Momna
The Momin, sometimes referred to as Momna, Mumna or Momina, are a Muslim community found in the state of Gujarat in India.[1]
History and origin
Momin (Momna) is a major caste of Gujarat Muslims. The term "momin" in Arabic means someone who is a true follower of Islam, and this term was given to Hindu converts from a number of castes who adopted the Shia faith. They were converted by Shia preachers.[1]
Present circumstances
The Momna are now divided into three endogamous groups, the Shia Momna found in Mehsana District, Ahmedabad city, and the talukas of Dholka and Dhandhuka of Ahmadabad District, the Sunni Momna who re-concentrated in fifty four villages of Wankaner and Morbi talukas of Rajkot District, also nine villages (Momin Navgam Sunni Jamat) of Sanand Taluka of Ahmedabad district and the Wahabi Momna of Mehsana and Banaskantha Districts. Their mother tongue is Gujarati. In addition to the three divisions, the Momna community are also divided into a number of clans, the main ones being the Kadivar, Bhoraniya, Aathiya, Shersia, Khorzia, Wankaneri, Paradha, Badi, Serasia, Vakalya, Dholkhawalia, Godhrawalia, Kapadia,Charoliya,Dekavadia,v adaviya,Bavara,Mathakiya and Chaudhary, all of equal status. Their main occupation is farming, while many urban Momna are involved with weaving. Like other Gujarati Muslims, the Momna have a caste association, the Momin Jamat.[1]
References
- People of India Gujarat Volume XXI Part Two, edited by R.B Lal, P.B.S.V Padmanabham, G Krishnan & M Azeez Mohideen, pages 965-971