| · Assam State in India
| · Population: 27 million
| · Hindus: 15 million
| · Bengali Muslims: 5.8 million
| · Assamese Muslims: 2.5 million
| · Christians: 800,000
The majority of the population of Assam, a state in northeast India, is Hindu. But Muslims are very present in Assam, forming almost a third of the population. Most Muslims in Assam are Bengali in origin, but there are indigenous Assamese Muslims.
The history of the indigenous Muslims of Assam is a long one, though many details are obscure, especially for the Assamese Muslims. A Brahmin priest from Kamrup (near the geographical middle of Assam) was reported to have embraced Islam around the 13th century. He wrote and presented a book of tantric (mystical) practices called the "Pool of Nectar", which was translated into Arabic, Persian and Turkish. Through this many yogic practices entered into Islamic mysticism throughout south, central and even west Asia. Later in the 16th century, an Islamic saint is said to have come to preach Islam in the area. This Muslim saint's tomb and the mosque which adjoins it is known as Pao Mecca, or 'One-Fourth of Mecca', as it is reputed to have a quarter of the sanctity of Mecca itself!
Integration of the Assamese Muslims, India
It is likely that the Assamese Muslims, who are found primarily in the northeastern parts of the state, are descended particularly from those who embraced Islam during this earlier period. The Assamese Muslims are well integrated with the rest of Assamese society. Proud of their language and culture, Assamese Muslims have often been in positions of influence within the society of Assam and even India; one of their most famous individuals was Fakharuddin Ali Ahmed, President of the Indian Republic from Assam.
Continuing Work among the Assamese Muslims, India
Ironically, the only complete translation of the Qur'an into Assamese has been done by an Islamic sect considered heretical by most Muslims; this translation has been rejected by most Assamese Muslims. A translation of the Bible using religious terminology familiar to Assamese Muslims has not yet been published. Many Assamese Muslims are involved in folk customs, mixing local animistic beliefs in with their practice of Islam.
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There are small numbers of workers who are seeking to bring the Gospel to the Assamese Muslims. Evangelists, church-planters, translators and Bible teachers are all needed to accomplish the task of making disciples in this people group. About 250 new workers would be needed to have just one church worker for every 10,000 Assamese Muslims.
Prayer Focus for the Assamese Muslims, India
* Pray for the publication of a translation of the Scriptures using religious terminology which would be familiar to Assamese Muslims.
* Pray for God to raise up workers willing to take the Gospel to and work long-term among the Assamese Muslims.
* Pray that fellowships of believers from this people group would emerge and multiply across the region.
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This summer I spent 3 months in India, the state of Assam. While their I became good friends with a Muslim lady I worked with at the hospital. I was just wondering how a Christian can witness to a Muslim woman? She is not the typical idea of a Muslim rather she has picked up a more Westernized view of dress etc...
The hospital is a Christian missions hospital, so during her training to become a nurse she heard the gospel many times. My friend has a view that it is ok for her to be a Muslim with Muslim beliefs and it is ok for me to be a Christian. How can I minister to her? I can't imagine not seeing her in Heaven.
In short, my question is regarding witnessing/ ministering to Muslims.
Thanks so much!
I would suggest that you start with genuine friendship and show your love of Jesus in your life. Discuss each others religion in a friendly way, ask her why she beleives such things and then say why you believe differently. Always do this with respect and allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest. Never be in a rush, God will take care of the timing.
hi jenny i respect your thoughts and really want to do same what you suggested because all of us belive in god everybody wants to go in heaven if you are ready to discuss the religion with me you are weicome
Dear Freind in Yeshoua!
Jenny made a very strong point. I would also suggest to start with prayer. By depending on God's love for all, you will be able to know when and how to approach the people He has put on your way.
I also feel that insisting that the Yeshoua we share is of Abraham. He is, in the Coran, called the Word of God, born of a virgin. By insisting that the Jews did not received him (John 1.12) it puts Ismaël and Esau the ancesters of the Arab world, on an equal base with Israël. All have sinned... (Ro 3.23)
We can plant but only the Spirit gives life. Let the Spirit speak with your voice. If done in constant prayer, God will never refuse to help you in the Name of Jesus, the Yeshoua, the promised Messiah.
Blessing in Him,
Robert
Andrea,
I have had several opportunities to go to Muslim countries and speak with Muslims--those who are still practicing Islam and some who have been converted to Christ. One of the major differences is the hope that we have through Jesus to spend eternity with Him. Islam is a religion of duty and fear, in that they do not know for certain if Allah will allow them to enter paradise, even if their good deeds outweigh their bad.
Even though Jesus is only viewed as a prophet in Islam and it may not be best to bring up that argument at first, you can approach the subject by pointing out the fact that your eternal hope is sure, NOT based on how many good deeds you can accomplish or how well you can follow a code, but because our God is merciful and purchased our freedom.
I'd love to know how your continued conversation with this friend goes.
Many blessings,
Dana
Andrea,
This article from equip.org (Hank Hannegraff) should be helpful. But, His Holy Spirit will be your ultimate guide...trust Him.
Barbara
Feature Article: DI222
USING THE QUR’AN AND THE HADITH AS A BRIDGE
FOR SHARING THE GOSPEL
by Joseph P. Gudel
This article first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 27, number 1 (2004). For further information or to subscribe to the Christian Research Journal go to: http://www.equip.org
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Andrea, you might want to point out to your Muslim lady
friend from Assam in India that the similarities between the Bible and the Ouran are due to the fact that Mohammad borrowed them from the Bible itself. This itself testifies that the Bible and Yeshua (Jesus) are THEE only way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrea, Do you know of this link:The Camel Track?
www church planting movements com/ camel training manual
Brian
I just wanted to say, God gave true believers His Holy Spirit within to be our counselor and guide to the truth.
He exhorts us to pray in the Spirit when we don't know how to pray, to help us when we open our mouths to speak to trust that He will fill it. We have His witness that testifies to the truth. When many of us really knew absolutely nothing , we accepted Jesus , many of us with a blind childlike faith, not knowing the truth, but agree'd to pray...God knows how to reveal Himself to a hungry, desperate, empty heart in any kind of bondage. When we are willing to speak and someone else is listening, we become vessels for Him to use or fill as it pleases the Father. It's so awesome to be an instrument of His handiwork in motion. How many times have we stood in awe at what the Lord said or did through us? It's really in relationship and intimacy that brings the right words at the right time in right circumstances. God, connecting the one in trouble with a vessel that can reveal the answer He wants them to hear, for example. Or a turn in the conversation that opens a door to sow a significant seed into another's heart. I can't tell you how many times I found myself in a conversation with someone, not knowing they were Jewish, or not knowing the were Muslim, or a psychic, or a Jehovah's Witness, etc...and God had His way, and spoke exactly what He wanted them to hear in my ignorance! I was a lover of God and His Word, had spent time praying or worshipping in song, and just was sensitive to His leading to converse with someone and He took over, as I paused searching for the right words and help from Him. He partners with us and is our help in time of trouble. We walk and talk with HIm, filling our hearts with His love and His Word and He spends us generously to the lost and dying world around us. As we study to show ourselves approved, searching the scriptures like the Bereans did, He has something to draw on when we are willing and someone is needing to hear what He wants to say through us! As we yield and trust Him in Faith, believing, anything is possible. Even if you feel ignorant and inadequate, He can show up and show you otherwise because of who you belong to. He is God all by Himself. Isn't that good news for the Muslims and anyone else who needs a personal encounter with Our Glorious Savior!!
I submitted the above comment.
The Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you, and give you peace.
Pray for Assamese Muslims:
* for those in positions of infuelnce to come to know the Lord
* for youth and educated to be disasstisifed with Islam and emrbace Christ
* for a Bible translation for Muslim Assamese
* for Christian radio and other material for these people
* for revelations of Christ to prepare these people for the Gospel
* for workers for the MUslim Assamese
* for a strong Church among the Muslim Assamese for the glroy of His Name!