Karnataka State, India

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India has the second largest Muslim population in the world. Over 400 different people groups are present among India’s 150 million Muslims. One of these groups is located in the south Indian region of Karnataka.

Karnataka has always been at the forefront of industrial growth in India. According to Newsweek magazine, Bangalore is one of the top ten Internet technology cities in the world. Along with being the capital of the state of Karnataka, Bangalore is also home to nearly one million Muslims. While some are computer programmers, rickshaw drivers or models, others are street sweepers or beggars.

The History of Karnataka State, India

Arab traders brought Islam into the South Indian state of Karnataka almost as soon as the faith was initiated in Arabia. Along with their faith, Muslims brought many products to the region. Muslims introduced coffee, incense sticks and the paper industry to the local economy.

Muslims became a political force in the region near the turn of the fourteenth century. The Islamic presence and power in the state reached its greatest heights during the reigns of Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. Though killed by the British in 1799, Tipu Sultan was one of the only national leaders to defeat the British in battle and is still a hero to many Indians.

Seven Million in Karnataka State, India

Today there are nearly seven million Muslims in Karnataka. In a recent survey, less than ten percent indicated they thought of themselves as religious. Most define themselves as liberal thinkers who are not strict about praying, fasting or keeping the other pillars of Islam. Karnataka is a region rich in history and resources. The oldest functioning dam in the world was built in Karnataka in 300 B.C. The land is rich with natural resources (producing 90% of India’s gold). It has spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife. Elephants, tigers, sloth bears, deer and wolves roam freely in rural areas. Karnataka is a popular tourist destination with a plethora of temples, forts, palaces and gardens.

Join us in praying that the Muslims of Karnataka would have the opportunity to hear the Gospel in ways they can understand.

Prayer for the Muslims in Karnataka, India:

* Praise God for the growing number of Muslims who are responding positively to the good news. Pray that God would provide places where these new believers may grow in their faith.

* Praise God for existing churches that are beginning to obey God’s call to make disciples of all peoples. Many of these include former Muslims who are reaching out into their own neighbourhoods. Ask that this trend would continue!