Sindhi Khaikheli in Pakistan
Photo Source:
Victor Sardar
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Sindhi Khaikheli |
| Country: | Pakistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 405,000 |
| World Population: | 405,000 |
| Primary Language: | Sindhi |
| 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 Muslim Khaikheli or Khaskheli are a tribal people who live in the Sindh province of Pakistan. They claim to be Rajputs or sons of rulers. The Khaikheli say they are descended from Samma Dynasty who ruled the Sindh region from 1351 to 1524. The Khaikheli have a reputation for being fierce warriors. The British conquered the region in 1834. Many of the Khaikheli soldiers were executed. Others were forcibly moved to other parts of the British Raj. With the Partition of 1947, many of the Khaikheli left India and returned back to their ancestral home, the Sindh Province of Pakistan.
The primary language of the Khaikheli is Sindhi. A complete Bible and the JESUS Film are available in Sindhi.
Where Are they Located?
The Khaikheli live in south Pakistan in and near the cities of Karachi and Hyderabad.
What Are Their Lives Like?
The Khaikheli are a diverse group depending upon whether they live in cities or in rural areas. Urban Khaikheli take part in modern Pakistani society. They are employed in medicine, the entertainment industry, higher education, administration, and politics. Rural Khaikheli work in agriculture and animal husbandry. It is common for rural Khaikheli men to be seen carrying rifles to protect their family, land and animals.
The Khaikheli marry within their group. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Sons inherit property with the eldest son becoming head of the family upon the death of his father. Caste councils settle legal disputes and promote their interests.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Khaikheli are Sunni Muslims. Islam is a major world religion that is based on five essential duties or "pillars": (1) A Muslim must affirm that "there is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet." (2) Five times a day one must pray while facing Mecca. (3) One must give an obligatory percentage (very similar to tithes) on an annual basis. (4) One must fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. (5) One must try to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited to drink alcohol, eat pork, gamble, steal, use deceit, slander, and make idols.
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?
Rural Khaikheli need help in educating their children and in obtaining modern medical care. Most of all, the Khaikheli need to hear and understand the message of Jesus Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for workers needed to sow God's Word into Khaikheli families, healing and strengthening households with God's blessings.
Pray that God will overthrow spiritual forces of darkness opposing the spread of His gospel among the Khaikheli.
Pray that many of the Khaikheli people will come to love God with their whole being and will walk in His ways.