Hindi in Saudi Arabia

Introduction / History

Of all the Hindi speakers living outside India, the majority can be found in the neighboring countries of Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nepal and Afghanistan. A smaller number are in Saudi Arabia.

The term "Hindi" does not adequately describe the ethnic and social complexity of these people since it is merely a language distinction. Hindi is an Indo-Aryan language. Many Hindi words are borrowed from the ancient Sanskrit language. In reality, the Hindi-speaking people are a collection of ethnic and social groups. They not only speak a common language but also have a sense of "group identity" based on cultural and historical factors.

It is usually the higher status families and educated people who migrate to other countries. These people now hold a wide variety of occupations.

What Are Their Lives Like?

As is common among most migratory Indian groups, the Hindi speakers have tended to congregate with others who speak their language. There are many other South Asian groups in Saudi Arabia, but the government prefers to admit Muslims rather than Hindus. For that reason, Hindu speakers often congregate with other Hindus in this Muslim dominated country. Saudi Arabia does not allow for a Hindu place of worship so they probably hold their worship time at homes.

In Saudi Arabia Hindi speakers have set up Indian spice shops, stores and small commercial businesses. Some who live in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Bangladesh are farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of the Hindi speakers practice Hinduism which is considered more a lifestyle than a religion. They might worship a number of gods, be devoted to one, or use Hinduism as an almost secularized philosophy.

Hinduism teaches that the soul never dies. When the body dies, the soul is reborn or "reincarnated." The soul may be reborn as an animal or as a human. The law of "karma" states that every action influences how the soul will be born in the next reincarnation. If a person lives a good life, the soul will be born into a higher state. If a person leads an evil life, the soul will be born into a lower state.

What Are Their Needs?

The Hindi speakers have both the Bible and the JESUS Film available in their language. They need a hunger for true righteousness and truth before they will investigate the claims of Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger and a willingness to lose their reputation for the sake of Christ.
Ask God to raise up Christian merchants and businessmen to share the gospel with Hindi speakers in Saudi Arabia.
Ask the Lord to raise up multiplying fellowships of believers among the Hindi that will reach out to others.
Pray for groups of Hindi speakers in Saudi Arabia to come together to worship the King of kings.

Text Source:   Joshua Project