Remembering Muslim and South Asian Contributions on Remembrance Day

Today, on Remembrance Day (11th November), we pause to honour the courage and sacrifice of all those who gave their lives in the two World Wars.

Among them were millions from South Asia, including hundreds of thousands of Muslims, whose bravery is too often forgotten in our shared history.

During World War I, around 1.3 million men from the Indian subcontinent served in the British Indian Army, with over 400,000 of them Muslims. More than 74,000 never returned home.

In World War II, over 2.5 million South Asian soldiers volunteered, the largest volunteer army in history with tens of thousands of Muslims among them. Around 87,000 gave their lives, and over 150,000 were wounded or captured.

They prayed in the trenches, carried their Qurans, and upheld their faith amid unimaginable hardship. Their graves across Europe, Africa, and Asia stand as silent witnesses to their loyalty and courage.

Today, we remember all who served and sacrificed and we also honour the diversity of that sacrifice, reminding us that courage and humanity know no boundaries of faith or race.

“Whoever saves one life, it is as if he has saved all mankind.” (Qur’an 5:32)

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