The Momna (Momin), also spelled Mumna or Momina, are a Muslim community originating in the state of Gujarat in India. Historically tied to the Satpanthi Ismaili tradition, the Momna trace their descent from several Hindu castesâÂÂparticularly the PatidarâÂÂwho converted to Islam through Ismaili Shia missionaries. Over centuries, the Momna experienced persecution, shifts in religious alignment, and widespread migration, which led to the emergence of distinct religious subgroups as well as a sizable global diaspora.
The Momna communityâÂÂs origins lie in the fifteenth-century Satpanthi Ismaili movement shaped by religious figures such as Imam al-Din (Imamshah). Early Ismaili missionaries such as Pir Satgur Noor and Pir Tajdin converted agrarian and artisan communities in northern Gujarat, particularly around Sidhpur, Patan, and Mehsana.
During the reign of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Ismaili Momnas faced prolonged persecution. Many practiced taqiyyah (religious dissimulation), externally adopting Sunni customs to avoid harassment. Over time, parts of the community drifted away from their original Ismaili identity. Those who remained are referred to as âÂÂthe Momnas of the old faithâ (junàdharma nàmoman) or , while those who assimilated into Sunni Islam became known as âÂÂ<bdi>Chiliya</bdi><bdi>sâ or</bdi> âÂÂthe Momnas of the new faithâ (navàdharma nàmoman).
Within the Ismaili Momna subgroup, community identity developed around clan-based surnames derived from ancestral villages, occupations, or shared lineage. Common Momna surnames include: Maknojia, Charolia, Maredia, Prasla, Sunesara, Karedia, Kadiwal, Ali, Umatiya, Dholasaniya, Manesia, Dhuka, Karowadia, and Badarpura. These names remain widespread in India and across the global Ismaili Momna diaspora.
The Momna community is now divided into three endogamous religious groups:
Historically, the Momna community relied on agriculture and weaving, and many early migrants to urban centers in India worked as taxi drivers and in small restaurants. Over time, economic mobility, led to a wide diversification of occupations.
In their diaspora communities, particularly in the United States, Canada, and East Africa, Momnas have expanded into a broad range of sectors. Many transitioned from entry-level service jobs into ownership of:
These shifts reflect significant socio-economic growth and entrepreneurial expansion within the community.
Momna professionals are also active in corporate sectors, finance, engineering, information technology, healthcare, and the medical field, demonstrating increasing educational attainment and integration into mainstream economies.