Gujar (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Gujar (Muslim traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	5,278,000
World Population:	5,825,000
Primary Language:	Punjabi, Western
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Gujar are comprised of three very closely related people groups that are collectively known as the "Gujar Rajasthani." As various Muslim groups began invading India and Pakistan in the eleventh century, the Gujar Hindus converted to Islam. When this happened, their resentful Hindu neighbors began to rise up and take control of the area. The Gujar were forced to leave the region and search for good pastures elsewhere. Their wanderings took them into Pakistan and Afghanistan, where thousands have remained until this day.

The Gujar are located in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and several states in northeastern India (Himachal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Rajasthan). In addition, the Gujarat state of western India is named after the historic Gujar people.

All three Gujar groups speak Gujuri, an Indo-Aryan language. This common factor has helped to identify them as a distinct sub-group.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Gujar have been bound by a life of poverty, illiteracy and social oppression. In general, most of the Gujar in Pakistan live as law-abiding shepherds and farmers. Unfortunately, they are still belittled by those of higher-status communities and often labeled as hotheaded thieves and vagrants. These nomads are constantly searching for new pastures for their herds.

The Gujar living in the forested mountain regions raise buffalos. They usually build their homes in clearings along the mountain fringes. The dwellings have one, two or three rooms and are built with flat roofs. In contrast, the homes of those living in Kashmir typically have angular roofs. Since they cook inside over open fires, their homes are often dark and smoky.

The Gujar castes are broadly divided along religious and geographic lines into two groups: the Muslim Gujar and the Hindu Gujar. The Muslims are seasonal nomads who live in windowless, one-room houses during sedentary growing seasons; whereas the Hindus are settled farmers who live in the same place all year.

The Gujar are divided into hundreds of clans. Their societies are patrilineal, which means that inheritances are passed down through the males. Marriages are usually arranged by the parents, and a "bride price" of either cash or buffalo is paid to the girl's family. They are permitted to marry outside their clans, and young couples generally live near the groom's parents.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A majority of the Gujar are Sunni Muslims; however, those who are Hindus have greatly influenced the others. The Gujar may worship a "family deity" and observe some of the traditional Hindu feasts such as Holi. Because Muslim Gujar share certain Hindu customs, they are often not accepted by other Muslims.

What Are Their Needs?

The Gujar have long been hidden away and forgotten by most of the world. The governments of the countries where they live can be hostile to any form of proselytizing; and so government restrictions apply. Spiritual interference from family members exceeds that from governments. Everyone cares what family members think; few care what government officials think. Family members hold a lot of power over each individual.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will send culturally sensitive missionaries who will show them the way to the cross.
Pray for the Gujar people in Pakistan to be blessed with peace, joy and spiritual prosperity as they follow Jesus Christ.
Pray for their leaders to have dreams and visions that will open their hearts to Jesus Christ and his ambassadors.
Pray for a Christ-ward movement to soon flourish among this people group.