Camels, turbaned men, colourfully dressed women, mighty forts, grand palaces - these are some of the sights of Rajasthan, or the "Land of Kings". Located in the western part of India bordering Pakistan, Rajasthan is a land rich in culture and history whose impact on society can be seen and felt today. One such influence was the Muslim invasion at the end of the 12th century. At this time many Hindus were converted to Islam, and as a result Islamic influence has permeated Rajasthan. Today, well over 6 million Muslims live in this predominantly Hindu land.
Sunni Islam in Rajasthan State, India
The Muslims of Rajasthan mostly adhere to the Sunni branch of Islam, and tend to follow a strict interpretation of the Qur'an. They work in various jobs, such as traders, businessmen, jewel cutters, butchers, land-owners, cultivators, and agricultural labourers. Their primary languages are Marwadi and Urdu.
The Muslims of Rajasthan are subdivided into a number of different groups relating to ancestry and even caste; like many other Muslims in South Asia, they have retained caste distinctions and occasionally even ceremonies from their Hindu forebears. Surprisingly, this has sometimes included the retaining of rules of untouchability towards other Muslims from a low-caste ancestry, despite Islamic teaching that clearly forbids such practice.
Flag of India
Map of India
The most sacred site is in Rajasthan State, India
Although Muslims make up a small percentage of the population, Rajasthan holds within its borders the most sacred Muslim pilgrimage site in India: Ajmer. At the end of the 12th century, Mohammed Ghauri invaded Rajasthan and Muslims gained control of the area. After receiving a vision to spread the message of Islam to India, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti came to India in 1190. He settled in Ajmer where he acquired many followers. He spoke of God's love for mankind regardless of caste. Because of this he became known as "The Protector of the Poor" or "Gharib Nawaz". Today, he is considered a Muslim saint. After his death in 1236, his tomb became a place of pilgrimage for many Indians. It is believed that prayers will be answered for those who visit the shrine. For South-Asian Muslims, seven pilgrimages to the shrine in Ajmer are considered to be the equivalent of one pilgrimage to Mecca.
Prayer for Rajasthan State, India:
* Pray for the churches in Rajasthan to reach out to the Muslim community. Many churches are gripped by fear or indifference. Pray for the Holy Spirit to free them from these feelings and stir their hearts to action.
* Currently, there are only a handful of workers among Muslims in Rajasthan. Pray for the Lord of the harvest to send more workers.
* Pray for the workers among Muslims in Rajasthan, that God would protect them and, through the Holy Spirit's power, use them to lead many to Jesus.
* Pray for the many Muslims in Rajasthan who are seeking guidance, power, and healing from the Gharib Nawaz shrine. Pray that they would have a meaningful encounter with the Living God.
* Pray for the hearts of Muslims in Rajasthan to be responsive to the gospel message. Pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit as they hear the gospel.
RSS
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
pray for Muslis in Rajasthan, India
* for those making pilgrimage to the Gharib Nawaz shrine to meet Jesus
* for more workers for these precious people
* for Bible translation and distribution amongst the muslims there
* for wisedom in dealing with muslims of different castes
* for whole muslim families to come to know Jesus
* for christian radio and Tv to see an impact