Islam in Nepal

Islam in Nepal is the third largest religion in the country. Many people in Nepal follow Islam, and it is an important part of the culture and history there. According to the 2021 Nepal census, about 1.483 million Muslims live in Nepal. The Muslim community in Nepal has a long history and helps make the country’s society vibrant and varied. They celebrate festivals, build mosques, and live together with people of other faiths.

Demographics

Main article: Nepalese Muslims

According to the 2021 Nepal census, there are around 1.483 million Muslims in Nepal. Most of them live in the Terai region. Some districts with many Muslims are: Rautahat, Banke, Kapilvastu, Parsa, Mahottari, Bara, and Sunsari. In the capital city of Kathmandu, there are only 26,339 Muslims. This is about 1.29% of the city's population.

Early Islam in Nepal

Islam came to Nepal as early as the 11th century through traders and people moving from Kashmir, Tibet, and Northern India. The first Muslim people to settle in Nepal were mainly Kashmiri traders who lived in the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the Terai region.

During the time of the Malla kings and later under the Rana regime, more Muslims arrived, working as craftspeople, making tools, and trading goods. After big events like the Indian Rebellion of 1857, many people from northern India came to Nepal and were allowed to live there.

Muslims have been part of Nepalese life, working in important jobs and sharing their skills. Today, you can still see this history in old places, mosques, and family histories in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and the Eastern Terai areas.

Ahmadis also have a small group in Nepal.

The number of Muslims in Nepal grew from 2011 to 2021.

Islam is growing quickly in Nepal.

Decadal percentage of Muslims in Nepal

Year	Percent	Increase
1952/54	2.54%
1961	2.98%	+0.44%
1971	3.04%	+0.06%
1981	2.66%	-0.38%
1991	3.53%	+0.87%
2001	4.20%	+0.67%
2011	4.39%	+0.19%
2021	5.09%	+0.70%