Chamar (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Chamar (Muslim traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	243,000
World Population:	243,000
Primary Language:	Sindhi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.01 %
Evangelicals:	0.01 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

It seems that every class of people has been despised and discriminated against at some time, and the Chamar Muslims are no exception, even in Muslim Pakistan. Their name derives from Chamakara, meaning "a worker in leather."

Where Are they Located?

Chamars live mostly in north India. In Pakistan, Muslim Chamars are most likely to be found near the city of Lahore.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Muslim Chamar women are known for their beauty. Many of them work as midwives. Chamars seek marriage partners from outside their own clan, but within their own community. Adult marriage is the norm among Muslim Chamars. They do not have child brides.

In South Asia people say the Chamars, be they Hindu or Muslim, are criminally minded and unintelligent. Their work is considered degrading, and it involves dealing with foul stenches and dead animals. This is not the kind of work people would choose, but the caste system keeps them there, even in Muslim Pakistan.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though most Chamars are Hindus, there is a Sunni Muslim minority among them. Because of the caste system's negative influence in that entire region, even Muslims are affected by it.

What Are Their Needs?

Chamars, be they Hindu or Muslim, need to know that the God who created them has a purpose for them. They need to be freed to seek their worth in God rather than be limited by what people think about them.

Prayer Points

Pray that the church will begin reaching out to the Chamar Muslims in Pakistan.
Pray that the Chamar Muslims themselves will not be "biased" against the claims of Christ, but will thoughtfully consider what he said in his word.
Pray for a disciple making movement within Chamar communities in Pakistan.