Merat (Muslim traditions) in India

People Name:	Merat (Muslim traditions)
Country:	India
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	337,000
World Population:	431,000
Primary Language:	Hindi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc:	South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Merat Muslim people of India are Rajputs. They are also called Merat-Kathat. They are said to have descended from Rao Meraji Chauhan who had two sons who were recognized in the army for their bravery.

Where Are they Located?

They live in Rajasthan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Merat people are farmers, but they do not have large pieces of land. Many others work as laborers.
They speak Marwari with one another, also Urdu and Hindi. Merat people marry outside their group. They share many customs and traditions with Merat Hindu people.

They read and write in Devangari. They are not vegetarians, wheat is a main cereal, and they enjoy dairy products and tea. They do not eat beef and pork. The men sometimes drink alcohol, and chew Betel leaves. They have special foods for festivals.

They have village elders who judge in community matters, and they give fines to those found guilty.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Some Merat people practice Sunni Muslim religion, and others Hindu. This is a source of much confusion in not only religious practices, but also family dynamics.

What Are Their Needs?

Adequate visual, audio, and written Christian resources are available in the Hindi and Urdu languages, which Merat people speak, but they are still an unreached people group.
Their most important need is to understand that their good works and worship of false gods will never pay the penalty for their sins, and that Almighty Creator God has made the provision for them.

Prayer Points

Pray that Merat people will see that their old systems of ethics and religion are not working, and that their only hope is in Jesus Christ.
Pray that intercessors worldwide will regularly pray for salvation of Merat people.
Pray for workers to disciple them.
Pray that many Merat people will disciple others until this people group knows that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Ask Almighty God to raise up entire families and communities until their culture is transformed to fully glorify God, and represent His Kingdom here on earth.