Bazigar (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

Introduction / History

The Muslim Bazigar or Goaar live in northwest Pakistan. Their name comes from the Urdu word "bazi" which means acrobat. The Bazigar were originally Hindus. A small group of them became Muslims during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods. The traditional occupation of the Bazigar was that of being acrobats, dancers, musicians, jugglers and wrestlers. The Bazigar would travel from village to village. They would hire themselves out as farm agricultural laborers. They would also perform at festivals and holidays as dancers, drummers and acrobats. They would perform for Hindu, Muslim and Sikh villages.

Most Muslim Bazigar live in the Pakistani states of Punjab and Azad Kashmir.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Today less than one out of five Bazigars engage in the itinerate lifestyle. They still like to dance, sing, play music and do feats of strength and agility. In 1981, only 11% of the Bazigar could read and write. Illiteracy continues to be a problem for them today.

Most Pakistani Bazigar now work in agriculture as laborers. They also work as

shopkeepers, public officials and grocers. They raise goats and sheep for their meat and milk. As Muslims the Bazigar do not eat pork. Many Bazigar still have musical and athletic skills, which they perform at important family events and holidays.

The Bazigar marry within their community. Families arrange marriages. Sons inherit property with the eldest son gaining possession of the family home. Caste councils promote their interests and settle legal disputes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Bazigar people of Pakistan are Sunni, the largest branch of Islam. They attempt to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Muhammad. They believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime.

The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

The Muslim Bazigar need to learn new job skills, but education is an even greater foundational need. Too many are not earning an adequate living.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Lord sends workers to the Bazigar to tell them about Jesus and his love for them.
Pray that a strong movement to Jesus will bring whole Bazigar families and communities into a rich experience of God's blessings.
Pray the Bazigar people will understand that Jesus desires to bless their families and communities, not harm them.
Pray for the Bazigar people to see living Christianity lived out before them.

Text Source:   Joshua Project