Halwai (Muslim traditions) in India

People Name:	Halwai (Muslim traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	193,000
World Population:	219,000
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
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

The Halwais get their name from the word halwa which is a "sweetmeat made from sugar, flour and butter." The Halwais are famous as a caste of confectioners and sweet shop owners. A large majority of Halwais are Hindus but some in India are Muslims.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Halwais still maintain their occupation in many places of India and Pakistan as sweet shop owners and sellers of sweets and sometimes tobacco. Because their halwa is often eaten at weddings and festivals they tend to have a relatively high social status. The smaller Muslim Halwai however can be found in any number of service or labor jobs.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Halwai people who follow Islam are almost always Sunni. However, their form of Sunni Islam is affected by ancient Hindu practices.

Muslim Halwai follow the birth, death and marriage traditions of Sunni Islam. The Maulvi is the name of the spiritual leader who performs those religious rites.

What Are Their Needs?

Ministry among the Hindu Kalwai population has had success in recent years but among the small number of Muslims there is often no work. In India families have shown interest in school-based development programs. Perhaps Muslim-friendly community development projects could benefit this Muslim community.

Prayer Points

Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Muslim Halwai communities.
Pray for the Halwai people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Halwai people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers disciples to make more disciples.