Baloch Makrani in India

People Name:	Baloch Makrani
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	1,700
World Population:	1,700
Primary Language:	Gujarati
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Baloch
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Makrani originally came from the Makrani region of Pakistan. They were brought to Gujarat as mercenary soldiers in the service of Muslim rulers. The Makrani are proud of their military tradition.

Today most Makrani work in agriculture although some still serve in the military and as law enforcement officers. Others work in trade and business.

The primary language of the Makrani is Gujarati. Many also speak Urdu.

Where Are they Located?

Most Makrani live in the Indian states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Smaller groups live other areas of north and west India.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Makrani marry within their gotra or clan. Monogamy is the rule although having more than one wife is legal. Families arrange marriages with the consent of the young people. The newly married couple usually lives with or near the groom's parent. Sons inherit a father's property. Muslim priests officiate at important life ceremonies such as births, weddings and funerals. Their dead are buried.

The Makrani are not vegetarians. They eat meat with the exception of pork, which is forbidden for Muslims. Their main foods are rice, wheat, lentils, dairy products and vegetables.

Castes councils called jamats promote the Makrani interests and settle legal disputes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Makrani are Sunnis, the largest branch of Islam. They attempt to follow the teachings of the Qur 'an and the prophet Muhammad. They believe that by obeying the Five Pillars of Islam that they will gain entrance into heaven. The Makrani pray five times a day facing towards Mecca, fast for the month of Ramadan and attend mosques on Friday. They will also make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in their lifetime if they have the means.

The two main yearly holidays of the Makrani are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the feast of the sacrifice.

What Are Their Needs?

The Makrani need to hear the life-changing message of Jesus in a way they can understand. They need to see the love and mercy of Christ lived out in practical ways before them. They must realize that only through Jesus or Isa will God forgive their sins.

Prayer Points

Pray the Lord will open the hearts of the Makrani people to desire God's blessings through a movement of family-based discovery Bible studies.
Pray that many of the Makrani people will come to love God with their whole being and will walk in His ways.
Ask the Lord to raise up and send out a new generation of fruitful, multiplying witnesses from among the Makrani people.