Afghani, general in United Kingdom

Introduction / History

Ever since the USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979 there have been waves of Afghan refugees fleeing for safety. Most of them have wound up in either neighboring Pakistan or Iran, but some have made their way to the more peaceful shores of European countries including the United Kingdom. The number of Afghans arriving in the UK increased once again in the early 2020s. A little over half of the Afghans live in Greater London.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Afghans in the United Kingdom are desperate to get away from the violence in their own country and to re-locate to a peaceful land. Those who have marketable skills are usually able to relocate while those without such skills are not welcome in places like the United Kingdom. The latter group often gets stuck in refugee camps.
Many of these were language interpreters, so they are already fluent in English. Their family members and others are not as fortunate. Such people must first learn English before they can do well in school or obtain a job that requires language skills.
A high percentage of the Afghans allowed into the UK are there for humanitarian reasons. Women and children are often allowed in along with religious minorities that are likely to be persecuted by the Taliban.
By the 2020s, Afghans in the UK had their own associations and a women’s magazine. The Afghan Association of London offers activities for the elderly, a library, classes for children and recreational activities.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are three large ethnic groups in Afghanistan: The Pashtuns and Tajiks are Sunni Muslims, and the Hazaras are Shia. They are dedicated to the religious system we call Islam, though they all have their pre-Islamic beliefs as well.

What Are Their Needs?

There are Afghan refugees who face the possibility of homelessness in the UK when their temporary housing is finished. At a certain time they must find housing and employment. The Afghans in the United Kingdom desperately need job training and the opportunity to do something constructive. Christian believers can provide these services to Afghans.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Afghan communities in such a way that they tire of the old ways of violence and seek holiness, which they will only find in the person of Jesus Christ.
Pray for believers to teach marketable job skills and the local language to these people who are desperate to find a safe homeland.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Afghans in the United Kingdom.

Text Source:   Joshua Project