Biar (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

The Biar (Muslim traditions) have only been reported in Pakistan
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* Data can be from various sources including official census, agencies, and local research. Data from these sources can sometimes differ even by orders of magnitude. Joshua Project attempts to present a conservative, balanced estimate.

Introduction / History

The Biar people, also known as Biari or Byar, have historically been referred to by these alternative names. Those in Pakistan reside mainly in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Their primary language is Sindhi, though a fair number also speak Punjabi or Pashtu.

The Biar people have a history deeply rooted Punjab. Historically, they have been farmers and traders, leveraging their strategic location for commerce between different regions of Pakistan. Their cultural and social structures have evolved over centuries, influenced by various rulers, including the Mughals and the British colonial administration. Despite these influences, the Biar have maintained a distinct cultural identity through their traditional practices, language, and social organization.


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Biar people lead predominantly agrarian lives, cultivating crops such as wheat, rice and sugarcane. Livestock rearing, particularly cattle and goats, supplements their agricultural activities. They live in close-knit communities, often in extended family compounds that foster a strong sense of kinship and mutual support.

Their villages typically consist of mud-brick houses which help them escape the excessive summer heat. Social life revolves around farming cycles, religious observances, and community events, including festivals and weddings. Despite the challenges of modernity, the Biar maintain their cultural traditions, including folk music and dance, which are integral to their identity.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Biar people are predominantly Muslim, adhering to Sunni Islam. They observe the five pillars of Islam, including daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca for those who can afford it. Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are significant events, marked by communal prayers, feasting, and charitable activities.

Alongside their Islamic faith, the Biar also maintain traditional practices and beliefs, particularly those related to agricultural cycles and folk traditions. These include prayers and rituals aimed at ensuring good harvests and protecting livestock, reflecting a blend of religious and cultural influences.


What Are Their Needs?

The Biar people face several developmental challenges. Limited access to education is a significant issue, particularly for girls and women, which hampers their socio-economic progress. Improved educational facilities and vocational training programs are essential to equip the younger generation with skills for better employment opportunities in 21st century Pakistan.

Healthcare access is another critical need. Many Biar villages lack basic health facilities, leading to high rates of preventable diseases and maternal and child health issues. Investments in healthcare infrastructure and services are vital to improve overall well-being.

Economic opportunities beyond agriculture are also limited. Initiatives to promote small-scale industries, handicrafts and other non-agricultural livelihoods can help diversify income sources and reduce poverty. Additionally, improved infrastructure, such as roads and sanitation, is crucial for their development.


Prayer Points

Pray for their needs to be met, and for the Biar people to thank the Lord of lords for his abundant blessings.
Pray for Biar elders and family leaders to have dreams that point the way to the cross and the empty grave.
Pray for Biar disciples who will disciple others in obedience and love for the only savior.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers to the Muslim Biar people in Pakistan.


Scripture Prayers for the Biar (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Biar (Muslim traditions)
People Name in Country Biar (Muslim traditions)
Alternate Names Bayar; Bhaya; बीयर (मुस्लिम ट्रेडिशन्स)
Population this Country 1,200
Population all Countries 1,200
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 17493
ROP3 Code 112908
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 1
  Sindh 1,200
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Sindhi (800 speakers)
Language Code snd   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Urdu
300
Primary Language Sindhi (800 speakers)
Language Code snd   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Urdu 300
People Groups Speaking Sindhi

Primary Language:  Sindhi

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1825-1981)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1890-1992)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1954)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings Recorded oral Bible Oral Bibles
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Sindhi Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video The Hope Video Mars Hill Media
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Bible in text or audio or video Internet Publishing Sevice
General Bible in text or audio or video South Asia Bibles
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Sindhi YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Sindhi YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Literacy primer for Sindhi Literacy & Evangelism International
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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