Rajput Muslims get their name from the larger Rajput people who are one of the four main Hindu divisions of South Asia peoples. Rajput are a core of noble people. Rajput in Sanskrit means, “son of a ruler or king.” 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.
Today Rajput Muslims in Bangladesh are often an agricultural community. 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 avoid beef and enjoy foods like wheat, rice and pulses. They are Sunni Muslims but with much influence by Hindu traditions they retain a variety of Hindu practices.
Though most Rajputs in South Asia are Hindu, there are millions of Muslims among them, especially in the Muslim countries of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
High status often hardens people to accept the gospel. That goes for the Muslim Rajputs in Bangladesh. They need the chance to hear of the only savior for mankind.
Pray for the Lord to do a miracle and give these people the chance to respond to Jesus Christ.
Pray for Muslim Rajputs to make disciples who will make more disciples.
Pray for the Lord to give their elders dreams and visions that will open their communities to the Lord of lords.
Scripture Prayers for the Rajput (Muslim traditions) in Bangladesh.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |