Punjabi, Western in Saudi Arabia

Introduction / History

Did you know there is a major people group that is split between three major religions? The Punjabis of South Asia are divided between Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. Because they have different religious affiliations, each of these three communities has little positive contact with one another. There are also language differences. Most Muslim Punjabis in Pakisstan speak Western Punjabi, so we will call them Western Punjabis. They are different than those who speak Eastern Punjabi, who might be Hindu or Sikh.

Most of the Punjabis who have left South Asia for work are Sikhs, but according to the Joshua Project, those who live in Saudi Arabia are Muslims from Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Western Punjabis and other Pakistanis often work in the oil fields of Saudi Arabia, but they can also be merchants or businessmen. Commonly, they are taxi drivers, crane operators, and other skilled blue-collar workers. They are well-established, and many shops, restaurants, and cultural venues cater to Western Punjabis and other Pakistanis. They have a large population in that country.

The family is the basic unit of Western Punjabi society, with the male head being the authority. Generally, Muslim Punjabi women stay home, leaving only for special occasions such as visiting the mosque or calling on relatives. They wear long black dresses and cover their faces with heavy veils.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Western Punjabis in the Gulf states are Sunni Muslims. Most have no clear understanding of their Muslim faith and still believe in "folk spirits." They believe Allah determines their eternal state, but in the here and now, spirits and the intervention of Muslim saints will help them achieve what they want.

Two religious ceremonies are closely related to birth: naming the child and shaving its head. At the naming ceremony, the father whispers, "Allah is great," into the child's ear so that Allah's name is the first thing the child hears. The head-shaving ceremony is a symbolic act of sacrifice. The young child's head is shaved, and the hair is buried along with the bones of a sacrificed goat.

What Are Their Needs?

The Muslim Western Punjabis need the chance to put all their trust in Jesus Christ, sent by the Living God to bless all nations and families, including theirs. It will be difficult for them to hear and respond to the gospel in Saudi Arabia, an Islamic state.

Prayer Points

Pray for the gift of faith to come to Muslim Punjabi family and community leaders so they can open the door for a movement to Christ.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out Holy Spirit-anointed workers to the Western Punjabis in Saudi Arabia.
Pray for a soon-coming movement to Christ among the Western Punjabis worldwide that will bless them for eternity.

Text Source:   Joshua Project