Introduction / History

In the 14th century a Muslim missionary converted thousands of Hindus in India. This missionary called the new converts the Momis, which means, "exemplary Muslims." Over the years this name became Memons, a people also known as the maritime businessmen of India for their expertise in import, export and the creation of huge business dynasties.

For centuries they thrived economically while other Muslim groups struggled in South Asia. Centuries before independence, the Memons practiced charity and social involvement. This is an important part of their heritage. Their generosity is one of the things that defines them.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Memons are still businesspeople—traders, shippers, importers and exporters. Wherever they migrate, Memons establish social and welfare committees. They have built homes for the poor. Any member of their group can ask for help, making sure that they don't face dire poverty like many of the other Islamic groups of South Asia.

Despite efforts to curb their power in both Pakistan and India, the Memons rise like a phoenix. Their numbers are small, but they hold power and wealth, especially in Mumbai, India.

The Memons live in close-knit communities. Well-organized societies known as jamats oversee the activities and social welfare of the Memon community. A jamat may be as small as a few hundred families or as large as a few thousand families.

Memons frown upon marriage to outsiders, and divorce is extremely rare. Parents sometimes arrange marriages through a matchmaker. Often a proposed marriage must be pre-approved by the jamat to ensure that the family is in good standing. It is not unusual for a family to spend its entire life savings on an elaborate wedding.

What Are Their Beliefs?

This unreached people group is 100 percent Muslim. They are devoted to their religion, and have built many mosques throughout India, making it possible for others to worship Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

In their international trade, they meet Christ's followers. Will those believers show the spirit of Christ? Will this socially exclusive ethnic group welcome friendships with believers?

Prayer Points

Pray that followers of Christ, involved in international business, will demonstrate God's priorities of love, humility, justice and mercy.

Pray that Memon businessmen will encounter revelations of Jesus and turn to him.

Pray that the Holy Spirit will draw Muslim Memons to the Lord this very decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Memon in India.