Introduction / History

The term Mappila is a combination of two words: maha, which means great and pilla, which is an endearing term that means child.

The Mappila people migrated from the Kerala coast. They came as Hindus but later converted to Islam because of the work of an Arab Muslim missionary. These Muslim communities resulted from the unions of Arab sailors and merchants with local women. Thus they are a hybrid between two cultures. Most Mappila people live in India's Laccadive Islands and Kerala but a smaller number live in nearby Sri Lanka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Monogamy (one husband, one wife) prevails among the Mappila, although Islam allows a man to have as many as four wives. They prefer cross-cousin marriages, and marriages usually take place shortly after puberty.

The common matrilineal unit in the Laccadive Islands is called Taravad, in which individuals trace their descent by a common ancestress in the female line. For example, the right to share in property passes through female members. This system began centuries ago when they needed men to manage negotiations in trade. Their periodic absence from the island facilitated the adoption of matrilineal bloodlines. Maintenance of individually owned property was only possible if the women who stayed behind could officially speak for the family on the man's behalf. The man has authority over his wife only if he stays with her until after all of her male relatives have died. He is then able to manage her property. A man has little authority over his children. Divorce is easy and common; over half of their marriages end in divorce.

The caste system affects all communities in South Asia, including Muslims like the Laccadive Mappila community. Some people within their community have higher status than others.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Laccadive Mappila belong to the Shafiite School of the Sunni branch of Islam. Their religion has the typical characteristics of Islamic beliefs and practices, in addition to certain local features that have developed according to their particular way of life. Every child has to read the Koran completely in Arabic at least once, but the meaning is not explained to them. Priesthood is inherited through the females. Like many Muslims they also practice saint veneration. That means they pray at the graves of saints in hopes the saint will intercede for them before Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

The Bible, the JESUS Film, and some Christian broadcasts are available in their Malayalam language; however, very few of the islanders have responded to the gospel.

Prayer Points

Pray for his kingdom to come and his will to be done among the Muslim Mappila people.
Pray for a movement of Mappila households to study the Bible and accept the blessings of Christ.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive the Mappila people to the arms of Jesus no matter what the cost.
Pray for workers who are filled with the fruit and the power of the Holy Spirit to go to the Mappila people.

Scripture Prayers for the Mappila in India.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mappila
https://sunypress.edu/Books/M/Mappila-Muslim-Culture
https://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.18252986