Hazara in Iran

Introduction / History

The Hazara Khawari (Berberi) are a people of Mongolian descent who immigrated from Afghanistan to Iran in the nineteenth century. 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. Most live in Afghanistan but others are in the Iranian province of Khorasan, south of Mashhad. They also live in Shahr-e-Ray, south of Tehran. Many have fled to Western countries.

Hazara nomads originally immigrated to Iran in search of better pastures for their flocks. They also hoped to escape the consequences of a failed revolt against the Afghan government. Others came as migrant workers. In times past, they were primarily sheep and goat herders. Later generations had to rely on farming as a supplement to their shepherding.

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.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their main crops are wheat, barley, beans and milk which are the staples of their diet.

Today, most have moved to the cities, mainly Mashhad and few to Tehran. Today there is a social layer of educated person among the other layers of the people in Iran, mainly in Mashhad. There are engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers and many others who running medium to large-scale factories and farms.

During the Iran-Iraq war, many Hazara from northeastern Iran fought in the war and showed their braveness on the battlefield. Many of them were killed. Approximately half of the numbers of causalities from Mashhad were Hazara, in spite of the fact that their population makes up only one tenth of Mashhad.

Unfortunately there is racial discrimination in Iran regarding minorities, and the Hazara are not immune this problem. They are often called “barbarians” by the Iranian majority. During the war with Iraq, Hazaras were popular because of their contribution to the war effort. Their contribution was forgotten for decades until the presidency of Mohammad Khatami. Ironically, they have been recruited into one of Iran’s paramilitary groups in the early 2020s to fight in Syria.

There had been intermarriage between the Hazara and other people in northeastern Iran. This suggests they are integrating with other ethnic groups.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Hazara are virtually all Shia Muslim, divided into two sects. The dominant sect is the Ithna Ashari, also known as "Twelvers." The second group is known as the Ismailis, or "Seveners." The vast majority of the Hazaras are Ithna Asharis, and the remainder are Ismailis. Strong negative feelings exist between the two groups.

The Hazara believe that the way to God is only found in the teachings of their holy book, the Koran. The Muslim religion is a religion of works-based specifically on the five basic teachings or "pillars." In order to attain heaven, one must adhere to these teachings. Muslims believe that there is only one god: Allah. They must pray five times a day, give alms to the poor, fast during the month of Ramadan, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once their lifetime.

What Are Their Needs?

The Hazaras in Iran have few if any chances to hear about the only savior, Jesus Christ. As it stands, they believe their salvation depends on their ability to follow the ways of the Koran rather than the blood of Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving ambassadors for Christ to go to the Hazara people in Iran.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will protect and encourage the small number of believers.
Pray for the effective use of the JESUS Film and gospel recordings in Hazaragi.
Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Hazara in Iran and Afghanistan.

Text Source:   Joshua Project