The Rajput Muslims get their name from the larger Rajput people who are one of the four main Hindu divisions of South Asia peoples. Rajput in Sanskrit means, 'son of a ruler or king '. Rajput Muslims constitute about 25 percent of all Rajput peoples in Pakistan, India and Nepal and about 27 percent of all Rajput within Nepal. Legend has it that the Muslim community of Rajput is the descendant of Umrao Singh. Umrao had fought against a conquering Muslim ruler over the death of the ruler's son. However, after his release, Umrao was never restored to his Hindu Rajput community and as an outcast, formed his own Muslim Rajput community. Muslim Rajputs live mainly in India and Pakistan, but there are smaller numbers in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Today the Rajput Muslim people are primarily an agricultural community. The Rajputs are traditionally landowners. As land has been lost, a growing number have become employed in service and even wage labor jobs. Women can often be found in weaving, embroidery and the making of handkerchiefs. For women, toe-rings, nose-pins and glass bangles are common symbols for being married. They are non-vegetarian though they avoid beef and pork. They enjoy foods like wheat, rice and pulses.
Rajputs can be part of any of the three biggest religions in South Asia: Hinduism, Sikhism or Islam. Those who are Muslim identify with the Islamic religion and practice their religion. However, Hinduism has affected Islamic practices in South Asia, even in Muslim Pakistan.
As people of influence and social status, the Rajputs are a key people to reach with the Gospel. As converts to Islam they may be more open than many traditionally Muslim peoples to hear and receive of the love of Christ. Praise God that some Hindu Rajput have become believers but there are no known believers among the Muslim Rajput.
Pray for an abundant blessing of Muslim Rajput families and communities as they embrace Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords.
Pray for a movement to Christ that will enrich the Rajput community.
Pray for spiritual openness to Jesus Christ that will not be hindered by the false belief in religious institutions rather than the person, Jesus Christ.
Scripture Prayers for the Rajput (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
