South Asian, general in Yemen

Introduction / History

Indo-Pakistani is a general term used to describe all South Asian groups, since many peoples of Indian origin do not specify which language group they belong to. For example, many of them may actually be Gujarati, Hindi, or Punjabi; but together (especially for census purposes), they are simply known as the South Asian. That includes those from other South Asian countries, especially Pakistan and Bangladesh. Since Yemen favors migrants who are also Muslim, the vast majority of South Asian migrants in Yemen are Muslim, not Hindu or Sikh. But they can be from any South Asian nation.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Yemen gives preference to those with their Muslim religious affiliation. In Yemen, Muslims have more rights than a Sikh or Hindu would.

Life is still difficult for Muslim South Asians. Many came as migrants to work in the oil fields, etc. The ongoing war has compromised Yemen’s ability to have a viable economy, so South Asian migrants often return to their country of origin. Others are caught in a difficult position. Since they are Sunni Muslim, they are looked upon with suspicion by the Houthis, Shia Muslim militants who are fighting against Saudi hegemony. If the Pakistani or Bangladeshi government does something to favor one side of Yemen’s conflict, Yemenis can take it out on local South Asians. Some South Asians are probably in the fight whether they want to be or not.

What Are Their Beliefs?

South Asian Muslims believe that there is only one god, Allah. Theirs is a religion of works based on five basic "pillars." Muslims must affirm that "there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet." They are also required to pray five times a day, give alms to the poor, fast during the month of Ramadan, and try to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca.

What Are Their Needs?

South Asians in Yemen need protection from the two major fighting forces. Some need the option of going home.

In general, people are more open to the gospel when they are in a difficult situation. However, it’s very unlikely someone can get gospel materials to Muslim South Asians in Yemen, given the volatile situation. If there are Christ followers in Yemen, they can be his ambassadors when they give comfort to these vulnerable people.

Prayer Points

Pray for physical protection for vulnerable migrants in Yemen.
Ask the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers to work among each of the South Asian groups.
Pray for South Asians in Yemen to call on God for help and have their prayers answers by the King of kings.
Pray for the Lord to give dreams of the all-powerful and holy Christ to South Asians in Yemen.

Text Source:   Joshua Project