Rahmani (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Rahmani (Muslim traditions) |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 64,000 |
| World Population: | 329,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sindhi |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Muslim - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Rahmani place themselves in the higher order of Muslim communities, though other Muslim communities may dispute this.
The Rahmani are one of many Bhat subgroups. They live primarily in India but also have a presence in Pakistan.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Bhat groups are known for their practice of 'phakra' (speaking poetically in praise of others). As a landowning community, they work primarily in cultivation. Generally, they are not well educated.
The Rahmani primarily practice monogamy and usually marry their cousins. They allow for divorce and remarriage. Their women wear vermilion and iron bangles as marriage symbols.
On the death of the father, the children inherit the property, with the sons inheriting larger shares than the daughters. During funeral practices, someone recites the kalima and verses from the Koran in the ears of the dying person.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Muslim Rahmani historically converted from Hinduism to Sunni Islam, the religion of the Pakistani majority. In addition to Islam, they practice ancestor worship and the occult.
There are no known followers of Christ among the Rahmani in either India or Pakistan. The Rahmani are considered a frontier people group in both countries.
What Are Their Needs?
The Rahmani in Pakistan speak Sindhi, a language spoken by over 200 people groups. Christian resources available in Sindhi include the entire Bible, the JESUS Film, audio Bible, and gospel recordings. Since many Rahmani are illiterate, they will need the gospel presented orally.
Most Rahmani have probably never met a Christian. Additionally, Pakistan's infamous blasphemy laws make it very dangerous to share the gospel.
Prayer Points
Ask God to lead many Rahmani to websites and social media sites where they can be exposed to the gospel.
Pray that Jesus will reveal himself to them through dreams and visions, showing them that he is more than a great prophet.
Ask the Holy Spirit to convict many Rahmani of their need for a savior and to show them that salvation cannot be earned.
Ask God to lead believers from nearby people groups to share the gospel with Rahmani whose hearts are open.
Ask God to enable the Rahmani to live in harmony with neighboring peoples.
Pray for a movement among the Rahmani to lead to disciples and churches that multiply through many generations.