Siddiqi Shaikh in India

The term Shaikh is used here to refer to a sociocultural group that originated with Arab settlers in South Asia, which now comprises many subgroups. The Shaikh can be traced back to around 711 AD. Some of these subgroups intermarry with non-Shaikh Bengali Muslims in Bangladesh, while others don't. Technocrats, bureaucrats, soldiers, traders, scientists, architects, teachers, theologians, and Sufis flocked from the rest of the Arab and Muslim world to the Islamic Sultanate in South Asia, settling there permanently. The Siddiqi Shaikh subgroup claims its distinction is that it is descended from Abu Bakr Siddiq, the first Muslim caliph and a companion of the Prophet Mohammed. He was also the father-in-law of the Islamic prophet. This gives them very high status among Muslim communities, tying them in with the Islamic religion.

Ministry Obstacles
The Siddiqi Shaikh community is solidly Muslim. They are among the more orthodox Muslims, and their identity is strongly tied to the Islamic religion. Strong Sunni Muslim identity makes conversion appear to be likened to betrayal of family and faith. Christian workers may be scrutinized by the government.

Scripture Focus
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."  Acts 4:29-30

Scripture Prayer
Pray for boldness and love among the workers who go to today’s people group.

Prayer Focus
Ask the Lord to open the hearts of the Siddiqi Shaikhs so they will receive the good news. Pray for a movement to Christ that will bless the Siddiqi Shaikhs this decade. Pray for the Lord to send workers to the Shaikhs to share the message of Jesus or Isa. Pray for greater outreach penetration and trained workers. Pray against ostracism, harassment, and violence for new converts.

Presented by Joshua Project
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