Pashtun, Southern in Ukraine

Introduction / History

The Pashtun have been called the largest Muslim tribal society in the world. There are at least 30 major tribes, and countless sub-tribes and clans. Spread over a vast geographical area and driven by socio-economic, political, tribal and linguistic (dialectical) differences, Pashtuns nevertheless share a unique sense of common identity. Pashtun identity is based on four elements: Heritage (descent from a common ancestor); Islam (99.9% Muslim); the Pashtunwali Code of Honor ("The Way of the Pashtun"); and to some extent, Language (Pakhtu or Pashto). They live primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan, though there is a significant Pashtun diaspora in the Arab Gulf, especially the UAE, and many Western countries such as Ukraine.

More significant than dialectical differences, a Pashtun's primary loyalty is to his particular social group (tribe or sub-tribe). The Pashtun were the traditional rulers of Afghanistan for over 250 years.

There is a steady stream of Pashtuns leaving their homeland for safer countries. Since things are not safe in Ukraine, there are not many Pashtuns arriving there. Although human rights lawyers assured Pashtun refugees that they will easily obtain legal status in Ukraine, refugees are still awaiting assistance. Facing unemployment and the subsequent poverty due to the lack of legal status, many Pashtun refugees have been recruited to fight for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

The majority of Pashtun live in Pakistan, but there are some in many other countries as well. You can find them in other Central Asian countries like Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Instability, endemic corruption, and on-going violence led to widespread migration of tens of thousands of Afghans (mainly young men) seeking jobs and opportunity in Russia, Europe, and the West.

Southern Pashtuns are from Afghanistan. Some of them have joined forces with the Ukrainian military to fight against Russian invaders.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Whether they are new in Western countries or they have never been to the original Pashtun homeland, Pashtuns almost always identify themselves as Muslims. They will be married in a mosque, and to be associated with another religious system would be unacceptable in their community. Those who want to take Christ to the Pashtuns will need to do just that; take Christ to them, not a religious system.

The Pashtunwali Code of Honor erodes among Pashtuns who live in urban settings like Kiev. Some of them have only a weak identity as Muslims or as Pashtuns. They need to find their identity in the Savior who loves them and wants them to be transformed into His likeness.

What Are Their Needs?

No one knows how many Pashtuns are following Jesus. Seeds of the gospel have been sown widely. The greatest barriers to faith are social and cultural, leaving us with the challenge of allowing Pashtuns to embrace Christ while keeping their culture and traditions. Those who are in Western nations have a tremendous opportunity to embrace the Savior, but, like other immigrants, they are most open only soon after they arrive. If the job is postponed for more than a year or two, the opportunity is lost.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Church in Ukraine to strengthen their effort to reach unreached peoples in their midst.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Pashtuns Diaspora that will spread far and wide.
Pray for the production and distribution of all forms of media in the Pashto language for the Pashtun Diaspora.
Pray for more workers to live among the Pashtuns and work beside them, giving them the opportunity to tell them about Jesus Christ, the Savior of all nations.
Pray for God's Spirit to strengthen and protect new believers and to empower them to take Christ to other Pashtun communities.

Text Source:   Joshua Project