Loving Muslims Through Prayer | www.30-days.net » These tags are specific to the 30-Days Muslim prayer focus booklet 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= 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 Bihari Muslims of Dhaka, capital city of Bangladesh http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bangladesh-dhaka/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bangladesh-dhaka/#comments Sat, 14 May 2011 12:44:04 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bangladesh-dhaka/ | · Population: 11 million

"You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation" (Revelations 5:9)

bihari-bangladesh-30-days-netDhaka has been called "the city of the 1,000 mosques", but at the start of the 21st century the capital of Bangladesh has many more than 1,000 mosques. The region was first exposed to Hinduism and then to Buddhism. Muslim raiders introduced Islam to Bangladesh from North India in the tenth century and later by the Mughal (Mogul) rulers. Almost 90 per cent of the population today follows the Sunni and Sufi forms of Islam, which are dominated by 'holy men' and folk Islamic practices.

Dhaka is a busy centre of government and commerce and attracts students from all over the country. Recently identified as the world's most polluted city, the government is struggling to manage the traffic and provide adequate housing facilities for its growing population of 11 million people. Non-governmental organisations try to help in the huge challenge of alleviating poverty. Bangladesh's gross national product (GNP) per capita is still among the lowest in Asia, and the country depends heavily on foreign aid. Crime rates are rising and reports of hijacking, extortion, mob killings and murder can be read in the newspaper every day. Political violence is common, and rivalries between the political parties, coupled with corruption, hinder serious efforts to address the multiple problems.

Dhaka's major waterfront called 'Sadarghat' is on the bank of the river Buriganga. This bustling waterfront reflects Bangladesh's varied and widespread river traffic. It is crowded with all kinds of river craft, from minuscule boats to steamers and fishing boats.

Bihari Muslims of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka is also home for many Bihari Muslims. They fled the riots in the Indian State of Bihar after the partition of India in 1947. Favoured by the government of Pakistan, they sided with the West-Pakistani Army when the Bengalis in East Pakistan fought for their independence in 1971. After the war the new country of Bangladesh was born and the Urdu-speaking Biharis were seen as traitors. To escape from the revenge of the Bengalis they were gathered in refugee camps to await their repatriation to Pakistan. With the help of international relief organisations, half of them have been repatriated over the years, but 250,000-300,000 still remain in the 66 camps in Bangladesh. The Biharis in Bangladesh have a strong Muslim identity. Only a few secret believers exist among them.

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Flag of Bangladesh

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Map of Bangladesh

Web resources:

  • http://www.virtualbangladesh.com/
  • http://www.bangladeshonline.com/tourism/spots/dhaka.htm

Prayer for the Muslims in Dhaka, Bangladesh:

* Pray that the churches in Dhaka will be encouraged to reach out to those who have not yet heard the Good News despite the rising intimidation which they face.

* Pray for unity and mutual trust among the national churches and the Christian organisations working in the city.

* Pray for many church-planting teams to be established that will take on the challenge of reaching out to the vast Bengali Muslim population (including the Biharis).

Background on Bangladesh (World Factbook)

Europeans began to set up trading posts in the area of Bangladesh in the 16th century; eventually the British came to dominate the region and it became part of British India. Bangladesh came into existence in 1971 when Bengali East Pakistan seceded from its union with West Pakistan. About a third of this extremely poor country floods annually during the monsoon rainy season, hampering economic development.

Economy of Bangladesh

The economy has grown 5-6% per year since 1996 despite political instability, poor infrastructure, corruption, insufficient power supplies, and slow implementation of economic reforms. Bangladesh remains a poor, overpopulated, and inefficiently-governed nation.

About Bangladesh

Population: 158,570,535 (July 2011 est.) World rank #7

Life expectancy at birth: 69.75 years. World rank #148

Ethnic groups: Bengali 98%, tribal groups, non-Bengali Muslims

Religions: Muslim 89.5%, Hindu 9.6%, other 0.9%

Languages: Bangla (official, also known as Bengali), English

Literacy Rate: 47.9% -- male: 54%, female: 41.4%

School life expectancy: 8 years

The Young Hardworking Poor of Rural Bangladesh - Video

Met 30 kids who were forced to choose between either putting food on the table or getting an education.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bangladesh-dhaka/feed/ 13 Rajshahi, Bangladesh http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/rajshahi-bangladesh/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/rajshahi-bangladesh/#comments Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:42:03 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/?p=1992 rajshahi-bangladesh-30-days-netAccording to popular legend, a Sufi Muslim saint named Shah Makhdum rode a crocodile up the river and brought Islam to Rajshahi. His shrine in the city is visited by many Muslims in the area seeking a cure for infertility, sickness and other problems.

Situated on the banks of the Ganges a few miles from India, Rajshahi city is home to about half a million Bengali Muslims. The region has been successively dominated by waves of Aryan, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, British, and finally Pakistani control before the country finally gained independence in 1971. Rajshahi city itself became prominent during the British Raj, and although once predominantly Hindu, the city is now 90% Muslim.

City Life

Rajshahi Muslims are generally quite liberal and open-minded, but the main university campus is controlled by the Islamist Jamaati-Islam student party, and the city has been a hub for some minor terrorist activity.

Rajshahi is an educational hub for the country, with over ten large universities, colleges and medical schools. Rajshahi University alone has over 25,000 students. Rajshahi is also a medical hub for the country, with a Christian Mission Hospital as well.

Almost a hundred years ago the Gospel first began to bear fruit among Muslims in the region, when Scriptures were distributed in the Muslim dialect of Bengali. Hundreds came to faith, but unfortunately these believers were encouraged to abandon their traditions and dialect and merge into the Hindu-background church culture, and so the movement died and was forgotten.

A Brave New Work

In the early 1980’s, a brave young Muslim-background businessman moved to Rajshahi and began witnessing to Muslims, encouraging believers to remain within their families and culture. As a result, there are now three house fellowships in the city, with more fellowships in the surrounding villages. These fellowships are growing, vibrant and bold in outreach, but much depth in discipleship and knowledge of God’s Word is needed to sustain the movement.

In the past, the ministry has been forced to focus on the men, with the women and children being much less accessible. That is beginning to change. However, women are still less literate and more limited in travel opportunities and free time.

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Flag of Bangladesh

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Map of Bangladesh

Prayer Starters

  • Pray for the small house fellowships of believers to grow in maturity, obedience and knowledge of God’s Word. Pray for godly elders to be appointed who are committed to holy living and service (1 Tim 3:1-13).
  • Pray that believing husbands would teach their wives, maintain family devotions and take responsibility for their children’s faith. Pray that more women would find opportunities to grow in maturity.
  • Some people in the city have begun to sell Bibles in the Muslim dialect of Bengali. Pray that seekers would buy, read and understand God’s Word.
    In the larger Rajshahi district, there are many seekers and young believers who meet together sporadically. Pray that believers would see the need for regular weekly worship.
  • Pray for a significant witness on Rajshahi campuses among the thousands of students. There has been some witness in recent years.
Video: Bangladesh Action Team on Location (2:40)


Bangladesh Action Team from BMS World Mission on Vimeo.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/rajshahi-bangladesh/feed/ 3 The Muslims of Chittagong, Bangladesh http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/chittagong-bangladesh/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/chittagong-bangladesh/#comments Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:01:34 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/chittagong-bangladesh/ chittagong-kids-bangladesh-30-days-netThe deep water port of Chittagong is Bangladesh’s second largest city. Hundreds of years ago Arab traders came to the port seeking silk and spices, and leaving behind the message of Islam. Today this shipping centre is also the cultural hub for the Chittagonian people group. Living in the area from Chittagong in the north to the border of Myanmar in the south, this ethnic group includes an estimated 14 million people. They are set apart from the majority Bengali people through their clothing, food, customs, and most importantly, their language. Chittagonian, or Chatgaya Buli as they call it, has often been mistaken for a dialect of Bengali. However, uneducated Chittagonian speakers cannot understand standard Bengali. Growth of the church among the Chittagonians has been slow, possibly due to the fact that many Chittagonians do not understand Bengali. Even now they do not have a single portion of the Bible in their language. They are the largest people group in the world without the Bible in their own language.

Jesus Film in Chittagong

Several years ago God gave a group of Chittagonian believers a vision for reaching their own people. With help from some other groups, they were able to translate the Jesus Film into their language. The response to this ministry tool has been very positive. After seeing the film for the first time, one Chittagonian man said, “Jesus must be our prophet because he speaks our language.”

Today the Chittagonian people are at a crossroads spiritually. Living in the poorest area of one of the poorest nations on earth, they have little opportunity for advancement and education. Conservative Muslim groups have taken advantage of this situation, building many Muslim schools for the young people. Here they learn to read and write and to recite the Qu’ran. In some cases they are also taught fundamentalist Muslim doctrine. The past decade has seen a growth in conservative Islamic politics as well.

Critical Timing

The next few years are crucial to seeing a strong Christian witness established among these people. Only a handful of Christians are focusing their work on this people group, and the number of Chittagonian believers is likely to be less than 300. Those who are working among this group need tools to present the good news in the heart language of these people. Chittagonians have a very low literacy rate, less than 10% for village women. Recorded scriptures, storytelling programs, and video projects are vital in order to present the good news in the heart language of those who cannot read.

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Flag of Bangladesh

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Map of Bangladesh

Prayer Guide for the Chittagonian people

* Pray for workers who are committed to reaching this group. Christians will need to be committed to learning this unwritten language.

* Pray for the tiny group of Chittagonian believers as they bravely reach out with very limited resources. They work hard to build relationships of trust. One Christian worker says that up until now it has usually taken an average of six years for people to become believers after their first contact with the Gospel.

* Pray for the establishment of a Chittagonian Prayer Network among believers world-wide. There is a need for constant prayer for this large, but long-neglected people group.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/chittagong-bangladesh/feed/ 1 Bengali Muslims of Diaspora http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bengali-diaspora/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bengali-diaspora/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:55:35 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bengali-diaspora/ bengalAs Saleemuddin walked down the dusty streets of the Eastern European city in which he was studying, he thought about the path through which God had brought him until now. He remembered how, back in his native Bangladesh, he had first heard the Gospel from a couple of Americans, Bob and Allen. They had been passing through Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, where Saleemuddin had come to do his bachelor's degree, and as he had taken them to several cultural events, they had shared with him about faith in Isa Masih (Jesus the Messiah). He had listened intently, but hadn't actually come to faith in Isa until about a year after he'd arrived in Kiev, where he was continuing to work on his master's degree in medical science. The possibility of remaining in Europe was an inviting one, and he knew that with a completed medical degree doors would open for him...but was God calling him to remain abroad, or to return to Bangladesh?

The Hidden Bengali in Diaspora

Bengali Muslims (native to Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal) are enterprising people who can be found in nearly every corner of the globe, and in capacities as diverse as students, professionals, and day laborers. There are large communities in many parts of India (apart from West Bengal) and other south Asian countries, and thousands working and studying especially in the Persian Gulf, the Middle East, and the West, and other parts of Asia. Sometimes these people who are away from home can be unusually receptive to the Gospel. At the same time, those who live in otherwise unreached and restricted access Muslim nations can be even more "hidden" than the local population, being a small minority in the midst of a larger unreached people group!

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Flag of Bangladesh

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Map of Bangladesh

Prayer Guide for the Bengali Diaspora

* Pray that God would raise up people to reach out to Bengali Muslim communities all over the world.

* Pray that God would call Bengali Muslim background believers to reach out to communities of their people outside, as well as call some of those who come to faith abroad to return to Bangladesh and India to share with those in their homelands. Remember the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40). God touched that man who was traveling and used his witness and influence to reach his people.

* Pray for God's Spirit and blessing to be poured out on the Bengali Muslims of Bangladesh and West Bengal, and that Muslim convert fellowships in those areas would send apostolic church planters to other Muslim peoples worldwide.

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]]> http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bengali-diaspora/feed/ 3 The Sylhetis Muslim peoples of Bangladesh http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bangladesh-sylhetis/ http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bangladesh-sylhetis/#comments Sat, 28 Aug 2010 13:52:50 +0000 TDI http://www.30-days.net/muslims/muslims-in/asia-south-central/bangladesh-sylhetis/ bangladesh| · Population: 9 million (approx.)
| · Bangladesh: 6 million
| · Assam (India): 1.5 million
| · UK: 300,000
| · Other: 1 million

The Sylhetis are the mainly Muslim inhabitants of Sylhet, the north-eastern part of Bangladesh, and neighbouring parts of Assam. They are proud to have in Sylhet Town the tomb of Shah Jalal of Yemen who brought Islam to the region in 1303 and is credited with many miracles. This tomb is Bangladesh's most prominent centre of pilgrimage. Many Sylhetis trace their ancestry to immigration from north-west India, Afghanistan and beyond. Their language, Sylheti, is spoken by some 9 to 10 million people not only in its homeland but also in the diaspora - many Sylhetis are migrant workers in the Middle East, or have settled in New York, Rome and Britain, especially East London. The community in Britain is the largest outside Sylhet and Assam, and has strong links with the homeland. Nearly all "Indian" restaurants in the UK are staffed by Sylhetis.

Culture and Life of the Sylhetis of Bangladesh

Within Bangladesh, Sylheti Muslims are regarded as the most conservative. Officially, they are Sunni Muslims, but their practice consists of much reverence to local Sufi Pirs (spiritual guides) whose poetry and song, mixed with Hindu themes, has widespread popularity and influence. Sylhetis in Britain have become even more conservative as a reaction to their fear of Western influence, the women rejecting the sari for the burkha.

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Flag of Bangladesh

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Map of Bangladesh

There are several thousand Christians in Sylhet, but these are not Sylheti-speaking, being drawn from the mainly Oriya tea-garden workers and immigrants from other parts of Bangladesh. There are perhaps only 50 to 100 believers from the Sylheti Muslim majority community. However, the JESUS-film in Sylheti is very popular, and a Bible correspondence course on audiocassette is being widely distributed in the UK. Bible translation work is in progress.

Prayer for the Muslims in Dhaka, Bangladesh:

* Pray for the witness of Sylheti believers and Christian workers in Sylhet and in the UK. Some other major Sylheti communities such as Rome and Bahrain have no witness.

* Pray for the many Sylheti youth in the UK who are unemployed or turning to drugs.

* Pray for the distribution of new Christian materials in Sylheti that are coming on stream.

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