Khoja in India
Photo Source:
Anonymous
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Khoja |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 444,000 |
| World Population: | 1,290,000 |
| Primary Language: | Gujarati |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia Muslim - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Khoja are a Muslim community who live in west and north India. They originally were a group of Hindu traders who converted to Islam in the 14th century. The word Khoja comes from a Persian word meaning "pious" or "respected one."
What Are Their Lives Like?
This community is a religious minority, but they have excelled, especially in business. Some of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in India are Khoja. They believe in higher education for their children. Khoja have migrated all over the globe, including North America, Europe, Africa and East Asia. When a Khoja person travels to a new place, they instantly have friendly Ismaili Muslims there to offer hospitality and business contacts.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The branch of Shia Islam that the Khoja converted to is called Ismaili. They believe that the Aga Khan is the successor to the prophet Muhammad.
What Are Their Needs?
Their sector of Islam is especially resistant to the gospel.The greatest need of the Khoja community is openness to the spiritual truth that only Jesus Christ can provide.
Prayer Points
Ask the Lord to raise up and send out a new generation of fruitful, multiplying witnesses from among the Khoja.
Ask for God to deliver families and communities within the Khoja from fears that hinder them from embracing his blessings.
Pray for movements to Jesus to sweep through Khoja families, permeating the group from within.
Pray for Christians to adopt the Khojas for regular prayer and outreach.
The Khoja would benefit by seeing God's love shown to them by genuine Christ followers. Pray for Christians to live victorious, abundant lives leading to spiritual discussions with their Khoja neighbors.