Introduction / History

There has been a South Asian diaspora in various parts of the world including Egypt. Most of these are Punjabi speaking Sikhs, or Hindus who speak a variety of languages: Tamil, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, etc. Muslims usually speak either Urdu or Bengali. There are some segments of the South Asian diaspora that don't fit into any neat language category. Those we simply call, "South Asians" or "Indo-Pakistanis" since we are referring to people from either India or Pakistan. Sometimes Bangladeshis and Nepalis are lumped in as well since those countries are also in South Asia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Indian companies are prevalent in Egypt, and many of their managers, techies, etc. are in Egypt. Most South Asians in Egypt are from the higher classes. They work for energy, IT, banking or financing corporations. These people are usually old enough to have families, so there are many South Asian families in Egypt from this elite group. With that comes South Asian-based private schools. Though there are special events for South Asians based on their language, they commonly come together as a group, even those who are "generic" South Asians. These gatherings might be cultural or religious. Hinduism is an important part of their culture, and it gives South Asians an identity. South Asians in diaspora often accept one another regardless of religious affiliation. They are not likely, however, to marry across religious or caste lines.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there are Hindus among them, most South Asians in Egypt are Muslim. Muslims believe that there is only one god, Allah. Theirs is a religion of works based on five basic "pillars. " Muslims must affirm that "there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. " They are also required to pray five times a day, give alms to the poor, fast during the month of Ramadan, and try to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca. These South Asian Muslims blend in with the local population at the mosques.

What Are Their Needs?

South Asians need to hear that Jesus Christ came to save sinful mankind. The message that we have offended the one true and living God is not a popular message. If Christ followers were willing to befriend South Asians, they could earn a hearing. It would take time and much prayer. Unfortunately, very few believers are willing to do this to reach these unreached people who are often living in a place where there is freedom of religion.

Prayer Points

Pray for workers, filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit, to go to the South Asians in Egypt. Pray for South Asians in Egypt to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find Jesus Christ. Pray for South Asians in Egypt to begin a family-based movement to Christ that will bless them abundantly. Pray for the Lord's blessing of the South Asian diaspora and the work of their hands as a testimony of his goodness and power.

Scripture Prayers for the South Asian, general in Egypt.