Pashtun Mandanri (Manezai) in Pakistan

Introduction / History

The Pashtun are probably the largest tribal people in the world. The Mandanri or Manezai are a sub-group of the Pashtun. Most Mandanri live in northwestern Pakistan near the Afghan border. The Pashtun are the second largest ethnic group in Pakistan. Arab-funded madrassas (religious schools) throughout Pakistan, became the seedbed for the rise of the Taliban movement. Driven by a combination of religious zeal and Pashtun nationalism, and fueled by Arab money, the "Taliban" (a term for "religious students") imposed a harsh, hyper-conservative (Wahabi) version of Islam on Afghanistan. Instability, endemic corruption, and ongoing violence have led to widespread disillusionment—and the migration of tens of thousands of Pashtuns seeking jobs and opportunities outside of their homeland. The Mandanri speak Northern Pashto, one of the two major Pashtun languages.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Pashtun's primary loyalty is to his particular social group (tribe or sub-tribe). Mandanri claim to be descendants of Qais Abdul Rashid, the legendary patriarch of the Pashtun. Pashtun share a common descent; the Islamic religion; the Pashtunwali Code of Honor; and to some extent, language (Pashto). The greatest evil for the Pashtun is to disgrace one's family, clan, or tribe. The Pashtun, especially the rural ones, live and die based on their code of honor. Tens of thousands of Pashtuns have departed from Pakistan seeking a better life in Europe, the Persian Gulf nations, and the West. Many Mandanri have moved to urban areas and taken up jobs in construction, factories, the oil industry, and retail. The traditional occupations of the Pashtun Mandanri in Pakistan are agriculture and animal husbandry. One could almost say that a third profession of the Pashtun is warfare. They have been fighting outsiders and among themselves for centuries. Every Pashtun man considers himself a warrior. The life of a Pashtun Mandanri woman depends upon where she lives. In the countryside, women follow the traditional role of being wives and caretakers for the children. In cities, women are more likely to obtain an education and work outside of the home. A man may have up to four wives in Islam if he can afford them. Most men marry only one wife. Young people marry within their clan. Children, especially boys, are seen as a blessing from Allah.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Pashtun Mandanri are Sunni Muslims, the largest branch of Islam. Being a Muslim is viewed an essential part of the Mandanri's identity. Mandanri try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad. Sunnis believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. 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 from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, using deceit, slandering, and making idols. If a Mandanri man or woman becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, he or she will face persecution from his or her family and community. 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Mandanri need to hear and understand the life-saving message of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life. Rural Pashtun have an oral culture. Most rural women and many men are unable to read and write. Mandanri would benefit from better access to modern medicine and education.

Prayer Points

Pray for wide availability for Northern Pashto language radio programs. Pray that Mandanri families will be led to listen to these programs. Pray for an openness to the gospel among Mandanri elders and leaders. Ask the Lord to raise up a church planting movement among the Pashtun Mandanri in Pakistan in this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project