Sayyid in Sri Lanka
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Sayyid |
| Country: | Sri Lanka |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 50,000 |
| World Population: | 17,731,000 |
| 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 - Sayyid |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Sayyid or Syed are among the largest Muslim communities in South Asia, but there are not many in Sri Lanka. They are said to trace their lineage directly back to the daughter of the Prophet Mohammad himself, Syed-un-Nisa Fatima Zehra. The Sayyid in South Asia came by sea over 600 years ago.
Where Are they Located?
There are large populations of Sayyid in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Smaller numbers live in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Sayyid occupy the highest of social class among Muslims. They are traditionally the priests and religious teachers of the Muslim communities. More recently they can be found in a host of government service, teaching and business occupations. They marry mainly among their own clans.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Sayyid are 100 percent Sunni Muslim. They are very serious about their religion and very dedicated to seeing others remain in the Islamic fold. Because of their position as religious teachers and priests they are considered 100% Muslim in each of the countries where their live. The Sayyid can be found in both major sect divisions of the Shia and the Sunni.
What Are Their Needs?
Because of the shear religious and political weight that the Sayyid carry in their respective communities, a transformed Sayyid leader for Christ could have influence like that of "Paul" in his day. Whole districts could be convinced to be followers of Jesus (whom Muslims call Isa al-Masih) if Sayyid leaders came to know and trust the truth. Pray for dreams and visions among these people.
Prayer Points
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ among the Sayyid in Sri Lanka.
Pray for the Sayyid people to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit anointed believers from the Sayyid people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers Sayyid disciples to make more disciples.
Pray for a movement of Jesus to heal and strengthen Sayyid communities.