Introduction / History

Afghans have been facing wars and mayhem since 1980, and it seems that the situation will continue indefinitely. For this reason, those who can have moved to other parts of the world, like Tajikistan, just over the border from Afghanistan.Afghan refers to people from the nation state we call Afghanistan, but it is made up of many Central Asian ethnic groups. Though many of these are represented in Tajikistan, it is the ethnic Tajiks who are most likely to flee to that country.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Afghans in Tajikistan must learn a new culture, and perhaps a new language. They are dealing with the traumas of war and trying to start their lives anew. Tajik Afghans might speak the same language as those from the host country, but they have a very different culture. Afghanistan is very traditional. Tajikistan had 70 years of Soviet rule, so secular thinking has affected many. There is a school for Afghan refugees in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.Some Afghans in Tajikistan are serving jail terms for drug smuggling.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Afghans in Tajikistan are Sunni Muslims, except for the Hazaras, who are Shia Muslims. Some are secularized, sometimes because the excesses of the Islamic religion disillusion them.

What Are Their Needs?

Afghans in Tajikistan need to be able to start anew. Sometimes that means learning new skills. Many are trying to overcome the traumas of war.

Prayer Items

Pray for loving Christians counselors to go to the Muslim Afghans in Tajikistan with comforting words and the hope that is in Christ.Pray for spiritual hunger leading to spiritual searching, leading them to embrace Christ no matter what the cost.Pray for believers to reach out to the Afghans with the love and kindness of Jesus Christ.Pray for a movement to Christ to emerge the Afghan community in Tajikistan.

Scripture Prayers for the Afghani, general in Tajikistan.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghans_in_Tajikistan