Introduction / History

Shirazi is a name used by some Africans who identify their heritage with the ancient Persian province, Shiraz. According to legend, a Persian prince from Shiraz had a nightmare that he interpreted as meaning that evil would soon destroy him, so he and others set sail, and eventually landed in Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania. The Shirazi people believe this prince is their ancestor. These Persian settlers were the progeny of the Muslim Shirazi people. These Persian settlers were attacked in the 1300s, and all that was left of their settlement were ruins. These resilient people survived, and today there are still in Tanzania. Shirazi people sometimes consider themselves a separate ethnic group from the Swahili peoples, though Swahili is their mother tongue.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Widespread poverty plagues Shirazi people. To those willing to go, there are many opportunities to help the people with education, literacy, medicine, water wells, and agricultural skills.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Shirazi people are almost entirely Muslim, but they also practice folk religion and witchcraft. There is possibly one follower of Christ for every 1,000 Muslims among them. Bible resources are available in Swahili, their trade language.

What Are Their Needs?

The Shirazi people need good schools and hospitals. As Muslims, they need to find grace and mercy in the loving arms of Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to thrust out workers to the Shirazi people. Pray that the Shirazi people will have a spiritual hunger that will open their hearts to the King of kings. Pray for workers who are driven by the love and boldness of the Holy Spirit to go to them. Pray for a movement to Christ among them to begin this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Shirazi in Tanzania.