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."

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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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Nashik, (also Nasik), is a medium size, fast-growing city. The river Godavari flows through the city and the temples and steps on its banks make Nashik one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the World. Once every 12 years the city hosts millions of Hindus participating in the pilgrimage festival called Kumbh Mela (the Urn Festival). In Hindu mythology, Nasik got its name when the sister of the demon Ravana proposed to marry the god Rama. Hearing this, Rama ordered her nose (‘nasika’ in Sanskrit) to be cut off. Thus Nashik got its name. This is the context in which Muslims in Nashik live – surrounded by ancient Hindu tradition and culture.

Power to Heal the Sick

It was not until the establishment of regional Muslim kingdoms in the 14th and 15th centuries and the arrival of Muslim missionaries that the Muslims began to form a distinct community. The two leading Muslim missionaries in Nashik were Khunmir Hussaini (1520) and Syed Hussaini (1568). It is believed that both came with zealous preaching and the power to heal the sick, thus many Hindus readily converted to Islam. Devotion to these Muslim saints continues to this day.

The vast majority of Muslims in Nashik (as in all of India) are Sunnis who have been influenced over the generations by Hindu religion and culture. Some of the Muslims peoples residing in Nashik district are the Sayyed, the Pathan, the Malik, Muslims from Rajasthan, the Lakarharas (or wood-sellers who are a mixed population of Shaikhs), and a Shia sect called the Dawoodi Bohra. The majority of Muslims in the city are from the Sayyed group.

The Plight of the Muslims

A simple visit to Nashik city will easily demonstrate the plight of the Muslims living there. Many live in congested areas where the city infrastructure is of poor quality. When we wrote this article (summer 2006), there were no known ministries daily reaching out to Nashik's Muslims with the Gospel. However, this does not mean God is not at work among them.

Many genuine believers in Nashik have been praying for the Muslim community. Some are fearful of Muslims as well, caught up in the historical Indian prejudices between the varying religious communities. Another area for prayer is Malegaon, a city in Nashik district a few hours drive north east of Nashik city which is over 70% Muslim, far exceeding the Muslim population of Nashik city. Malegoan has a reputation for its communal tensions between the religious communities and the more volatile Muslim population.

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Prayer points for Nashik, Maharashtra, India:

* May God send labourers into the streets, alleys, homes and families of Nashik to proclaim Christ to the Muslim community (Mt 22:9-10).

* May God prepare the men and women of peace (Luke 10:6) among the Muslims of Nashik who can receive the message.

* May God help the Christians of in the area to move beyond prejudices to really loving and caring for the Muslim community.

* May God pour out His Spirit giving the Muslims a hunger and thirst to know God and His Word (Luke 24:27-32).

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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.

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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.

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