The Hazara Khawari (Berberi) are a people of Mongolian descent whose ancestry dates back to the Mongol Empires. That empire conquered quickly in the 1200s, then retreated just as fast. Some of them remained and intermarried with local women. They became today's Hazaras.
The name "Hazara" originally referred to a fighting unit of 1,000 men. Today, it simply means "mountain tribe," and is used in reference to the mountain settlements of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. They were primarily sheep and goat herders. Later generations had to rely on farming as a supplement to their shepherding.
In Afghanistan, Hazaras have been shaken by rebellions and civil war. After an unsuccessful rebellion in the 1800s, some Hazara fled and settled in Pakistan. In recent years, they have been joined by other Hazara refugees fleeing the civil war in Afghanistan. At one time, they were the majority people in Afghanistan; today their numbers are dwindling. The Hazara live primarily in central Afghanistan, but there are also significant communities living in Iran and Pakistan. Many have fled to Western countries.
The common language of the Hazara is Hazaragi, a language that has been passed down for many generations. It is sometimes referred to as Afghan-Persian and it appears to be related to Dari, a key trade language in Afghanistan and Farsi, the language of Iran.
Their main crops are wheat, barley, beans and milk which are the staples of their diet. Hazara men wear knee length, cotton shirts hanging over matching baggy trousers, embroidered skullcaps, and turbans. Women wear similar clothing, except that they use brightly colored shawls to cover their heads.
Hazara marriage ceremonies follow the traditional Shia Islamic pattern. Most marry within their own communities and nearly always within the Hazara ethnic group. They prefer marriages between first cousins, particularly from the father's side of the family. When a girl reaches about fifteen years of age, she is usually married to the man of her parents' choice.
Only boys have the opportunity for formal education, which usually lasts only one or two years. The teachings are centered on Islam, and memorization of poetry is a major part of their education. As a result, illiteracy is very high among the Hazara.
Despite their reputation as fierce, warlike people, the Hazara are widely renowned for their hospitality, warmth, and generosity. Also, Hazara women have a greater degree of social freedom than women in most other Muslim groups.
Hazara follow the Shia sect of Islam. Although they shun the most stringent Muslim customs, the Hazara are devoted to their faith, praying five times per day while facing the holy city of Mecca and fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Religious authorities called Sayyids play an integral role in the Islamic beliefs of the Hazara. Sayyids have claimed descent from the founder of Islam, Mohammed. Although they were originally Arabs, the Sayyids of Pakistan have intermarried with the Hazara and have become much like them in physical appearance and culture. They use their sacred qualities to serve the religious needs of the common people. Hazaras believe the Sayyids' prayers and good favor bring blessing.
The Hazara are looked down upon and despised by other ethnic groups. Both in Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Hazaras are often physically attacked for their Shia faith. They suffer an alarming array of health problems; eye diseases, leprosy, and tuberculosis are very common.
They also have great spiritual needs with few opportunities to encounter Jesus Christ who alone can provide them with answers.
Pray for the Lord to protect these violated people.
Pray for the JESUS Film and other Christian materials to become readily available to the Hazaras wherever they live.
Pray for Hazara family heads to have a spiritual hunger that will lead them to the only Savior.
Pray that soon they will discover Christ and become his ambassadors throughout Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran.
Scripture Prayers for the Hazara in Afghanistan.
References
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
