What does Islam say about forced conversion?

Islamic law prohibits forced conversion, following the Quranic principle that there is “no compulsion in religion” (Quran 2:256). However, episodes of forced conversions have occurred in the history of Islam.

Are Nuristanis Pashtuns?

Nuristanis view the Pashtuns as the dominant tribe of Afghanistan. For centuries, Nuristani perspectives of the Pashtuns were colored by the repeated attempts of the Afghan Pashtun- dominated government in Kabul to convert Nuristanis to Islam and to incorporate them into Afghanistan.

What language do Nuristani speak?

The Nuristani group includes six languages—Kati, Kamviri, Prasuni, Waigali, Tregami, and Ashkun—each of which has several dialects. There is no written literary tradition associated with any of these languages.

What is the religion of Kalash?

The Kalash religion is polytheist faith similar to ancient forms of Hinduism and the people offer sacrifices for their gods. Their culture is interlinked with their religion and includes several unique festivals and celebrations.

How did trade help Islam spread?

The Muslim practice of direct trade offered further exposure to the religion: Rather than working through intermediaries, Muslim merchants would travel to the trading destinations, thus allowing exposure to the religion within other countries as well.

Are the Kalash white?

New Delhi: In the mountains of Chitral district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, live Kalash people who look like Europeans. They have blond hair and are blue eyed, somewhat an anomaly in Pakistan. Their culture is different from Islamic culture and they are given protection by the Government of Pakistan.

What is the significance of Kalash?

It is referred to as “overflowing full vase” (purno-asya Kalasha) in the Vedas. The Kalasha is believed to contain amrita, the elixir of life, and thus is viewed as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, and immortality.

Why did Islam spread so quickly trade?

There are many reasons why Islam spread so quickly. First Mecca was connected to many global trade routes. Another important reason was their military conquered lots of territory. A third factor was the Muslims fair treatment of conquered peoples.

What is the history of Nuristan?

Nuristan was once thought to have been a region through which Alexander the Great passed with a detachment of his army; thus the folk legend that the Nuristani people are descendants of Alexander (or “his generals”). Abdul Wakil Khan Nuristani is one of the most prominent figures in Nuristan’s history.

What religion did the Nuristanis practice?

Nuristanis. Before their conversion, the Nuristanis (then known as “Kafiristanis”) practiced a form of ancient Hinduism. Non-Muslim religious practices endure in Nuristan today to some degree as folk customs. In their native rural areas, they are often farmers, herders, and dairymen.

Who are the Nuristanis in Afghanistan?

Nuristanis. The Nuristanis are distinguished from the Kalash and a segment of the Kho people of Chitral by their adoption of Islam, territory within Afghanistan, and consolidation with other Afghans. The Nuristan region has been a prominent location for war scenes that have led to the death of many indigenous Nuristanis.

What is the situation in Nuristan?

Nuristan is one of the poorest and most remote provinces of Afghanistan. Few NGO ‘s operate in Nuristan because of Taliban insurgency and lack of safe roads. The United States and the Afghan government are jointly working to solve these issues.