Ansari is an Arabic word which the means "those who support." Ansar originated from the Medinan people who assisted the prophet Mohammed as he moved from Mecca to Medina. These people later became his early emissaries and soldiers. The Ansaris now reside in most countries of South Asia with large populations in India and Pakistan. The main language of the Ansari is Urdu.

The Ansaris are predominately artisans by trade. Many today live in poverty. The weaving of silk is a common trade skill among these people. Although traditionally weavers and textile sellers, the Ansaris are now involved in a wide range of small businesses and in agriculture. The Ansaris are not vegetarian, and they are widely accepting of drink and food from other communities. As Muslims, they will not eat pork. They tend, however, to be rather clannish and guarded about marriage within the group. Their women often wear bangles and beads as a symbol of being married. The friendliness of the Ansari people can open doors for believers to develop friendships and opportunities to share the gospel. In recent years numerous teams of believers have begun working in north India among the Ansari.

The Ansari people are Sunni, the largest branch of Islam. Their brand of Islam includes folk religion. The Ansari try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad. They believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited to drink alcohol, eat pork, gamble, steal, use deceit, slander, and make idols. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

The Ansaris need to see that Jesus or Isa is more than a human prophet. They would benefit from learning new job skills.

* Scripture Prayers for the Ansari in India.

Pray that God would send Indian followers of Jesus to their Ansari neighbors to share with them the good news. Pray for a disciple making movement among them this decade. Pray for Ansari leaders who have heard the gospel will turn to following Jesus Christ. Pray for good schools where Ansari children can get an education that helps to lift them out of poverty.