Rayeen (Muslim traditions) in India

Introduction / History

The Kunjra (or Rayeen) of India are one of several unengaged people groups in the east Indian state of Bihar. The east Indian state of Bihar has millions of Muslims with no one working long-term to reach them. Depending on their location, they speak either Bengali, Urdu or Maitili. Belonging to one of the backward, or lower castes, their hereditary societal status is defined by their occupation as vegetable growers and sellers.

What Are Their Lives Like?

If you lived in India, there is a good chance that you would be buying your produce from members of the Rayeen community. They work as transporters of produce from the farms to the marketplace. In order to be sure they can make a profit selling the produce, they must negotiate prices with the farmers. They have a reputation for being a friendly and outgoing people who enjoy family life.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rayeen people are Sunni, the largest branch of Islam. They try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad. They believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited to drink alcohol, eat pork, gamble, steal, use deceit, slander, and make idols. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. Because of their Islamic beliefs the Kunjra have faced oppression from Hindus, which has prompted many of them to migrate outside the state of Bihar.

What Are Their Needs?

Most of all the Rayeen need to hear and understand the good news about Jesus or Isa. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will give the Rayeen people a desire for the truth of the word of God.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement that will bless the Rayeen people soon.
Pray for the Lord to send out workers to the Rayeen people to help them with their spiritual and physical needs.

Text Source:   Joshua Project