Sindhi in Singapore

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. The more fortunate Sindhis were able to go to Singapore, a nation that thrives on business. The Sindhis founded the Singapore Sindhi Association in 1921. A much larger number of Sindhis began to arrive in Singapore during the early 1950s.

Where Are they Located?

Sindhis are concentrated at Enggor Street.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Life in Singapore is very fast-paced. Only those with abundant wealth can afford to live in this high-priced city-state.

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 Singapore.

Text Source:   Keith Carey