Rangrez (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

People Name:	Rangrez (Muslim traditions)
Country:	Pakistan
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	79,000
World Population:	454,000
Primary Language:	Saraiki
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The word rangrez means a dyer in the Persian language, and the community has been connected with this occupation, while others were tailors and washermen. They consist of three subdivisions: the Lalgarh, Nilgarh and Chhipi. The community places the Chhipi in the lowest position because they dyed and printed clothes whereas the Lalgarh and Nilgarh generally prepare color from indigo. A number of Rangrez caste associations exist. Quite a few Rangrez have immigrated to Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Rangrez traditionally have practiced dye making. Now many Rangrez seek other vocations due to the competition from cheaper commercial dye making companies. They tend to seek work in the trade of fabrics and clothing.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rangrez community practices Sunni Islam. It also visits the shrines of various Sufi saints found in North India, such as Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
Sunni religious practices are staid and simple. They believe that Allah has pre-determined our fates; they minimize free will.
In most of the Muslim world, people depend on the spirit world for their daily needs since they regard Allah as too distant. Allah may determine their eternal salvation, but the spirits determine how well we live in our daily lives. For that reason, they must appease the spirits. They often use charms and amulets to help them with spiritual forces.

What Are Their Needs?

The Rangrez need workers to go to them to share the gospel in the Rangrez language and within their culture.

Prayer Points

Pray for the completion of the translation of the Rangrez Bible for those Rangrez living in Pakistan.
Pray for workers to take the Rangrez Bible and other resources to the Rangrez and to share the gospel with them.
Pray for any as yet unknown Rangrez believers, that they receive discipleship and fellowship together.
Pray for the establishment of a viable, indigenous and reproducing Rangrez church in Pakistan and India.