Jahanka in Guinea


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Islam (Sunni)
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Jahanka are descended from the larger Soninke people group. They constitute a specialized caste of professional Muslim clerics and teachers dating back to the fifteenth century. As a result, they exercise a high degree of economic and religious influence among Soninke groups. The Jahanka belong to the Malinke people cluster, an unreached cluster of Sub-Saharan Africa. The Jahanka live mostly in Senegal and Guinea, with smaller populations in Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Gambia. They speak primarily Jahanka, with Mandinka and French also spoken.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Historically, the Jahanka have primarily been occupied with teaching and performing religious ceremonies. Over time, many of the Jahanka have transitioned into agriculture, commerce and other professions. They continue to value education and scholarship and are known for their success in business. They have become more dispersed over time, as urbanization has accelerated. The Jahanka reject violence and jihad in favor of peaceful coexistence. They avoid politics and war. When their villages are threatened, they respond by relocating into safer territory. Their villages enjoy the privileges of sanctuary, independence and freedom from military service.


They are far more orthodox and committed to Islam than just about any other people group in Africa.
What Are Their Beliefs?

The Jahanka are nearly 100% Sunni Muslims. They adhere to the teachings of Mohammed and emphasize the five pillars of Islam. They prize historical accuracy and religious instruction of young people. As clerics, they value deep knowledge of the Koran and are known throughout the Muslim world for producing distinguished Islamic scholars.


What Are Their Needs?

There are few if any Christ followers among the Jahanka and few Christian resources in their language other than gospel recordings. Bible translation work in the Jahanka language has begun, but there is no written or audio Bible, and the JESUS Film has not been translated. Some individual gospel recordings have been created. No mission agencies are currently working among the Jahanka. The depth of their commitment to Islam presents both an obstacle and an opportunity for the gospel. As Islamic scholars, the Jahanka hold strongly to the teachings of the Koran and of their tradition. At the same time, their influence in the Islamic world in West Africa makes them potentially important ambassadors for the gospel if they allow Christ to be king of their lives. Christian educators and professionals, especially those from a Muslim background, could potentially influence the Jahanka for the gospel.


Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to send missionaries and Christian educators and professionals to proclaim the good news among the Jahanka of Guinea-Bissau. Ask the Lord to save key leaders among the Jahanka who will boldly declare the gospel. Ask God to raise up prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through intercession. Pray for strong local churches to emerge among the Jahanka, leading to a church planting movement in all five countries where this group resides.


Scripture Prayers for the Jahanka in Guinea.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Jahanka
People Name in Country Jahanka
Pronunciation jah-HAHNG-kah
Alternate Names Diakhanke; Malinka; Malinke; Maninka
Population this Country 41,000
Population all Countries 133,000
Total Countries 5
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
PeopleID3 12311
ROP3 Code 104152
Country Guinea
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Boké region: central Gaoual prefecture, south of Nunez river, between Sangea and Boke towns, south and west of Gaoual town, upper reaches, Tamine river; more than 60 villages.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Guinea
Region Africa, West and Central
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country Boké region: central Gaoual prefecture, south of Nunez river, between Sangea and Boke towns, south and west of Gaoual town, upper reaches, Tamine river; more than 60 villages..   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Primary Religion: Islam (Sunni)
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.01 %)
0.10 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
99.90 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Jahanka (41,000 speakers)
Language Code jad   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Unknown
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Jahanka (41,000 speakers)
Language Code jad   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Jahanka

Primary Language:  Jahanka

Bible Translation Status:  Translation Started

Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  GoWestAfrica  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source Bethany World Prayer Center  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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