Baloch Rakhshani in Pakistan

Introduction / History

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 Mohammad. 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 speak the Balochi languages. They are subdivided among over 130 tribes, including the Bugti, Marri, Zehri, Hooth, Megal, Lashari and Rakhshani.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Rakhshani Baloch live according to tribal customs. Baloch men wear long shirts with long sleeves and loose pants. They sometimes wear turbans. 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?

Rakhshani Baloch are predominantly Sunni Muslims, but some are Shia Muslim. Balochi customs and traditions are conducted according to codes imposed by their tribal laws.

What Are Their Needs?

Few Rakhshani Baloch people ever get the chance to hear the life-saving gospel. They live in a part of the world where Christians are non-existent, and the Baloch peoples are all solidly Muslim. How will they hear?

Prayer Points

Pray that the Rakhshani Baloch may be open to the message of the gospel.
Pray that God will provide workers who speak the Balochi language to work with the Baloch peoples.
Pray that God will supply unity and peace among the various tribes of the Baloch people.

Text Source:   Joshua Project