Loving Muslims Through Prayer | www.30-days.net » Muslim peoples in South Central Asia Category http://www.30-days.net/muslims 107 Muslim countries, people groups and cities we pray for Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:07:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= Pakistan Muslims - insights into: http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/pakistan/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/pakistan/#comments Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:38:51 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/pakistan/ Pray for flood victims in Pakistan!
  • Flooding was and continues to be a huge disaster. It is important to pray.
  • Millions of people affected.
  • Food and disease problems take a huge toll, even years later.
  • It will be less if people pray.
Pakistan means, "Land of the Pure" or "The Holy Land".


Formed in 1947 as a homeland for the Muslims of the Indian sub-continent, its primary identity is religious rather than ethnic or historical. The largest single ethnic group are the Punjabis (80 million) from the rich agricultural province of Punjab, but the Pushtun, Baluch and Sindhi communities are also significant in size and influence. Urdu, the national language, is the mother tongue of only a minority of peoples within the nation.

This diversity is at the root of growing tensions within Pakistan and in recent years it has resulted in rising levels of both ethnic and sectarian (especially Sunni vs. Shia) violence. The inability of the various groups to live together in peace under the banner of Islam has caused many to question the ideological basis of the country. This was especially seen in the subdued way in which people commemorated 50 years of independence in 1997.

Bondages in Pakistan

The dissatisfaction with what Pakistan has become; e.g. rampant corruption, drug addiction and violence in "the land of the pure", has opened the door for Islamic fundamentalists to offer their solution to the social problems through an Islamic revolution. This has tended to make the already beleaguered Christian minority even more apprehensive. Yet despite of the growing influence of fundamentalism, Pakistanis today, especially the educated, are more open to consider other options than at any time since the formation of the country.

Religiously, Islam in Pakistan venerates the person of Mohammed to an extent that comes close to the Islamic definition of idolatry. The "blasphemy law", which forbids demeaning God or his prophets, has been used predominantly as a means to settle scores, both against other Muslims and against minorities, including Christians. Yet under the surface of official Islam there lies a world of bondage to charms, spirits and the "evil eye".

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Flag of Pakistan

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Map of Pakistan

Pray for the Muslims in Pakistan:

* Pray that the growing undercurrents of dissatisfaction will not erupt into widespread violence but open their hearts to new options, especially the Gospel.

* Pray for the Pakistani church, historically small, weak and divided, to be renewed and set on fire with a vision for ministry to their neighbours. Pray for literature and other resources to be produced in the heart languages of the people.

* Pray that the power of folk-Islam, including the power of charms, curses and amulets, would be broken and that people would be free to respond to the Gospel.

Background on Pakistan (World Factbook)

The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world and dating back at least 5,000 years, spread over much of what is presently Pakistan. During the second millennium B.C., remnants of this culture fused with the migrating Indo-Aryan peoples.

The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - in which India capitalized on Islamabad's marginalization of Bengalis in Pakistani politics - resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. In response to Indian nuclear weapons testing, Pakistan conducted its own tests in 1998. The dispute over the state of Kashmir is ongoing, but discussions and confidence-building measures have led to decreased tensions.

Economy of Pakistan

Pakistan, an impoverished and underdeveloped country, has suffered from decades of internal political disputes, low levels of foreign investment, and a costly, ongoing confrontation with neighboring India. Record floods in July-August 2010 lowered agricultural output and contributed to a jump in inflation, and reconstruction costs will strain the limited resources of the government. Textiles account for most of Pakistan's export earnings.

About Pakistan

Population: 187,342,721 (June 2011 est.) World rank #6

Life Expectancy at Birth: 65.99 years. World rank #166

Ethnic Groups: Punjabi 44.68%, Pashtun (Pathan) 15.42%, Sindhi 14.1%, Sariaki 8.38%, Muhagirs 7.57%, Balochi 3.57%, other 6.28%

Religions: Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 5%

Languages: Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki (a Punjabi variant) 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Balochi 3%, Hindko 2%, Brahui 1%, English (official; lingua franca of Pakistani elite and most government ministries), Burushaski and other 8%

Literacy: 49.9% -- Male: 63%, Female: 36%

School life expectancy: 7 years

People and Power - Pakistan Video

A report from Baluchistan, where nationalists struggle for greater control over their region's natural resources

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/pakistan/feed/ 14 Tablighi Jamaat in Bangladesh http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/tablighi-jamaat-in-bangladesh/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/tablighi-jamaat-in-bangladesh/#comments Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:14:28 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/?p=2362 tablighi-bangladesh-30-days-net

Islam’s Largest Missional Group

In recent years three to five million Muslims made their way to Tongi, just north of Dhaka, where the Bangladeshi government has set aside 160 acres (0.65km2) for an annual event. They came from over 80 countries for a three-day "Ijtema" meaning “gathering.” After the Hajj, this is the biggest worldwide Islamic gathering. The 'Bishwa Ijtema' (global gathering) is sponsored by the Tablighi Jamaat movement (the society for spreading faith).

70 to 80 Million

The gathering focuses on prayers and meditation. "Political discussion is not allowed at the gathering" claim the Tablighi Jamaat. Often referred to simply as TJ, the Tablighi Jamaat are the largest missional Muslim group worldwide (In Africa, North America, Europe, Asia and elsewhere). There are no exact figures on the numbers of TJ followers, but estimates put the number at 70 to 80 million people making it officially the largest single movement within Islam.

Isolation

The Tablighi Jamaat focuses attention on “correcting” Muslim practice and doctrine. Part of that involves isolation from non-Muslims. “We tell our brothers and sisters living in secular societies that mixing with non-Muslims makes them weak Muslims,” says Naeem, a spokesperson in Canada. “We tell them to separate, to build their own schools and spend their time with other Muslims. This is the only way to battle the forces of secularism.”

Success

The TJ have become hugely successful, partially since one of their six “Steps” requires that followers go away in groups for days or weeks at a time spend time rejuvenating their own faith. They are also involved in talking to other Muslims to increase religious practice. They are criticised by some Islamic groups as an exclusive sect “whose teaching exclude all other Muslims who do not follow its peculiar definition of what it means to convey the message of Islam.

Winning Locals of Bangladesh

The TJ are self-professed pacifists who tend to stay off the Internet and away from the cameras. But their message has been very successful in places like Bangladesh, where natural disasters and conflicts have forced tens of thousands into refugee camps. “They are the only ones helping people,” says Anwar. “The government has done nothing, but the religious groups have been there since the beginning. They are winning over the local people.”

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Flag of Bangladesh

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Map of Bangladesh

Prayer Starters:

  • As the TJ members move throughout the world, pray they will meet Christians who will reflect the life and love of the Messiah to them. (Col. 4:3, Ps 9:20)
  • Pray for Bangladesh, a country which is about 85% Muslim, and which suffers more than most in the world. Serious overpopulation, widespread poverty, and catastrophes including flooding, cyclones and famine have touched the country strongly. God is opening the hearts of Muslims to respond to the Gospel (See Acts 16:13-14).
  • Pray that strong congregations can be established as God is working in the nation. Cross centred discipleship of those interested in the Messiah is needed.
Listen to the Podcast - DAY 30 - Tablighi Jamaat in Bangladesh

Video: Shots from Bangladesh (6:00)

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/tablighi-jamaat-in-bangladesh/feed/ 2 Qizilbash of Afghanistan http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/qizilbash-of-afghanistan/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/qizilbash-of-afghanistan/#comments Sun, 28 Aug 2011 01:08:22 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/?p=2358 qizilbash-afghanistan-30-days-net| · Language: Dari
| · Population: 316,000

The name Qizilbash, which is Turkish for “Red Heads,” is given to a wide variety of Shi’ite militant groups who helped found the Safavid Dynasty of Iran (1501-1722). Their name is derived from their distinct headwear, with twelve points indicating their adherence to the “Twelver” branch of Shi’ite Islam (the main Shi’ite group). The Qizilbash in Afghanistan are descendants of troops left behind by Nadir Shah during his ‘Indian campaign’ in 1738.

Politically Influential

They held important posts in government offices in the past, and today they engage in trade or are craftsmen. As Persian-speaking Shi’ite Muslims, they constitute an important and politically influential element of society in the nation of Afghanistan. Exact population figures are hard to come by because they have taken a dual religious identity (called taqiyya) due to persecution from Sunni Muslims. There are no known believers among the Qizilbash.

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Flag of Afghanistan

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Map of Afghanistan

Prayer Starters:

  • Worship the Lord in song. Proclaim Jesus sovereignty to the ends of the earth using Psalm 72:5-8, 12-14 (Think of the poverty and violence of Afghanistan).
  • Pray for open doors into the lives of the Qizilbash in order that believers might find opportunities to share Jesus with them.
Qizilbash

Qizilbash

  • Pray for workers from among the Afghani believers to minister to the Qizilbash.
  • There are very few Gospel resources in their language. There is a complete Bible (also in audio format) since 2008 in Dari, but few people have it.
  • Pray with compassion: He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd ... (Mark 6:34). The Afghans have been through a series of terrible wars.

Information from Frontiers

Who are the Shi’as (Shi’ites )?

The first three caliphs (successors) of Mohammed were chosen from the larger Muslim community. The fourth one was Ali, Mohammed’s nephew and son-in-law who had been married to Mohammed’s daughter Fatima many years before. Ali was able to maintain his position briefly before he was murdered in AD 661. The Shi’as believe that the rightful rulers of the Muslim community worldwide were actually Ali and his eleven descendants through Mohammed’s grandson Hussein who died as a martyr in Iraq in AD 680.

A majority of Shi’as believe that Hussein’s line of succession continued till his descendant Mohammed al-Mahdi, the twelfth “rightly guided Imam,” mysteriously disappeared beginning in AD 874 at the age of five. He was supposedly accessible to certain people till AD 941. After that the Shi’a hope for ruling the Muslim community was totally transferred to the unseen world from which a hidden spiritual guide – called the Hidden Imam (leader) or Mahdi (the one who guides), will eventually return.

Sunni–Shia strife has seen a major increase recently, particularly in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq. The Sunni Taliban's clash with Shia Afghans which is strongly intertwined with Shia–Sunni strife in Pakistan. Across the region the divide between Sunni and Shia plays a big part in the future of countries choosing sides with Iran and Saudi Arabia. When the Arab Spring is over several countries will be forced to make choices and take sides. It's complicated.

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 29 - The Qizilbash of Afghanistan
Video: The Sunni - Shiite Conflict and the Middle East (16:20)

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/qizilbash-of-afghanistan/feed/ 3 An Isolated Muslim Subsect in India http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/muslim-subsect-india/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/muslim-subsect-india/#comments Sat, 13 Aug 2011 23:47:19 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/?p=2315 surat-india-30-days-netWorldwide there is an isolated subsect among Muslims called the Dawoodi Bohra. They number about one million. Because of persecution from Sunni Muslims they are a very tight-knit community.

They reside in India, Pakistan, the Middle East, East Africa and the Western Indian state of Gujarat. In India the Dawoodi Bohras are recognisable by their dress: men wear beards and white gold-rimmed caps with long white kurtas, and women wear colourful, embroidered two-piece bhurkas.

Concentrated in India

Surat, in Gujarat State, India is typically known as the capital city for Dawoodi Bohras. Situated on the banks of river Tapi, the ancient port city of Surat is renowned for its fine silks, exquisite brocades, and spice trade. Surat was one of the most prosperous cities of India in the 17th and 18th centuries. The East India Company established its first warehouses in Surat in 1612. The word “Bohra” is derived from the Gujarati “vohorvu,” meaning “to trade.” Most Bohras are merchants in different arena of business.

About the City of Surat

The state of Gujarat has faced natural calamities such as droughts, cyclones, floods and earthquakes in the last decade. Surat was greatly affected by the earthquake and flood that destroyed so much of Gujarat, and has experienced communal riots several times. Surat is a volatile city -- tensions between Hindus and Muslims are known to flare frequently in this area. Riots take place on the slightest pretext, properties are destroyed, and lives are taken without any qualms or pretense. Still, Surat is also called the fastest growing city in India.

The Bohras University

Surat is a very significant city to the Dawoodi Bohras since it is where all the religious workers for the Bohras are training for ministry. There is a well known Bohras university specifically equipped for this purpose in Surat. Top students come from all over the com-munity and it is an honour to be selected and trained in this university. The Bohras community is set apart, isolated and unreached for the Gospel. For a few years a team has been praying and asking the Lord for people to be released to reach out to the Bohras and the Muslims of Surat. At the moment very little work is being done to proclaim the Messiah among the Bohras and the Muslims of Surat. Surat is a city badly in need of the light of the Gospel. May peacemakers sow a harvest of righteousness among the Muslims of Surat.

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Flag of India

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Map of India

Prayer Starters:

  • Worship the Lord our provider, Jehovah Jireh (Gen. 22:14). Pray against the spirit of materialism that permeates the lives of Bohras. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself as the Perfect Provider.
  • Pray that God would move supernaturally among the Bohras in Surat. Pray that they would receive dreams and visions of the Living God.
  • Ask the Lord of the harvest for more workers to come and live amongst the Bohras in Surat. Pray for wisdom for the leaders. Pray that the right people would join the work.
  • Pray for an attitude of humility among the Bohras.
  • Pray that the Prince of Peace would calm the tensions between Muslims and Hindus in Gujarat. Both will need to learn the way of peace.
  • Pray for new business approach to the community.
Listen to the Podcast - DAY 15 - Praying for the Bohras in India
Video: Surat in Gujarat, India (Surat's Industrial Rise (4:25)


Surat's Industrial Rise from kevin sieff on Vimeo.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/muslim-subsect-india/feed/ 3 The Pakistan Floods http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/the-pakistan-floods/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/the-pakistan-floods/#comments Sat, 13 Aug 2011 00:07:13 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/?p=2311 pakistan-floods-rescue-30-days-netPakistan’s worst natural disaster in July and August 2010 was described as a “slow-motion tsunami.” The catastrophe rendered five million Pakistanis homeless and over 1,600 dead. Over 20 million needed humanitarian assistance -- food, shelter and emergency care.

One-fifth of Pakistan was under water. Outbreaks of cholera and dysentery caused deadly waterborne diseases. The number of people reported to be suffering from acute diarrhea was in the hundreds of thousands.

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Opportunities

Yet this disaster opened opportunities to show God’s love to the Pakistani people and serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Many recognised that the help was from local Christians. One Pakistani district official commented, "I appreciate the efforts of Christian people; you always step in first to help in times of need and serve without any greed."

At the end of one distribution, a man from a local village said to Christian workers, "I’d never met any Christians in my life. This is my first chance to see a Christian; but you look like us.” The team member told him that they follow Isa (Jesus). The man replied, “No person from my faith came to help us, but you came from a distant place. Surely you are true followers of Isa" (the Islamic name for Jesus). Another man said after working alongside a team for one month, "There is no salvation without Isa Masih (Jesus the Messiah)." He had been seeking the truth for two years.
pakistan-after-rescue-30-days-net

Not All Good News

However, it was not all good news in Pakistan. According to one leader, "Some Christian refugees were openly denied aid, while others are told to leave or convert to Islam. You can imagine that terrible choice: either you abandon your faith or you cannot feed your child."

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Flag of Pakistan

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Map of Pakistan

Prayer Ideas:

  • Pray for the long-term recovery work across Pakistan. Pray for all the flood victims -- the bereaved, the injured, and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Many have lost wealth, homes and businesses built up over generations. Pray that all will find adequate shelter, clean water and food. They need the hope that comes from God’s promises.
  • Pray for Christians in Pakistan, the majority of whom are desperately poor. May they know the comfort and provision of their heavenly Father.
  • Pray for the many new believers who came to know the Messiah during the floods. They need discipleship and to understand the love of God the Father and the Messiah.
  • Pray for the many believers who seek to bring hope, life and peace in difficult circumstances.
Listen to the Podcast - DAY 14 - The Pakistan Floods
Video: Unprecedented Flooding in Pakistan (3:57)

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/the-pakistan-floods/feed/ 5 Balrampur, India http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/balrampur-india/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/balrampur-india/#comments Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:38:55 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/?p=2301 muharram-festival-india-30-days-net

The Annual Muslim Mourning on Muharam Festival

The annual Muslim Mourning on Muharam festival is famous along with the self-flagellation by the devout -- many families originally belonging to the district of Balrampur in India return each year to celebrate with their relatives. There are mosques in every village in this district, but no churches to be found. The Muslims and Hindus of Balrampur live in relative harmony and friendship.

The "Mourning of Muharram" is an important festive period of mourning in Shia Islam, taking place in Muharram which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. It is interesting that a Shia Hadith (traditional saying of the prophet Muhammad) says, "Once when he happened to pass by Karbala (a holy city for Shiite Muslims), Isa (Jesus) sat down and began to weep. His disciples who were observing him, followed suit and began weeping too, but not comprehending the reason for this behaviour, they asked him: "O' Spirit of God! What is it that makes you weep?" Isa (Jesus) said: "Do you know what land this is?" The disciples replied: "No." He then said: "This is the land on which the son of the Prophet Muhammad shall be killed."

Flooding in Balrampur, India

The district of Balrampur is located in northern India in the state of Uttar Pradesh, adjoining Nepal. The three main towns found in the district are Balrampur, Utraula, and Tulsipur (see all on Wikipedia). The main river flowing through the district, the Rapti, is notorious for annual flooding, bringing much hardship to the people living on its banks. Less than 10 per cent of the population have large land holdings while 90 per cent are subsistence farmers with small land holdings, or agricultural labourers. The majority of inhabitants are illiterate. Presently, the land is unable to sustain the population and many people migrate to other cities in India such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.

The Needs in Balrampur, India

Few workers are focusing their efforts on the Islamic community and unfortunately the efforts are not sufficient for this largely unreached area. The main languages spoken in Balrampur are rustic dialects of Hindi known as Dehati and Urdu. It is estimated that over 40 per cent of the district is Muslim, and possibly 60 per cent is Hindu, with very few Messianic believers.

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Flag of India

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Map of India

Prayer Starters:

  • Pray that God will send well equipped believers who can speak the local languages to work in Balrampur.
  • Pray that God will open hearts to receive the Gospel, especially in the major towns listed above and in the numerous villages.
  • Pray for the seekers currently enrolled in the Bible correspondence course. Some students have indicated that they are ready to believe in the Messiah.
  • Pray for the safety of the believers, as well as the safety of future disciples.
Listen to the Podcast - DAY 10 - Reaching India's Unreached in Balrampur, India
Video: Sights and Sounds of North India (3:51)


2011 - North India from Jean-Charles Vanderlinden on Vimeo.

(Attribution: Photo thanks to Muhammadhani

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/balrampur-india/feed/ 8 Awan of India http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/india-awan-people/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/india-awan-people/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:09:57 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/?p=2298 taj-mahal-indiaThe Awan are an Urdu speaking people who number over 600,000 in India. The majority of Awans claim that they are descended from Qutb Shah, a general in the army of Mahmud of Ghazni, who was a descendant of Mohammed’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

The Awans have a strong martial tradition and are renowned for their bravery. They were among those the British considered to be ‘martial races’ (a designation created by officials of British India to describe peoples that were thought to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle and to possess qualities such as courage, loyalty, self-sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, and fighting tenacity).

The British recruited heavily from these ‘martial races’ for service in the colonial army, and they formed part of the core Muslim group recruited during the First and Second World Wars.

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Flag of India

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Map of India

Prayer Starters:

  • Proclaim that the Lord is the Lord of Hosts (armies) over the Awan and that they should obey Him (Ps. 103:19-22). Pray for liberation from the chains of the enemy.
  • Ask God to reveal Himself to the Awan through dreams, visions and other manifestations (Ps. 103:2-3).
  • Pray for labourers to proclaim the Messiah among the Awan.

(Article based on material from Frontiers.)

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 09 - Awan Peoples of India
Video: Joyce Meyer in India (2:42)


India: 2010 from Joyce Meyer Ministries on Vimeo.

Islamic ideas about Jesus

  • Jesus was conceived miraculously by God in the womb of the virgin Mary.
  • Jesus is only a prophet, he is not divine (not the Son of God, not God in the flesh).
  • Muslims even believe that Jesus even spoke as an infant saying that he was a prophet.
  • According to Islam Jesus was actually a good Muslim and he taught an earlier form of Islam to the Jewish people. One can find a Muslim account of the life of Jesus in the so called “Gospel of Barnabas.” This document was probably come to be in its present form in the 14th - 16th centuries AD. It may have even been written at that time.
  • Jesus will come again one day, he will marry, he will have children. He will correct the errors which Christians have said about him. He will die, he will be buried in Medina and be judged like all men at the Last Judgement.
  • Jesus is not the Judge of mankind.

What God Says

Jesus, the Messiah, resurrected from the dead, the ruler of the kings of the earth ... has released us from our sins by His blood. (Revelation 1:5)

(Attribution: Photo of Taj Mahal via Wikipedia)

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/india/india-awan-people/feed/ 4 Kolai People of Pakistan http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/kolai-people-of-pakistan/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/kolai-people-of-pakistan/#comments Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:10:05 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/?p=2287 kolai-people-pakistan-30-days-net| · Be Among the First to Pray for this Group

Northern Pakistan, bordered by China to the north, Afghanistan to the northwest, and India to the east, has some of the most breathtaking sights in the world. It is there, nestled between five of the world’s highest mountain peaks, that Pakistan’s northern tribes can be found.

The Kolai Tribe

Numbering around 410,000, the Kolai are one of those tribes (last year we prayed for the Kho people).

Most people in this region work as farmers and shepherds. The northern tribes are isolated by mountain ranges and political borders. Many of the Kolai have various health problems due to poor water quality and poor nutrition. Drinkable water, sewage disposal, and drainage facilities are available for less than 8% of the population.

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Flag of Pakistan

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Map of Pakistan

What They Believe

Today, the vast majority of the people are Sunni (orthodox) Muslim, and some also practice shamanism. They believe that there is an unseen world of demons, fairies, and ancestral spirits, so they depend on shamans to cure the sick, communicate with the spirits, and control events.

Prayer Starters:

  • Worship the Lord as the only true Deliverer from the power of sin, death and demons. Proclaim Jesus as the true Lord of the Kolai villages and towns.
    Pray that the Kolai would extend favour to those who bring the Gospel.
  • Ask the Lord to raise up labourers who can effectively deal with the significant spiritual forces at work in the Kolai area (Mark 6:13, Acts 10:38).
  • People are needed to help with sanitation and nutritional issues as well.
Listen to the Podcast - DAY 06 - Kolai People of Pakistan
Video: Interview with Pakistani Pastor (2:51)


House Churches & Persecution from Jeff Powell on Vimeo.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/kolai-people-of-pakistan/feed/ 10 Pray for Muslims of the Maldive Islands http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/maldives/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/maldives/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:33:31 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/maldives/ maldives-pray-30-days-net| · Maldives - Just Above Sea Level

The Maldive Republic in the Indian Ocean is a chain of 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls covering 300 km2. The larger Maldive Islands have an average size of about 1 km2 and are only 1 or 2 metres above sea level. The population is about 350,000 people (200 inhabited islands, plus 80 islands with tourist resorts). The population remains almost totally indigenous except for seven percent who are of mixed foreign descent.

The Tsunami

Tourism is the Maldives' largest industry. Over 90 per cent of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is the second largest economic activity. The Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004 left more than 100 dead, 12,000 displaced, and property damage exceeding US$300 million.

All Maldivians are required to be Muslim culturally and legally under threat of life imprisonment. The practice of any other religion and of missionary work is forbidden. Yet materialism, fear and "black magic" abound. Also the islands have the highest divorce rate in the world, and approximately 70 per cent of young men on the main island called Male are addicted to drugs.

Christians Were Imprisoned and Tortured

Only a few Maldivian people have come to faith in Christ in recent years, and some have suffered imprisonment and torture. Yet, owing to the importance of the tourism industry, Christians may still have an inroad for the gospel. Portions of the New Testament exist in the local language, Dhivehi. Gospel radio programmes have been broadcast since 1998 despite all efforts to stop them. In the 1990s the government cracked down on non-Islamic religions. Christians were imprisoned and even tortured, though international attention and pressure secured their release. Maldivian Christians are still being closely watched and are unable to meet together openly. They often suffer loss of family, jobs, public reputation, etc.

One Christian has recently seen three or four Muslims come to faith and another was able to baptise one person. On the same island two people have had dreams about Jesus and they want to know more about Christ. A visitor to the Maldives has said, "It was really weird to be in a country where it is against the law to be a Christian. There weren't any signs of anything Christian. There is not a single church or anyone wearing a cross. There were no Bibles, if you can imagine." In spite of the absence of man-made evidence of God's presence in the islands, you can be sure that He is there. He remembers his promise to Abraham to bless all the peoples of the earth (Gen 12).

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Flag of Maldives

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Maldives Map

Prayer requests for the Maldives:

* Pray that God will reveal Himself in the Maldives through dreams, visions, radio broadcasts, cassettes, and witnessing.

* Pray for the strengthening of the faith of the Maldivian Christians, though they be scattered and in hiding.

* Pray for the financial well-being of Maldivian believers who have suffered material loss owing to their faith.

* Pray that Maldivian Muslims will see the good deeds of Christians and glorify the one and only True God (1 Pet 2:12).

* Pray for the completion of the Bible translation in Dhivehi.

* Pray for the authorities in the Maldives (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

Background on Maldives (World Factbook)

The Maldives was long a sultanate, first under Dutch and then under British protection. It became a republic in 1968, three years after independence. Since 1978, President Maumoon Abdul GAYOOM - currently in his sixth term in office - has dominated the islands' political scene. Following riots in the capital Male in August 2004, the president and his government have pledged to embark upon democratic reforms, including a more representative political system and expanded political freedoms. Tourism and fishing are being developed on the archipelago. Maldives officials have played a prominent role in the international climate change discussion (due to the islands' low elevation and the threat from sea-level rise)

Economy of Maldives

Tourism, Maldives' largest industry, accounts for 28% of GDP and more than 60% of the Maldives' foreign exchange receipts. Over 90% of government tax revenue comes from import duties and tourism-related taxes. Fishing is a second leading sector. Maldivian authorities worry about the impact of erosion and possible global warming on their low-lying country; 80% of the area is one meter or less above sea level.

About the Maldives

Population: 394,999 (July 2011 est.) World rank #175

Life Expectancy at Birth: 74.45 years. World rank #100

Ethnic groups: South Indians, Sinhalese, Arabs

Religions: Sunni Muslim

Languages: Maldivian Dhivehi (dialect of Sinhala, script derived from Arabic), English spoken by most government officials

Literacy: 96.3% -- Male: 96.2%, Female: 96.4%

School life expectancy: 12 years

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/maldives/feed/ 4 Sri Lanka Muslims and Islamic Fundamentalism http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/sri-lanka/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/sri-lanka/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:26:12 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/sri-lanka/ colombo-sri-lanka-30-days-netLakshman realised that his traditional Hindu faith was not giving him the answers he needed. He began searching for someone who could tell him about the one true God who created the heaven and earth. Lakshman was looking for the Almighty God who could show him the straight path. While visiting a mosque with a friend he decided that he could find the truth among those attending the mosque. He changed his name and became a Muslim.

Historically, Sri Lankan Muslims increased in numbers mostly through immigration, however, now there are many conversions among native Sri Lankans. These converts are coming from the traditional Tamil Hindu and Roman Catholic communities. Tamil newspapers contain the names of converts on an almost daily basis.

Long-Term Observation in Sri Lanka

The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has a total population of 19 million, made up of mostly Buddhists. Muslims account for between seven and eight percent of the population. A revival of Islamic fundamentalism is occurring in the country and orthodox Islamic teaching is on the increase. Generally, there is one mosque per 20 to 30 Muslim families. Long-term observers have noticed a marked increase in the number of women observing purdah (the traditional Islamic dress code), which is a relatively new phenomenon in the area.

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Sri Lanka Flag

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Map of Sri Lanka

Today in Sri Lanka

Currently there are only a few known Christian workers among the 1.2 million Muslims of Sri Lanka. Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send labourers to this tropical country. Pray that the Sri Lankan churches will catch the vision to reach out to the many Muslims in their communities. A project is under way to translate more of the Scripture into the Tamil dialect used by most of the Muslims. Ask for wisdom for the translators, printers and distributors of this resource. Just as translators need to be able to communicate well in two languages, graphic artists need inspiration to get their message across. In addition the means and attitudes used in literature distribution can sometimes determine if it will be read. A Radio broadcast targeting the Sri Lankan Muslims began in 2003. Pray that these Gospel broadcasts will have a broad audience and that some Christians will be ready and able to help those who respond to the broadcasts.

Pray for the Muslims of Sri Lanka:

* Pray for an effective planting of the Gospel seed in the lives of the Muslims of Sri Lanka.

* Pray that Sri Lankan Christians take every opportunity to share of their Faith in Christ with the Muslims.

* Pray for a release of labourers to serve in this great country.

* Pray for Indian churches to send out evangelists and people who are motivated to work especially among the poor Sri Lankan Muslims.

* Ask God to reveal Himself supernaturally to these Muslim communities, and that their hearts would be open to God. May they seek the truth and find eternal salvation.

Background on Sri Lanka (World Factbook)

The Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka late in the 6th century B.C., probably from northern India. Buddhism was introduced beginning in about the mid-third century B.C., and a great civilization developed at the cities of Anuradhapura (kingdom from circa 200 B.C. to circa A.D. 1000) and Polonnaruwa (from about 1070 to 1200). In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty seized power in the north and established a Tamil kingdom. Occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century and by the Dutch in the 17th century, the island was ceded to the British in 1796, became a crown colony in 1802, and was united under British rule by 1815.

As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972. Tensions between the Sinhalese majority and Tamil separatists erupted into war in 1983. Tens of thousands have died in an ethnic conflict that continues to fester. After two decades of fighting, the government and Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam formalized a cease-fire in February 2002, with Norway brokering peace negotiations. In January 2008, the government officially withdrew from the ceasefire, and began engaging the LTTE in the northern portion of the country. In May 2009 the war was officially over.

Economy of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is engaging in large-scale reconstruction and development projects following the end of the 26-year conflict with the LTTE, including increasing electricity access and rebuilding its road and rail network. Additionally, Sri Lanka seeks to reduce poverty by using a combination of state directed policies and private investment promotion to spur growth in disadvantaged areas, develop small and medium enterprises, and promote increased agriculture.

About Sri Lanka

Population: 21,283,913 see note at the bottom (July 2011 est.) World rank #57

Life Expectancy at Birth: 75.73 years. World rank #81

Ethnic groups: Sinhalese 73.8%, Sri Lankan Moors 7.2%, Indian Tamil 4.6%, Sri Lankan Tamil 3.9%, other 0.5%, unspecified 10%

Religions: Buddhist 69.1%, Muslim 7.6%, Hindu 7.1%, Christian 6.2%, unspecified 10%

Languages: Sinhala (official and national language) 74%, Tamil (national language) 18%, other 8%
note: English is commonly used in government and is spoken competently by about 10% of the population

Literacy: 90.7% -- Male:92.3%, Female: 89.1 %

School Life Expectency: 13 years

Population Note: since the outbreak of hostilities between the government and armed Tamil separatists in the mid-1980s, several hundred thousand Tamil civilians have fled the island and more than 200,000 Tamils have sought refuge in the West.

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