<P> The non-Ashrafs are categorized as Ajlaf . The untouchable Hindu converts are also categorized as Arzal ("degraded"). They are relegated to menial professions such as scavenging and carrying night soil . </P> <P> In Pakistan, various social groups (called quoms) display a social stratification comparable to the Hindu caste system . The various quoms differ widely in power, privilege and wealth . Both ethnic affiliation (e.g. Pathan, Sindhi, Baloch, Punjabi, etc .) and membership of specific biraderis or zaat / quoms are additional integral components of social identity . Within the bounds of endogamy defined by the above parameters, close consanguineous unions are preferred due to a congruence of key features of group - and individual - level background factors as well as affinities . McKim Marriott adds that a social stratification that is hierarchical, closed, endogamous and hereditary is widely prevalent, particularly in western parts of Pakistan . </P> <P> Over the centuries, like other South Asian societies, the Muslim society in the region has evolved into the concept of caste purity and pollution . Hence, the low - class (Ajlaf) Muslims in the region have faced other kinds of discrimination . Though religiously, prayer is offered generally in the same mosque, however in the recent years, separate mosques have been enacted by the "untouchable" Muslims against the rest, similar to what Indian Christians have in South India . In 20th century India, the upper - class (Ashraf) Muslims dominated the government jobs and parliamentary representation . As a result, there have been campaigns to include the Muslim untouchable and lower castes among the groups eligible for affirmative action in India under SC and STs provision act . </P> <P> In Bihar state of India, cases have been reported in which the higher caste Muslims have opposed the burials of lower caste Muslims in the same graveyard . </P>

How many sub caste are there in muslim