Introduction / History

Baghban means, "one who looks after the garden." Baghban Muslim people are found in India, Pakistan, and Nepal.

Where Are they Located?

Baghban Muslim people of India live mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Uttar Pradesh Baghban people speak Urdu and Hindi and write in Perso Arabic among each other. They are not vegetarians and do not drink alcohol. They prefer to marry within the group. They have adult marriages through discussion and cousins often marry. Sons get a larger amount of property than the daughters on the death of the father and the oldest son becomes leader of the home. Marriage is at the home of the bride. They own land and in addition to selling vegetables, some work in confectionery, and some for the government. They value education, some become doctors, teachers, and engineers.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Baghban people are Sunni Muslims who worship Allah. They believe Muslim saints pray for them so they can receive their requests. Baghban people use the Koran as their authority and celebrate all festivals of Islam. They fast 40 days during Ramadan.

What Are Their Needs?

Maharashtra enforces an anti-conversion law. This is a serious threat to Christians, and those who would be so.
Bible resources exist in Urdu and Hindi, yet Baghban Muslim people remain unreached.

Family, community, and inter-tribal involvement may be an opportunity for those who know the truth of the gospel to earn eventual acceptance and privilege to speak.

Prayer Points

Pray that Almighty God would strengthen, encourage, and protect those who would be church planters and disciplers among these spiritually needy people, who do not yet know their Savior.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches that will in turn plant other churches.
Ask God to transform entire families and communities until their culture is transformed to fully glorify Him, and represent His Kingdom here on earth.

Scripture Prayers for the Baghban (Muslim traditions) in India.

References

Singh, K.S., ed. "Indian's Commuities A-Z," Oxford University Press, USA
1999https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/16283/IN