Jogi Kanphata (Muslim traditions) in India
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Map Source:
People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
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| People Name: | Jogi Kanphata (Muslim traditions) |
| Country: | India |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 2,400 |
| World Population: | 2,400 |
| 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: |
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Introduction / History
Jogi is a colloquial term for the "yogi," which refers to the people who practiced yoga as part of their daily rituals. Over time, this led to the formation of a community, and subsequently was formed into a caste. The Jogi are followers of yoga. The Yoga system of philosophy taught the means whereby the human soul might attain complete union with the Supreme Being. In general terms, the modern Jogis claims to have attained that union. The Jogi are made up of purely religious mendicants (i. e., beggars) of the various Jogi orders, various people who live by fortune telling, practicing exorcisms and divination, and others. They have subgroups. Though most are Hindu, there are also Muslim Jogis. They have subgroups such as the Kanphata. These Muslims live in Uttar Pradesh.
What Are Their Lives Like?
To earn a living, some turn to begging – taking up position on a straw mat in busy, overcrowded streets. Some tell fortunes, perform acts of divination, and even exorcise demons. They often live in dire poverty. Others have turned to agriculture. In Rajasthan the Nath are farmers. In Assam they are wet cultivators and landowners.
In Himachal Pradesh they have adult marriages negotiated by discussion. They are endogamous, meaning they prefer to marry within the group or clan. They allow for divorce and remarriage. On the death of the father, sons inherit the property with the oldest son taking charge of the household.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Their beliefs have the trappings of Hinduism, but the Kanphata Muslims among them are more likely to involve themselves in mysticism. Many Yogis believe that if they gain control over their fleshly desires, mind, and their will, they will have power to control nature. Some believe they have already achieved this "enlightenment."
What Are Their Needs?
Muslim Kanphata Jogis need a strong relationship with God the Father that will help them experience life to the full.
Prayer Points
Pray that the council leaders will come to Jesus Christ and lead others to begin a disciple making movement.
Pray that gospel recordings and the JESUS Film will lead many to seek and find the only savior of mankind.
Pray for intercessors and loving workers for the Kanphata community.