‘Musalli’ is a term for a Dalit Muslim. It has its origins in the Arabic word ‘musalla’, which refers to the open space outside a mosque for offering prayers. Thus, literally, a musalli is one who prays. Some Dalit Muslims see the term as derogatory, and prefer the descriptor ‘Muslim Sheikh’. The Arabic-origin word ‘haq’ refers to ‘truth’, and also ‘rights’. Thus, the title can be translated variously as, “The Musalli’s Truth”, “The Rights of Musallis”, or “A Musalli Manifesto”, keeping in mind the vast significations that attach to ‘haq/ حق’ in progressive imaginaries.

Although dominant Islam in South Asia claims to be ‘caste free’, describing untouchability and caste as practices that adhere to Hinduism, the category of ‘musalli’ clearly points to another reality. The same is true for Sikhism – Dalit Sikhs are referred to as ‘Mazhabi Sikhs’. Sahotra’s choice of the term ‘musalli’ over other common terms that mark Untouchability points to his critique of state-sanctioned, dominant Sunni Islam in Pakistan. The title highlights how dominant religion in South Asian is rooted in caste oppression – be it Islam, Hinduism, Sikhism, or Christianity.