Afshari in Afghanistan
ahf-SHAH-ree

Most Afghan Ashari believe that Ali, Muhammad's cousin, was ordained by Allah to follow Mohammad, and after him came 11 more imams selected by Allah. The 12th one, Hujjat-Allah, is recognized as the promised Mahdi, their messiah, whom they say has been living is seclusion since 874. They believe that in God's time, he will return with Jesus to establish Islam in the world. This is called the Twelver Shia doctrine of Islam. Asharis mainly live through farming, herding and carpet weaving in isolated regions close to Kabul, Afghanistan. Others are found in Iran, Syria and Turkey.

Ministry Obstacles
Anyone who decides to follow Christ in Afghanistan is rightfully fearful of persecution. For this reason, the small number of Ashari followers of Christ usually hide their beliefs.

Outreach Ideas
Believers in Afghanistan need to be trained in how to introduce Christ through culturally appropriate music and skits. There can also be radio broadcasts for Ashari women, who have lost many of their rights within the last 15 years.

Scripture Focus
"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy."  Leviticus 19:1-2

Scripture Prayer
Pray that new believers among this people group will seek holiness by allowing the Holy Spirit to transform them from the inside out.

Prayer Focus
Pray that God would strengthen the faith of Afghan believers to be His witnesses to the Ashari people. Pray that all Ashari would be open to hearing the gospel in their language through radio, gospel recording and print.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net