Introduction / History

The word Patni has to do with ferrying by boat. They have low status, even those from a Muslim background.

Where Are they Located?

Hindu Patnis live in both India and Bangladesh, but the Muslims live almost exclusively in Bangladesh.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Those in Bangladesh and parts of India speak Bengali. Most are landowners who work in farming, though others are day laborers. They have a low literacy level and so the gospel message will need to be presented in oral form. They avoid marrying relatives on the side of the father for five generations.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are both Muslim and Hindu Patni people. Like other Muslims in South Asia, Muslim beliefs are tainted by Hindu spirituality which affects almost all religious communities in this region. Officially they are dedicated to Allah and the teachings of his prophet, Mohammed, but on a daily basis, Muslims look to charms, amulets, etc. Devout Muslim Patnis will pray five times a day, give alms to the poor, and go on the pilgrimage to Mecca if they have the resources.

What Are Their Needs?

The Patni people, be they Hindu or Muslim, need to meet their Savior.

Prayer Points

Pray for families of believers loving and serving others to grow reproducing churches.
Pray for a chain reaction of Muslim Patni families reaching families that results in thousands of new believers who share their faith with others.
Pray for grace and truth expanding into the entire Muslim Patni society as all believers learn to love others.
Pray that churches and believers will bless their entire people group in such a way that God's love will change the Muslim Patnis like yeast changes dough.

Scripture Prayers for the Patni (Muslim traditions) in Bangladesh.

References

https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17856/BG
https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/17660/BG