Burusho in Pakistan

Introduction / History

They speak a language isolate called Burushaski. Bible portions and the JESUS Film are available in Burushaski. A language isolate is a language that is unrelated to the languages spoken by surrounding peoples. The villages of the Burusho are hundreds of feet above the Hunza River. Travel is by narrow road. The two primary occupations of the Burusho are animal husbandry and agriculture. The Burusho people live in the high mountainous region of northern Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Burusho grow crops such as potatoes, barley, wheat, maize, and vegetables in the short summers of the Hindu Kush and Karakoram Mountains. They also take care of sheep and goats. These animals provide meat, milk, wool, and skins. The Burusho trade their surplus animal products and produce for things they cannot make for themselves such as cell phones, appliances and metal tools.
The main clans of the Burusho live in the city of Baltit. Marriages take place once a year, usually in December. Divorce is allowed only to men and then only on the grounds of adultery. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son usually receiving the best land. Elders rule the Burusho villages. They deal with outsiders and make legal decisions. The chief elder or leader of the Burusho people is called the mir. His word is final.
Sons assume responsibility for elderly parents and grandparents. Three or more generations often live under one roof. The Burusho marry among themselves. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. Life expectancy among the Burusho is only 53 years because their lack of access to modern medicine. Many Burusho, especially the women, are unable to read and write. Many men are able to speak Urdu, the national language of Pakistan.
According to Wikipedia, the Burusho are known for their love of music and dance, along with their progressive views towards education and women.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Burusho are Ismaili - Shiai Muslims and have been so for hundreds of years. Muslims believe that the supreme God, Allah, spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering, and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship.
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.
Sunni religious practices are staid and simple. They believe that Allah has pre-determined our fates. They minimize free will.

What Are Their Needs?

The Burusho would benefit by access to modern medicine. Solar cells can bring electricity to their isolated villages. Most of all, the Burusho need to hear and understand the good news of Jesus Christ. He alone can forgive their sins and grant them eternal life.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to intervene in Burusho families giving them a hunger of the Word of God.
Ask God to send loving workers to the Burusho.
Pray for the hearts of the Burusho elders would be drawn to the Lord.
Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in the communities of the Burusho in this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project