Qureshis are predominantly Sunni Muslims, though a minority follows Shia Islam.
According to available information, Qureshis are mostly Sunnis but there are a few Shia Qureshis also. The presence of Shia Qureshis is often attributed to those Sunni Qureshis who later converted to Shia Islam.
Understanding Qureshi Affiliation
The Qureshi (or Kureishi) is a broad tribal grouping historically linked to the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, to which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) belonged. Due to their historical connection and widespread presence across various regions (particularly in South Asia), their religious affiliation is generally Sunni.
Primary Denomination
- Majority: The overwhelming majority of individuals identifying as Qureshi adhere to Sunni Islam.
- Geographical Distribution: Sunni Qureshis are found widely in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and other parts of the Middle East.
Shia Minority
- Presence: While less common, there are communities and families within the Qureshi identity who are Shia.
- Origin of Shia Affiliation: As noted, these Shia Qureshis are often individuals or descendants of those who were originally Sunni Qureshis and subsequently converted to Shia Islam. This indicates that the Shia identity among Qureshis is more often a result of religious conversion than a historical tribal split.
Summary Table
| Denomination | Proportion | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Sunni | Majority | Historical tribal affiliation |
| Shia | Minority | Conversion from Sunni Islam over time |
In essence, while the historical and predominant identity of the Qureshi community is Sunni, the religious landscape allows for individuals or groups within this identity to adopt other Islamic affiliations, such as Shia Islam, often through personal or familial conversion.
