Baloch Mari in Pakistan

Introduction / History

The Baloch people live in the southernmost region of the Iranian plateau in Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. They speak the Balochi language. It is believed that the name "Baloch" is derived from the name of the Babylonian king and god Belus. Some believe the word is a derivation of Sanskrit words "Bal" meaning strength and "Och" meaning high or magnificent.

The Baloch claim their origins to be in Aleppo in what is now Syria. They are descendants of Hazrat Ameer Hamza, the uncle of Islamic prophet Muhammad. Based on an analysis of the linguistic connections of the Balochi language, the original homeland of the Balochi tribes was likely the east or southeast area of the central Caspian region. The Baloch generally live in remote mountainous and desert regions, which provides protection from invasions. They live mainly in the Balochistan region of the southeastern-most edge of the Iranian plateau in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, as well as in the Arabian Peninsula. They are subdivided among over 130 tribes, including the Eastern Balochi speaking Mari Baloch.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Mari Baloch live according to tribal customs. Their men wear long shirts with long sleeves and loose pants. They sometimes wear turbans on their heads. The Baloch living in Iran observe a more conservative dress code; some women cover their faces with thick red wools and wear a head scarf and long veil. Gold ornaments such as necklaces and bracelets are an important aspect of Baloch women's traditions. They usually wear a gold brooch that is used to fasten two parts of the dress together over the chest. They pass traditions to children through oral history retelling. The tradition of a Baloch mother singing lullabies to her children has played an important role in the transfer of knowledge from generation to generation for many centuries.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Mari Baloch identify as Sunni Muslims, a faith deeply interwoven with their daily lives and traditions. However, these are sometimes compromised by faith in the spirit world. Balochi customs and traditions are conducted according to codes imposed by their tribal laws.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Mari Baloch may be open to Jesus Christ and his ambassadors.
Pray that God will provide workers who speak the Eastern Balochi language to work with the Mari Baloch people.
Pray for the Baloch peoples to unite under the banner of the only savior, Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project