravidian Factor in Tamil Nadu |date=2004 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |isbn=978-81-250-2632-7 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite book |last=Rājāmukamatu |first=Je |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HxpuAAAAMAAJ&q=ravuthars+heroic |title=Maritime History of the Coromandel Muslims: A Socio-historical Study on the Tamil Muslims 1750–1900 |date=2005 |publisher=Director of Museums, Government Museum |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Jairath |first=Vinod K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MKIT9muBRuoC&q=Rowthers+caste&pg=PT107 |title=Frontiers of Embedded Muslim Communities in India |date=2013 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-136-19679-9 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1kVuAAAAMAAJ&q=Rajputs |title=Sarandib: An Ethnological Study of the Muslims of Sri Lanka |date=2007 |publisher=Asiff Hussein |isbn=978-955-97262-2-7 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":02" />

===Marakkayar===
{{Main|Marakkar}}
The [[Marakkar]] sect has been a maritime trading community in the [[Pandya Nadu|southern districts]] of Tamil Nadu. One notable sea-faring merchant, as recorded in the ''Chronicles of Thondaiman'', was Periya Thambi Nainar Marakkayar who is widely believed to be the first rupee millionaire. His son Seethakaathi, an altruist. [[B. S. Abdur Rahman]] was the first rupee billionaire Marakkayar. The 11th president of India [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] was also born in Marakkayar fisherman family.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Current Affairs 2015: From a son of fisherman to the Post of President: APJ Abdul Kalam |url=https://www.india.com/education/current-affairs-2015-from-a-son-of-fisherman-to-the-post-of-president-apj-abdul-kalam-1580578/ |access-date=2023-06-21 |website=www.india.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>Sanjay Subramanian, ''The Political Economy of Commerce, Southern India 1500––1650'', New York 1990</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Jean-Baptiste |first=Prashant More |date=1991 |title=The Marakkayar Muslims of Karikal, South India |url= |journal=Journal of Islamic Studies |volume=2 |pages=25–44 |doi=10.1093/jis/2.1.25 |pmc=355923 |pmid=15455059 |via=Oxford Academic Journals}}</ref>

===Labbay===
{{Main|Labbay}}
Similar to the Jewish [[Levite]], the Labbay sect mainly engages in religious scholarship and avoids entrepreneurial activities.<ref name=":1" />

==Economy==
[[File:Tamilbell1.JPG|thumbnail|[[Tamil Bell]] with its inscription and translation]]
In Tamil Nadu, the community is well known as rentiers, entrepreneurs, gemstone jewellers and money changers with above State-average GDP per capita incomes.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BCC6veZPfNoC&pg=PA60 |page=60 |title=The Muslim Private Sector in Southeast Asia: Islam and the Economic Development of Southeast Asia |editor-first=Mohamed |editor-last=Ariff |publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian Studies |year=1991 |isbn=978-9-81301-609-5 |first=Amina |last=Tyabji |chapter=Minority Muslim Businesses in Singapore}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[File:Henna on a Muslim bride's hands, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg|thumb|[[Henna]] on a saree-clad bride's hands, [[Tamil Nadu]], India.]]

===Legends and rituals===
As a mark of modesty, women used to traditionally wear white [[purdah|''thuppatti'']] which is draped over their body on top of the [[Sari|''saree'']], only revealing their face. However, due to cultural exchange and evolving trends, nowadays, most women wear an ''[[Abaya]]'', which is usually black in color, paired with a [[headscarf]], as Purdah.

Many visit [[Dargah]]s and [[Masjid]]s on major life milestones like births, marriages and deaths<ref>Stephen F. Dale, ''Recent Researches on the Islamic Communities of Peninsular India'', ''Studies in South India'', ed. Robert E. Frykenbers and Paulin Kolenda (Madras 1985)</ref> and recite [[mawlid]].
[[File:JummaMasjid02.jpg|thumb|[[Jumma Masjid of Kilakarai|Keelakarai Jumma Masjid]], built in the 7th century, with prominent [[Dravidian architecture]], is one of the oldest mosques in Asia]]
[[File:TPL Mosque.JPG|thumb|[[Muhyuddin Andavar Mosque]], in the village of [[Thiruppanandal]], [[Thanjavur District]], [[Tamil Nadu]]]]
Rowther weddings have retained several Rajput traditions across generations like grooms going on a [[horseback]] procession. Surnames (identifying caste or tribe like Bohra, Bukhari, Chishti, Khan, Syed, Sahib, Shah, etc.) were positively discouraged by the community to avoid sectarianism in line with [[Dravidian movement|Dravidian reform movement]] of the 20th century.

===Art===
Music involves distinctively the Turkish [[daf]] and other [[percussion instrument]]s.

===Cuisine===
[[File:Tamil muslim payasam.jpg|thumb|Tamil Muslim Payasam during Ramadan]]
Cuisine is a tell-tale syncretic mixture of Tamil and other Asian recipes.<ref>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/canvas/2005/05/28/stories/2005052800130300.htm Business Line]
{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070715202538/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/canvas/2005/05/28/stories/2005052800130300.htm |date=15 July 2007 }}</ref>

[[Biryani|Biriyani]], especially ''Rawther Style Biryani'', the ones made out of [[Lamb and mutton|mutton]], is the favorite in special occasions, particularly during wedding banquets and during Eid festivities. It is made by [[Samba (rice)|Seeraga Samba]] rice. In a typical Tamil Muslim Wedding, a Mutton Biryani is served, along with [[Raita|''Raitha'']], Brinjal Chutney, [[Chicken 65]], with desserts usually being either Bread Halwa (which is a molten variant of the Hyderabadi [[Double ka meetha|''Double ka Meetha'']] and the North Indian and Pakistani [[Shahi Tukra|''Shahi Tukda'']]) or [[Kesari bat|Rava Kesari]], along with [[Betel nut chewing|''Sweet Beeda'']]. ''[[Phirni]]'' and [[Zarda (food)|''<nowiki/>'Inippu Soru''']] while rarer, are also served as desserts in some weddings.

[[Spiced rice|Ghee rice]], served usually with a ''[[Dalcha]]'' or any other meat-based [[Korma|gravy]] is also a sought-after dish, usually prepared during [[Friday prayer|Jummah]] or during other special occasions. In Deltaic Regions, for wedding ceremonies, a dish by the name of '<nowiki/>''Anju Kari Soru''<nowiki/>' (roughly translates to 'Five Gravy Rice') is served. This spread includes Ghee rice, ''Dalcha'', a Chicken-based gravy ('''aanam''<nowiki/>' in Tamil), a Mutton-based gravy, a stir-fry made out of Mutton Liver, and a jam and banana combo mixed along with the rice as dessert. However, due to the rise of popularity in Biryani, this has increasingly become a rare spread.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVBrVLk_5TY |title=திருவாரூர் புது மாப்பிள்ளை ஸ்பெஷல் 5 கறி சோறு {{!}} Delta Food Exploring {{!}} 5 Curry Rice {{!}} Jabbar Bhai |date=2021-02-24 |last=Food Area Tamil |access-date=2024-07-17 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

During the month of Ramadan, the '[[Congee|Nonbu Kanji]]' is a staple for breaking the fast in [[Iftar]], served for free in almost every masjid in the state. Other snacks and delicacies that are popular during this month are ''[[Vada (food)|Vadai]], [[Samosa]], [[Sharbat (drink)|Sharbath]]''-based beverages, and a jelly-like dessert made out of [[Agar|''Agar-Agar'']] ('China Grass', called ''<nowiki/>'Kadal Paasi''<nowiki/>' in Tamil) and milk.

Desserts include the {{transliteration|hi|Dumroot}}, a [[semolina]] ('rava' in Tamil) ghee cake with soft center and hard crust at the top, is popular in the Rowther households.<ref>[https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/How-to-make%E2%80%A6Dumroot/article15900188.ece Dumroot is a speciality of delta cuisine]></ref> ''Watlappam'', is another dessert, a pudding, popular in Marakkayer households. ''[[Dodol]]'' is another halwa-based dessert, originally persumed to have come from Southeast Asia. Along with Bread Halwa, ''Rava Kesari'', ''Phirni,'' ''Inippu Soru'', and ''[[Kheer|Payasam]]'' made out of [[Vermicelli]].

Other delicacies include, ''[[Idiyappam]]'' and ''[[Parotta]]'', both of which are usually served with gravies (usually meat-based), usually had for either breakfast or for dinner. [[Chicken 65]], a popular fried starter, usually had with Biryani, is widely believed to have been invented by Buhari Hotel (Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002), whose founder was from Tirunelveli.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-08-12 |title=A gastronomic journey with biryani |url=https://www.thehindu.com/madras375/a-gastronomic-journey-with-biryani/article6309752.ece |access-date=2024-07-17 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Mini [[Samosa]]s, stuffed with minced (kheema) meat are also popular snack items. ''[[Murtabak]]'' is a meat-based stuffed parotta dish, originally speculated to have been brought from Yemen, and which eventually spread to South East Asian countries.

During Eid, breakfast usually includes ''[[Idli]]'' or ''Idiyappam'' with a mutton gravy, and ''payasam''.

===Literature===
Culture and literature are heavily influenced by the [[Qadiri]] flavour of [[Sufism]]. Their domain range from mystical to medical, from fictional to political, from philosophical to legal and spiritual.<ref>
[http://www.suedasien.uni-halle.de/SAWA/Tschacher.pdf Islam in Tamilnadu: Varia]. (PDF) Retrieved on 2012-06-27.</ref><ref>''216th year commemoration today: Remembering His Holiness Bukhary Thangal'' Sunday Observer – 5 January 2003. [https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2003/01/05/fea24.html Online version]
[https://archives.sundayobserver.lk/2003/01/05/fea24.html] accessed on 2009-08-14</ref>

The earliest literary works in the community could be traced to ''Palsanthmalai'', a work of eight stanzas written in the 13th century.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Narayanan|first=Vasudha|title=India's Islamic Traditions, 711–1750|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2003|isbn=0-19-568334-X|editor-last=Eaton|editor-first=Richard M.|location=New Delhi|pages=393–408|chapter=Religious Vocabulary and Regional Identity: A Study of the Tamil Cirappuranam ('Life of the Prophet')}}</ref> In 1572, Seyku Issaku, better known as [[Vanna Parimala Pulavar]], published ''Aayira Masala Venru Vazhankum Adisaya Puranam'' detailing the Islamic principles and beliefs in a [[FAQ]] format. In 1592, [[Aali Pulavar]] wrote the ''Mikurasu Malai''. The epic ''[[Seera Puranam]]'' by [[Umaru Pulavar]] is dated to the 17th century<ref>[http://www.international.ucla.edu/southasia/article.asp?parentid=27779 The Diversity in Indian Islam]. International.ucla.edu. Retrieved on 2012-06-27.</ref> and still considered as the crowning achievement in canonical literature.<ref name=":0" /> Other significant works of 17th century include ''Thiruneri Neetham'' by Sufi master Pir Mohammad, ''Kanakabhisheka Malai'' by Seyku Nainar (alias [[Kanakavirayar]]), ''Tirumana Katchi'' by [[Sekathi Nainar]] and the Iraqi war ballad ''Sackoon Pataippor''.<ref>N. A. Ameer Ali, ''Vallal Seethakkathiyin Vaazhvum Kaalamum'', Madras 1983, p. 30–31, Ka. Mu. Sheriff, ''Vallal Seethakkathi Varalaru'', 1986, pp. 60–62, M. Idris Marakkayar, ''Nanilam Potrum Nannagar Keelakkarai'', 1990</ref>

Nevertheless, an independent identity evolved only in the last quarter of the 20th century triggered by the rise of Dravidian politics as well as the introduction of new mass communications and [[lithographic]] technologies.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/br/2004/10/12/stories/2004101200341500.htm Tamil Muslim identity]. Hindu.com (2004-10-12). Retrieved on 2012-06-27.</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=J.B.P.More|title=Muslim Identity, Print Culture, and the Dravidian Factor in Tamil Nadu |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=11FYACaVySoC&pg=RA1-PA289 |access-date=27 June 2012 |date= 2004 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |isbn=978-81-250-2632-7 |pages=1–|author-link=J.B.P.More }}</ref> The world's first Tamil Islamic Literature Conference was held in [[Trichy]] in 1973. In the early 2000s, the Department of Tamil Islamic Literature was set up in the [[University of Madras]].<ref>[http://www.islamicvoice.com/february.2000/community.htm#TAM Islamic Voice]</ref> Modern notable writers include [[Mu. Metha]] and [[Inkulab|Pavalar Inqulab]],<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20041231001857/http://www.hindu.com/2004/12/26/stories/2004122604271000.htm Irandaam Jaamangalin Kathai]}}. Hindu.com. Retrieved on 2012-06-27.</ref>

== Role in politics ==
===Pre-independence===
[[P. Khalifulla Sahib|Kalifulla Shahib]] served as the minister for public works in the Cabinet of Kurma Venkata Reddy Naidu in 1937. He was sympathetic to the cause of [[Periyar E. V. Ramasamy]] and his Self-Respect Movement. He spoke against the introduction of compulsory Hindi classes in the Madras legislature and participated in the anti-Hindi agitations. He was a lawyer by profession and was known by the honorifics ''[[Khan Bahadur]]''. He became the ''[[Dewan]]'' of Pudukottai after withdrawal from political work. [[Mohammad Usman of Madras|Mohammad Usman]] was the most prominent among the early political leaders of the community. In 1930, [[Jamal Mohamed College|Jamal Mohammad Rowther]] became the president of the Madras Presidency Muslim League.<ref>{{cite book|author=J.B.P.More|title=Political Evolution of Muslims in Tamilnadu and Madras 1930–1947 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDht7OyOjXMC&pg=PA116 |access-date=27 June 2012 |date= 1997 |publisher=Orient Blackswan |isbn=978-81-250-1192-7 |pages=116–|author-link=J.B.P.More }}</ref> [[Yakub Hasan Sait]] served as a minister in the Rajaji administration. [[Karim Ghani]], veteran freedom fighter and a close associate of Subash Chandra Bose, who hailed from [[Ilayangudi]], served as Information Minister in Netaji ministry during the 1930s.

===Post-independence===
Since the late 20th century, politicians like [[M. Muhammad Ismail|Muhammad Ismail Rowther]] (founder of [[Indian Union Muslim League]]) and [[Dawood Shah]] advocated Tamil to be made an official language of India due to its antiquity in parliamentary debates<ref>[http://thatstamil.oneindia.in/art-culture/essays/2007/book-review-islamiya-periyar-dawood-sha.html Tamil Muslim Periyar] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930204751/http://thatstamil.oneindia.in/art-culture/essays/2007/book-review-islamiya-periyar-dawood-sha.html |date=30 September 2011 }} Thatstamil.oneindia.in. Retrieved on 2012-06-27</ref> The community was united in a single political party under ''Quaid-e-Millath'' presidency for 27 years keeping rabble-rousers away until his death in 1972. His support was invaluable for ruling parties in the state, as well as in the Centre. He was instrumental in framing and obtaining the minority status and privileges for minorities in India thus safeguarding the [[Constitution of India]]. His newspaper ''Urimaikkural'' was a very popular daily.

[[S. M. Abdul Majid]] Sahib is an Indian politician and former member of Legistative Assembly. He served as the local Administration Minister in the [[Kamaraj ministry ]] 1962 and 1963. [[S. M. Muhammed Sheriff]] was the first elected IUML MP from Tamil Nadu. He produced clear documentary evidence that [[Kachchatheevu]] belonged to India. During [[The Emergency (India)|the Emergency]], he was the advisor to the Governor. [[M. M. Ismail]] became Chief Justice in 1979 and was sworn in as Acting Governor of Tamil Nadu in 1980. As ''Kamban Kazhagam'' president, he organized literary festivals, that focused on classical Tamil literature. Justice S. A. Kader who was the Judge of Madras High Court during 1983–89 became the President of Tamil Nadu State Government Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on retirement.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.supremecourtofindia.nic.in/circular/senioradvocates.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=23 February 2013 |archive-date=22 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141222055651/http://www.supremecourtofindia.nic.in/circular/senioradvocates.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the early 1990s, the [[Indian National League]] split from the IUML.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110125180837/http://www.hindu.com/2011/01/21/stories/2011012164140500.htm Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Indian National League State unit dissolved]}}. ''The Hindu'' (2011-01-21). Retrieved on 2012-06-27.</ref> The non-denominational [[social reform]] movements (called [[Ghair Muqallid]]) began to take the front stage (to fight superstition creep) spearheaded by [[P. Jainulabdeen]] further weakening the IUML and causing unrest among community elders who preferred [[status quo]]. Nevertheless, the [[Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazagham]] was constituted in 1995. This non-profit organization quickly became popular and assertive among the [[working class]] youth.

===21st century===
In 2009, the [[Manithaneya Makkal Katchi]], the political arm of TMMK was formed. The TMMK itself split to form the break-away organisation [[Tamil Nadu Thowheed Jamath]] soon. In 2011, MMK won 2 of 3 contested Assembly seats ''viz.'' Ambur ([[A. Aslam Basha]]) and Ramanathapuram ([[M. H. Jawahirullah]]). Broadly speaking, the community tends to support [[laissez faire]] and [[free trade]]; and have been unimpressed by [[Communism]] as a [[public policy]] though fringe groups often called for [[affirmative action]] in the last quarter of the 20th century.<ref>Susan Bayly, ''Saints, Goddesses and Kings — Muslims and Christians in South Indian Society'', Cambridge, 1989</ref> New generation of leaders like Daud Sharifa Khanum have been active in pioneering social reforms like independent mosques for women.<ref>Biswas, Soutik. (2004-01-27) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3429695.stm World's first Masjid for Women]. BBC News. Retrieved on 2012-06-27.</ref><ref>Pandey, Geeta. (2005-08-19)
[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4165440.stm World {{!}} South Asia {{!}} Women battle on with mosque plan]. BBC News. Retrieved on 2012-06-27.</ref><ref>[http://www.countercurrents.org/gender-anand020904.htm S.T.E.P.S.]</ref><ref>[https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/taking-on-patriarchy/article5037878.ece Taking on patriarchy]</ref> MLAs and MPs such as [[A. Anwar Rhazza]], [[J. M. Aaroon Rashid]], Abdul Rahman, Jinna, Khaleelur Rahman, [[S. N. M. Ubayadullah]], Hassan Ali and [[T. P. M. Mohideen Khan]] are found across all major Dravidian political parties like [[Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|DMK]], [[Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam|DMDK]] and [[All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam|AIADMK]], as well as national parties like the [[Indian National Congress|INC]].

==Demographics==

{{Empty section|date=January 2024}}

==Notable Tamil Muslims==
{{main|List of Tamil Muslims}}


==See also==
{{Portal|Tamils|Islam|India
}}
* [[Tamil Muslim population by cities]]
* [[Seera Puranam]] – Islamic Tamil epic

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Sinnappa Arasaratnam, ''Merchants, Companies and Commerce on the Coromandel Coast 1650–1740'', New Delhi, 1986
* ''Maritime India in the Seventeenth Century'', New Delhi 1994
* ''Maritime Commerce and English Power (South East India), 1750–1800'', New Delhi 1996
*
* ''Indian Merchants and the Decline of Indian Mercantile Activity, the Coromandel case'', ''The Calcutta Historical Journal'', Vol. VII, No. 2/1983, pp. 27–43
* ''Commerce, Merchants and Entrepreneurship in Tamil Country in 18th century'', paper presented in the 8th World Tamil Conference seminar, Thanjavur, 1995
* {{Cite book |last=Kumari |first=Ashok Pratap Singh& Patiraj |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MHNsxbiEM4UC&dq=Global+Encyclopedic+Ethnography+Of+Indian+Muslim&pg=PT4 |title=Psychological Implications in Industrial Performance |date=2007 |publisher=Global Vision Publishing House |isbn=978-81-8220-200-9 |pages=813–816 |language=en}}

==External links ==
{{Commons}}
* {{Cite web|date=13 May 2010|title=TNTJ demands 10 percentage reservation for Muslims|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/article454495.ece|website=[[The Hindu]]}}
{{Indian Muslim}}

[[Category:Muslim communities of India]]
[[Category:Tamil society]]
[[Category:Social groups of Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Islam in Tamil Nadu]]

Tamil Muslim - Revision history

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