Sonar (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Sonar (Muslim traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	379,000
World Population:	414,000
Primary Language:	Saraiki
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Muslim Sonar people have their roots in Hindu mythology. According to the legend, Sonars are the descendants of the youngest of five sons created by the Hindu god Vishnu's incarnation, Vishwakarama. The first Sonar was used by the goddess Devi to destroy a giant demon who was made of gold. This Sonar convinced this vain demon that he would look better if he were polished, a process which involved being melted down, and ultimately destroyed.

Where Are they Located?

Most members of the Sonar community are Sikh, Jain, or Hindu, and they live in India's northern states. A small number are Muslims, and a smaller number of these live in Pakistan's Punjab Province.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Wealthy Sonars are money lenders. There are some Sonars who now sell groceries or own land, but most are still craftsmen. Specifically, they make jewelry out of gold or silver. Hindu Sonars are free to make jewelry and idols that honor their deities, but Muslim Sonars cannot participate in these activities.

Sonars tend to marry within their own communities. They do not practice child marriage, and they live within nuclear families. In today's world, the Sonars are starting to get higher education.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Sunni Muslims believe that they can please Allah by obeying what he told them to do in the Koran and the hadith. Salvation is based on the will of Allah, which means that no one will know his or her eternal fate until the Day of Judgment.

What Are Their Needs?

These people are middle class or wealthy, so they do not feel a need to take care of their basic needs. However, they have spiritual needs which are unmet by Islam.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Sonar community to be humble enough to acknowledge their need for forgiveness of sin, and that they understand the provision for forgiveness that God has provided.