Navait in Sri Lanka
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Navait |
| Country: | Sri Lanka |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 17,000 |
| World Population: | 81,000 |
| Primary Language: | Tamil |
| 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 Navait people are thought to perhaps be descended from Iraqi traders who fled from persecution many years ago. Others believe the Navait descended from Saudi migrants more than 1000 years ago, from ancient Yemeni sailors, or have blood ties to Persian merchants. Even their current coastal locations spanning beyond India into Pakistan and Sri Lanka attest to the scattering. In any case, the Navait have a connection to an ancient Arab diaspora, clearly shown by their skin, their surnames, their language, and their religion, Sunni Islam.
Where Are they Located?
The Navait people dwelling mostly in coastal communities along India's southern shores or Sri Lanka.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Navait people are sometimes suspected of being terrorists. Some have disappeared from their Indian or Sri Lankan homes never to be found. We do not know why this has happened, but it's possible that some have joined Islamic terrorist groups, or they have been kidnapped or killed.
What Are Their Beliefs?
This people group is 100 percent Sunni Muslim. They believe that Allah is the God of creation, and Mohammed is his prophet. Devout Muslims, no matter where they live, will fast during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, pray five times a day, and, if they can afford it, go on a pilgrimage to Mecca. South Asian Muslims like the Navait often blend their Islamic beliefs with Hindu practices.
What Are Their Needs?
The Navait people need to find their Savior, so they can call upon Him when they are in need. He can bless them far more than they can ever imagine!
Prayer Points
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Navait people in Sri Lanka and India.
Pray for the Navait people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Navait people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers Navait disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Navait communities.