Shaikh in Nepal
shayk

In Nepal, Bengali Muslims (sometimes known as Shaikh) are most likely to live in the southern and eastern regions. Though there are often love marriages in urban areas, family-oriented arranged marriages are most common among Bengali Muslims in Nepal. It starts with a matchmaker who approaches both families to make sure the couple is compatible. No unemployed man is acceptable as a groom. Family elders take care of the formalities for the engagement. A Bengali Muslim wedding ceremony can take up to three days.

Ministry Obstacles
Bengali Muslims seek help from pirs, Muslim saints they believe carry special powers even after they die. They also commonly embrace Sufism. This is a mystical and emotional Islamic practice which seeks to reach a state of spiritual purity.

Outreach Ideas
Christ’s ambassadors can point out that those who pray to Jesus Christ will always be heard, and he will always give an answer. Some Sufis are seeking an emotional connection with the one true God, which they can find through the Lord of lords.

Scripture Focus
"But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you."  1 Peter 3:14-15

Scripture Prayer
Pray for the Holy Spirit to give His words of wisdom to believers who share their faith to this people group.

Prayer Focus
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Bengali Muslim families, giving them spiritual hunger. Pray for loving and dedicated workers to go to them in Nepal, showing the way to the cross. Pray that movement to Christ among Bengali Muslims in Bangladesh will extend to Nepal.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net