Ansari in Nepal

Introduction / History

Ansari is Arabic and is derived from Ansar (also Arabic) which has a literal meaning of "those who support". It is considered to be primarily a nisbat which is a second or suffix name used as a specifier. Ansar originated from the Medinan people who assisted the prophet Mohammed as he migrated from Mecca to Medina. These people later became his emissaries and soldiers. The Ansaris reside in most countries of South Asia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are predominately artisans by trade and are mostly poor. The weaving of silk is a common trade skill of these people. Although traditionally weavers and textile sellers, the Ansaris are now involved in a wide range of small businesses in towns like Janakpur or Lumbini. Predominantly in the Maithili language, though also in Nepali or Bhojpuri, these textile artisans trade with Darzi tailors and other Muslim merchants. The Ansaris are not vegetarian and widely accept drink and food from other communities. They tend, however, to be rather clannish and guarded about marriage within the group. Bangles and beads are commonly worn and glass bangles are a symbol of married women in some communities. The Ansaris are Muslims who practice Islamic laws, though folk Islam practices are common.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Ansaris are Muslims who practice folk Islam, which incorporates many folk beliefs into their observance of the religion. Broadly, Sunni Muslims claim Allah is the one supreme God, who spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of

faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of

Ramadan, give alms to the poor and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering, and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at mosques, their

places of worship.

What Are Their Needs?

Many Ansaris live in poverty, and their spiritual needs are even greater than their physical ones. Their friendliness can open doors for believers to develop closeness and opportunities to share the gospel. More work has been done to reach the Ansaris in

Prayer Points

Pray for the expansion of work into the Ansari communities of Narayani, Bheri, and Lumbini Zones.
Pray that God would send many Nepalese followers of Jesus to their Muslim neighbors and co-workers with a heart to befriend them and share the gospel with them.
Pray that Ansari Muslims will have dreams and visions that cause them to inquire about Jesus.
Pray for the Ansaris to hear the gospel and trust in Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project