Meo (Hindu traditions) in Pakistan

Meo (Hindu traditions)
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Kerry Olson  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Meo (Hindu traditions)
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 6,700
World Population: 310,700
Primary Language: Sindhi
Primary Religion: Hinduism
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Ministry Resources: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Hindu - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Hindu Meo people have a Rajput background, so they once served in the military. The vast majority of them live in northern India, though a small number are in Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Meo people work as livestock farmers and are famous all over India for their cattle breeding. Many of them are day laborers. Some Meo own trucking businesses while some are in government service, including the military and police. Others work as skilled and unskilled daily wage laborers. A small number are plumbers and electricians, and some are known for their basketry. Their marriages are between one man and one woman. They allow for divorce. Property goes to the sons when the father dies. Traditional councils settle their disputes.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Meo people represent a blending of Hinduism and Islam. Most profess beliefs of Islam, but the roots of their community are in their Hindu past, and some remain Hindu. They attempt serving the gods of both religions, abiding by both sets of laws. No historical records are available to explain when their conversion to Islam happened or why; it is generally believed they embraced Islam in the seventeenth century.

What Are Their Needs?

The Meo people, be they Hindu, Muslim or somewhere in between, do not have access to the grace of Jesus Christ until someone tells them. Pakistan is very opposed to the spread of the gospel to any community.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual discernment and hunger among the Meo people in Pakistan. Pray for God to make a way for the Hindu Meo people in Pakistan to hear and respond to the gospel. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among the Hindu Meo people in Pakistan. Pray for loving and courageous workers to go to them in both India and Pakistan.

Text Source:   Joshua Project