Muslim Population in India

Muslims in India - With over 209 million followers (2021), Islam is the second-largest religion in India after Hinduism. Muslims are the second largest community after Hindus forming 14.6% of the total population in Republic of India. Although history of Islam religion in India dates back to 12th century, the nation is currently home to over 10% of the world’s Muslim population. After Indonesia and Pakistan, India is home to third largest Muslim population in the world. Muslims or people following Islam are significantly present in large numbers all over India. Almost half of Indian Muslims (47%) lives in 3 states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Bihar. Muslims forms an important part of religious population in India as it’s the second largest community after Hindus. Hindus and Muslims together form an integral part of vibrant Indian culture.

Population of Muslims in India 2021
Islam as a religion in India has witnessed a tremendous growth in their population year on year as compared with other religions of India. In fact, it is the fastest-growing religion in India in the last 30 years. As of 2021, there are over 209 million followers of Islam. An increase of over 2 million births from last year (2020) total count of 207 million. People following Islam are present in decent proportion in almost all states of India. There total population was over 201 million in year 2018. Islamic community represents 14.2% of total population in India.

Population of Muslims in India 2017
Every year, Population of Muslims experiences a steady growth in India. According to Census of India, Islam population rises by 3 to 5 million annually based on their decade growth figures. In 2017, Population of Muslims was over 194 million in India.

Population of Muslim in India 2016
Islam as a Religion has witnessed a sharp growth in its population in various states of India. According to data from Census of India, Muslim Population was over 187 million in 2016.

Population of Muslim in India 2015
Growth of Muslim population in India is a major issue of debate for various scholars and researches. Over the years, several data related to Muslim population has been released by various Government departments, agencies and research organizations. Going by Census of India 2011, total population of Muslims in India was 17.22 crore (14.2% of India’s population). With a descent annual growth rate, Population of Muslims in India is estimated to be over 180 million in 2015.

Muslim Population in Uttar Pradesh
Muslims form the largest minority group in state of Uttar Pradesh with a total population of over 30.7 million as of 2001. It is also second largest community with 18 percent Islam followers in the Hindu (80 percent) dominated state of Uttar Pradesh. With a 51 percent Muslim population, Rampur district is the only district in India with largest Muslim population as compared with Hinduism in Uttar Pradesh.

Growth of Muslim Population in India
According to figures provided by the Census of India, Muslims have witnessed a descent growth in their population in the last 50 years as compared to Hindus. In 1961, Muslims were 10.7 percent of the total population whereas Hindus were 83.4 percent. In 2001, this ratio changed slightly with Muslims population grown to 13.4 percent while Hindus total population decreased to 80.5 percent. Going by this rise in Muslims population, recent estimated suggests that Muslims population has gone up to 14.5 percent as of 2015, whereas Hindus population has declined below 80 percent. One of the important facts about Population growth of Muslims is that Women fertility rate of Muslims is slightly higher than Hindu Women. With a growth rate of 24% from 2001 - 2011, Muslim Population growth is much higher that national average growth of 18% during this period.

17.22 Crore Muslims in India (Census of India 2011)
Muslim Population in India	2001	2011	Growth*
Maharashtra	10,270,485	12,971,152	26.3%
Gujarat	4,592,854	5,846,761	27.3%
Rajasthan	4,788,227	6,215,377	29.81%
Madhya Pradesh	3,841,449	4,774,695	24.29%
Uttar Pradesh	30,740,158	38,483,967	25.19%
Bihar	13,722,048	17,557,809	27.95%
All India	138,188,240	172,245,158	24.64%
*increase in Muslim population in states

The states of Assam and West Bengal have witnessed a rapid growth in share of Muslim population in the last decade. The state of Assam has 10.7 million Muslim followers in India. Illegal Immigration from Bangladesh has been major factor in this rapid growth of Muslim population in these two states. The below data indicates rise in Muslim Population from 2001 - 2011.