Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz
Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz (Urdu: پسماندہ مسلم محاذ, lit. ‘Marginalised Muslim Front’) is an Indian Muslim activist organization based in Patna, Bihar. Founded in 1998, it represents the concerns of the “Pasmanda” Muslims, a new identity that integrates the Dalit Muslims (Arzals) and backward-caste Muslims (Ajlafs). The organization represents the union of several Dalit and backward-caste Muslim organisations under the leadership of Ali Anwar, who is himself a backward-caste Muslim of the Ansari (weaver) caste.
The Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz is an Indian Muslim activist organization focused on the rights and concerns of Pasmanda Muslims, a term encompassing Dalit and Backward Caste Muslims. Founded in 1998 by Ali Anwar Ansari, it aims to address the social, economic, and political marginalization faced by this community. The Mahaz has its headquarters in Patna, Bihar, and operates as a broad front for various Dalit and Backward Caste Muslim organizations across different Indian states.
Key aspects of the Pasmanda Muslim Mahaz:
- Pasmanda Muslims: This term refers to Muslims who are considered to be of lower caste or socially backward within the Muslim community, distinct from the [Ashrafs], who are traditionally considered upper-caste.
- Advocacy: The Mahaz advocates for the rights of Pasmanda Muslims, including issues of personal law, reservations, and electoral politics.
- Addressing Marginalization: It challenges the dominance of Ashraf Muslims and seeks to address the systemic discrimination faced by Pasmanda Muslims in various spheres of life.
- Political Participation: The Mahaz emphasizes the need for greater political representation and participation of Pasmanda Muslims.
- Social Justice: It works towards ensuring social justice and equality for Pasmanda Muslims, particularly in areas like burial grounds and access to resources.
- National Presence: While headquartered in Patna, the Mahaz has a network of organizations across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Delhi.