Syed Ubaidur Rahman’s Peaceful Expansion of Islam in India offers an in-depth, well-researched account of how Islam spread in India through peaceful means. The book highlights the early influence of Arab traders, particularly on the Malabar coast, where Islam arrived during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad. Rahman discusses the significant role of Sufi saints like Baba Farid Ganj-i-Shakar and Bahauddin Zakariya, whose spiritual teachings resonated with marginalized communities.
By focusing on the peaceful expansion of Islam through Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Bengal, and Kashmir, Rahman challenges the narrative that Islam spread solely through conquest. His rigorous research and reliance on primary sources make the book a crucial read for students and scholars of Indian and Islamic history. Professors Sreemati Mukherjee and Suchetana Chattopadhyay praise the work for addressing the complex history of Islam’s spread, emphasizing its spiritual and inclusive nature.
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