+5
+3
People cluster
Shaikh
Unreached
0%
Evangelicals
Who they are
The Shaikh are the largest Muslim community in South Asia, with more than 120 million people. The great majority live in India, and there are millions in Pakistan too, along with communities in Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The word shaikh comes from Arabic and means “elder” or “chief”, a title of respect.
Many Shaikh families say they descend from Arabs who came to the region centuries ago, or from people who became Muslim many generations ago. The subgroups carry names tied to this memory: the Siddiqi, the Faruqi and the Usmani say they descend from the first leaders of Islam after Muhammad, and the Qureshi from the prophet’s own tribe. They live in cities and in the countryside, and work in every kind of trade, from commerce to medicine and law. They speak the language of the region, such as Urdu, Hindi or Bengali.
The great majority of the Shaikh are Sunni Muslims and place great value on prayer, the Ramadan fast and family. Almost no Shaikh follows Jesus, and many have never heard his message clearly explained.
Where they are still unreached
8
Countries
123M
Population
| Country | Share of the people | Population |
|---|---|---|
India
|
88.2%
|
108.474.000 |
Pakistan
|
10.2%
|
12.562.000 |
Nepal
|
0.7%
|
916.000 |
Bangladesh
|
0.4%
|
549.200 |
Sri Lanka
|
0.2%
|
219.000 |
United States
|
0.2%
|
211.000 |
Canada
|
0%
|
32.000 |
Bhutan
|
0%
|
9.500 |
The 6 peoples in this cluster
What to pray for
Intercede for this people
May the Shaikh know Jesus, mentioned with respect in the Quran, as the Savior who reveals the love of God.
For Shaikh families in India and Pakistan, that the peace of Christ may reach their homes.
May Indian and Pakistani Christians form sincere friendships with their Shaikh neighbors and share their faith wisely.
For the Scriptures and Christian materials in Urdu, that they may reach those who seek the truth.
For peace between Hindus and Muslims in India, that tensions may not turn into violence.
For Shaikh who live outside South Asia, such as in the United States and Canada, that they may find welcoming churches.