Pahlavani in Afghanistan
Photo Source:
Hossein Khosravi - Wikimedia
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Pahlavani |
| Country: | Afghanistan |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 4,100 |
| World Population: | 4,100 |
| Primary Language: | Dari |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Persian |
| Affinity Bloc: | Persian-Median |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Pahlavani are of the Persian people cluster meaning that their languages come from the same linguistic branch as Farsi. They are found in Afghanistan, mainly in the Chakhansoor Province.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Their primary language is now Dari, shifting from the Pahlavani language. Dari is the trade language of Afghanistan.
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Pahlavani are primarily Shia Muslims. There are few, if any, Christians or churches among them and there are currently no Christian resources translated into Pahlavani. However, there are many resources available in the Dari language. Both Sunnis and Shias agree that Allah is the one true God and that Mohammad was his messenger. They both practice the Five Pillars of Islam, but there are some major differences. The Shias believe that Muhammad's successor should be someone in his bloodline, namely Ali. The Sunnis believed a pious individual who would follow the Prophet's teachings was the right choice. Because some of their leaders have faced violent, martyr's death, Shias understand that a righteous man can be killed by the unrighteous. For this reason, Christ's death on a Roman cross isn't as foreign to them as it is to Sunnis. Only about 15 percent of the world's Muslims are Shia; most of the rest are Sunni.
What Are Their Needs?
The Pahlavani people need to submit to Jesus Christ so they can experience the abundant life He offers them in John 10:10.
Prayer Points
Pray that the Pahlavani 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 Disciple Making Movement among them to begin this decade.