India - a deeper look in Rajasthan state

Muslims living in the state of Rajasthan, in Western India, consist of about 60 different peoples. These groups include the Pathan, Shaikh and Sayyid ethnic groups that are the best known. Out of the estimated 61 million Rajasthani population, Hindus account for 88.8%, Muslims make up 8.5%, Sikhs 1.4% and Jains 1.2%. There are about five million Muslims living in this Indian state dominated by the Thar Desert. Rajasthan covers 342,000 km2 (1/2 of the surface of France and basically the same population).

Translations Needed

The Muslims mainly speak Hindustani, a mixture of Hindi and Urdu; however, most read from the Hindi script. This means materials must be translated into a Muslim-friendly script for them to understand. There is a full Urdu Bible but a full Bible in Hindustani is still needed in order that the Muslims may more easily understand what the God is saying to them through the Scriptures. Young children often learn Urdu in religious schools (Madrasas), but as they get older they generally only read the Hindi script (not Urdu, which is their traditional religious language).

Jaipur, the capital

Representative populations of all of the Muslim people groups live in the capital, Jaipur. Rajasthani Muslims have a variety of jobs. Some are engaged in tourism, others as bicycle and auto rickshaw drivers, stone cutters, tailors, butchers, shopkeepers and other trades. Those in rural areas are often involved in agriculture.

The Storytellers

Believers in the Messiah have been reaching the Muslims using a simple "kurbaan story," which describes the major sacrifices in both the Old and New Testaments. This method shows that the death of Isa Al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah) was the final atoning sacrifice. Jesus obtained salvation for them by his death and resurrection. New believers are now worshipping the Lord in home groups called "jamats."

Flag of India

Map of India

Several Rajasthani believers are also learning to share their testimonies and life changing experiences using the Bible. Some are capable of telling by word of mouth the story of God and man based on the Bible in an organized way. This is very helpful for the illiterate believers and seekers. It is exciting to hear about the changes in their lives since they have come to know the Messiah. As you seek the Lord in prayer, please also lift up the Rajasthani Muslims to Him.

Prayer Starters for Rajasthan, India

• Pray for the Rajasthani Muslims who have discovered the Messiah in His fullness to be obedient to the only true and living God. Please pray for a deepening faith as they enter more and more into a daily experience of dying and rising with Christ. To do this, a complete Bible translation in Hindustani is very desirable.
• Continue to pray that as they witness boldly to others, Jesus is exalted above all. There is opposition (Acts 4:27-31).
• Pray for the Rajasthani Muslims from each of the major peoples (the Pathan, Shaikh and Sayyid ethnic groups): That they will call on Jesus for salvation (Acts 4:12).

Video: Sights and Sounds from Rajasthan (4:21)

Rajasthan, India from Tinefis on Vimeo.

Rajasthan is India's largest state and includes large parts of the Great Indian Desert.

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