Photo Source:
Copyrighted © 2024
Isudas All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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People Name: | Tawaif (Muslim traditions) |
Country: | Pakistan |
10/40 Window: | Yes |
Population: | 18,000 |
World Population: | 145,000 |
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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Tawaifs are courtesans, high class prostitutes who are also artistic performers. Hindu Tawaifs are far better known than their Muslim Pakistani counterparts. Tawaifs either live in India's Uttar Pradesh state or Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh Provinces.
Tawaifs have their own culture which involves music and dance. People have wavered for many years between seeing them in negative terms, even as non-humans, and honoring their cultural achievements.
Like any Muslim, the Tawaif believe in Allah as the all-sovereign God who spoke to Mohammed leading to the Koran, which is their holy book. Typically Muslims in South Asia also hold beliefs that seem almost Hindu.
The Tawaifs need to find their worth in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Some need help with job training so they can earn a better living.
Pray for Holy Spirit driven workers to go to the Muslim Tawaifs until there they have their own church planting movement. Pray for them to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find the only Savior. Pray for the Lord to speak to the hearts of Tawaif community leaders, giving them reason to open the doors for the gospel.