Jamia Nagar is named after the prestigious central university Jamia Millia Islamia. The Muslim presence here is fascinating. A lot of Muslim organizations, institutions, madrasas, mosques, business outlets are based in Jamia Nagar. A galaxy of Muslims personalities resides in this one of the largest ghettos of Muslims in India.
Jamia Nagar is congested but with all signs of modernity. Its residents comprise of Islamic scholars, intellectuals, journalists, doctors, engineers, finance professionals and university professors. Its narrow lanes boast of the latest models of cars and bikes.
Religiosity of Indians Muslims here is manifested in existence of many mosques, some multi-storeyed with beautiful architecture; some have attached madrassa providing religious education to the young. There are mosques built by Muslim sects like Deobandi, Barelvi and Ahl-e-Hadees.
Outside the mosques, there are shops and shops. Jamia Nagar’s market offers matching quality and prices like other better-known markets of Delhi. No wonder many here like to shop in Jamia Nagar.
Even though most shops are small businesses, some business chains have opened their outlets. About half a dozen shops of grocery chain 6-Ten do brisk business in Jamia Nagar. Aggarwal Sweets, a popular chain in Delhi, has also set up a shop here.
Jamia Nagar’s population overwhelmingly consists of students. This is due to the proximity of Jamia Millia Islamia University, which gave this area its name.
There are a number of institutes in Jamia Nagar that offer computer classes, courses in spoken English and help prepare students for competitive exams. This is apparent from a look at various posters on the walls all around Jamia Nagar. Most of them are advertisements for schools as well as educational and coaching institutes.
Jamia Nagar houses the cream of Muslims of Delhi. It has the national headquarters and offices of many Muslim organizations such as All India Muslim Personal Law Board, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, All India Milli Council and the All India United Muslim Morcha.
The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, with its huge campus housing its various organizations, is in Abul Fazal Enclave.
Most residents of Jamia Nagar are from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. They are modern in outlook but also rooted in their religion. On the streets one can find Muslims with long beards and women in burqa as well as men and women sporting the latest fashion available in India.
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