Sindhi in Philippines

Introduction / History

The Sindhi people are an ethnic group native to the former Sindh province of the British colony of "India" which also included modern day Bangladesh and Pakistan. Today Sindh is one of the provinces of Pakistan. Most Sindhi peoples were originally Hindus or Buddhists, but the arrival of Muslim Arabs in the 7th century deeply influenced Sindhi religion and culture. Following the partition of India in 1947, most Hindu Sindhis migrated to India, leaving Sunni Muslims to dominate the Sindh province of Pakistan.

Though many went to India, a fair number have gone all over the world, usually as businessmen. They are a well-known business community in Metro-Manila, the heart of the Philippines.

Where Are they Located?

The Sindhis are an urban, business-oriented community that thrives in Metro-Manila.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Sindhis in Metro-Manila are businessmen, but they also have others who are movie producers, lawyers, doctors, and other highly paid professionals. This is a wealthy community.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though there are many Sindhi Muslims in Pakistan, those who venture around the world are usually the Hindu Sindhis. They are pragmatic in their approach to the supernatural. They hope the gods or supernatural powers will grant them wealth and favor.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sindhis lack spiritual hunger. They need to want the abundant life that only Jesus can offer. Those who live in Singapore are focused on gaining wealth.

Prayer Points

Pray that Sindhis would discover that following Christ is more satisfying than storing up riches on earth.
Pray that Hindu-background believers would go to the Sindhi people and live godly lives among them.
Pray for lasting fruit to come from efforts to reach Sindhi families around the world.
Pray for a church planting movement among Sindhis to begin in the Philippines.

Text Source:   Keith Carey