Myths and Realities About Indian Muslim Population

In The Population Myth: Islam, Family Planning, and Politics in India, former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi delivers a compelling, meticulously researched investigation into the myths surrounding the Muslim population in India—myths that have long fueled communal discord. With a blend of data, social analysis, and a deep understanding of both politics and religion, Quraishi dissects how misinformation is used to stoke fears, perpetuating harmful stereotypes about India’s Muslim community.

The book opens with a discussion on the origins of these myths, shedding light on how Muslim population dynamics are routinely misrepresented. Quraishi examines the most prevalent misconceptions, beginning with the oft-repeated claim that Muslims have excessively large families, allegedly contributing to India’s population explosion. Citing recent data, he reveals that the family planning adoption rate among Muslims (45.3%) is only slightly behind that of Hindus (54.4%), undermining the myth that Muslims avoid family planning. Furthermore, while Muslims’ total fertility rate (TFR) remains marginally higher, Quraishi argues this is largely due to socio-economic disparities, not religious doctrine. As Muslims’ socio-economic conditions improve, their fertility rates converge with those of other communities, suggesting that policy and development efforts—not divisive rhetoric—are the most effective tools for population management.

Another chapter tackles the accusation that Muslims aim to overtake Hindus demographically, a notion Quraishi calls pure “propaganda.” He points out that the Muslim share of the population increased from 9.8% in 1951 to 14.2% in 2011—a modest shift over sixty years. The Hindu majority remains demographically secure, while family planning is increasingly common among Muslims, with their fertility rates declining at a faster pace than those of Hindus. The myth, Quraishi contends, ignores the complexity of population dynamics and deliberately incites fear, serving as a convenient scapegoat in politically charged narratives.

Quraishi also dismantles the myth of a covert conspiracy by Muslims to “take over” through numbers, highlighting the lack of any documented calls from Muslim leaders or clerics to manipulate demographics for political gain. This narrative, he argues, is not only baseless but dangerously polarizing. No evidence supports the idea of a religious directive to increase the population as a means of gaining political power, and yet, the myth persists, repeated in media outlets sympathetic to nationalist rhetoric.

The book takes a hard look at the role of the media in proliferating these myths. Instead of fact-checking and contextualizing, the media has often acted as an amplifier, spreading these untruths as sensationalized headlines. Quraishi critiques this failure, suggesting that responsible journalism could serve as a bulwark against communal tension. By highlighting accurate data and providing a platform for authentic discussions, he implies, media outlets could foster unity rather than division.

A particularly insightful section of the book addresses polygamy—a sensitive topic that is frequently weaponized in public discourse. Despite popular belief, Quraishi notes that Muslims are statistically the least polygamous among all communities in India. Polygamy rates, he argues, are more strongly tied to economic factors than religious beliefs. Given India’s gender ratio (924 women to 1,000 men), widespread polygamy is practically unfeasible. Yet, the myth persists, often circulated by those eager to paint Muslim communities as inherently different from, and incompatible with, the societal norms of modern India.

Throughout The Population Myth, Quraishi emphasizes that Islam is not inherently opposed to family planning; rather, the Quran encourages responsible parenthood and the well-being of women and children. He draws on Quranic verses and Hadiths to highlight Islam’s pragmatic stance on family size, refuting interpretations that promote unchecked population growth.

Quraishi’s writing is rigorous and direct, yet accessible to a broad audience. He refrains from inflammatory language, choosing instead to rely on data and rational argumentation to make his case. His voice is that of a public servant deeply concerned with social harmony, transparency, and the power of truth in the face of entrenched prejudice.

The Population Myth is more than a defense of a community; it is a call to all Indians to question the narratives they are fed and to reject the forces that seek to divide. Quraishi’s work is a timely reminder of the need for responsible media, thoughtful policy, and the dismantling of prejudices if India is to move forward as a pluralistic society.