Lohar (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

Introduction / History

Throughout South Asia there have always been villages without a blacksmith to mend farming tools and other necessities. For this reason, there is an important niche for nomadic blacksmiths like the Lohar people.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Lohars are a nomadic community. They go from village to village doing blacksmith work, usually in rural areas. For example, they will repair plows, shovels, hoes, etc. for village farmers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most are Hindus, but in Pakistan there is a sizable number of Muslim Lohars. They believe the essentials of Islam, but at a practical level, they depend on spiritual forces for their daily needs.

What Are Their Needs?

Muslim Lohars have not heard the gospel that Jesus Christ is the only one who can save sinners. They need to hear this, but they have few opportunities in Muslim Pakistan. Not only is Pakistan is closed country, but it is very difficult for missionaries to have consistent contact with nomadic people.
Someone with the right skills who is willing to die to self (and to a comfortable lifestyle) can travel with a Lohar community. They could tell stories from the Bible and teach the ways of Jesus Christ through their transformed lives.

Prayer Points

There are no known followers of Christ among the Muslim Lohars in Pakistan. Pray that God breaks through the darkness, so that they can enjoy fellowship with the King of kings! Pray that the Lord will make Himself known to the Muslim Lohar people and that they will be open when they hear the truth about Jesus being lord and savior.
Pray that God will lead His envoys to those whose hearts have been prepared to receive His word.
Pray that the Lohar people will be ready to repent before a holy God.

Text Source:   Joshua Project