Rayeen (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Rayeen (Muslim traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	36,000
World Population:	1,289,800
Primary Language:	Sindhi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Rayeen are also known as the Raysipotra. The Raysipotra are a large Muslim people, referred to as the sons of Raysi. The Raysi are said to have descended from a Sindh community of Pakistan. Though many are still in Pakistan, they are more numerous in India and Bangladesh. A smaller number live in Nepal.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They work as transporters of produce from the farms to the marketplace. In order to be sure they can make a profit selling the produce, they must negotiate prices with the farmers. They have a reputation for being a friendly and outgoing people who enjoy family life. They marry mainly among their clan cousins and follow closely the laws and rites of Islam. They usually name their child within a day of birth. They don't allow divorce. Their staple foods are bajra and wheat roti.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rayeen people are Sunni, the largest branch of Islam. They try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad. They believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited to drink alcohol, eat pork, gamble, steal, use deceit, slander, and make idols. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah. Because of their Islamic beliefs the Kunjra have faced oppression from Hindus, which has prompted many of them to migrate outside the state of Bihar.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rayeen people in Pakistan need access to the gospel. They live in Sindh Province where there are very few believers or Christian fellowships.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual hunger that will give the Rayeen people a desire for the truth of the word of God.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement that will bless the Rayeen people this decade.
Pray for the Lord to send out workers to the Rayeen people to help them with their spiritual and physical needs.