According to one account, the word Shaikh is a general term of courtesy equivalent to the English term of esquire. According to another account, the name is applied to people of pure Arab descent; but it has also been adopted by converts from Hindu communities. The majority belong to the Sunni sect of Islam. In India, the Shaikh neither accept nor exchange food or water with the scheduled castes, Bhangi, and other low castes. The Bengali language is widely spoken, with an influence of Urdu and Arabic.

Ministry Obstacles
Spiritual darkness has prevailed over the land of the Shaikh for many centuries. The real struggle is unseen. Much, much prayer is needed.

Outreach Ideas
Prayer must precede and accompany efforts to tell the Shaikh about Jesus Christ. Only the Spirit of Christ can persuade them.

Pray for the followers of Christ
There are only a few believers in Jesus among the very large Shaikh community of Bangladesh. They need much prayer support. Pray for their physical and spiritual protection. Pray they will be lights reflecting the goodness of Christ in a dark land. Pray they will be faithful to fellowship together.

Pray for the entire people group
Pray for the Shaikh people to increasingly be drawn to Isa (Jesus) as they read the Koran. Pray He will reveal Himself in numerous ways, perhaps including dreams and visions. Pray for release from spiritual bondage that has hung heavily over Bangladesh for centuries.

Scripture Focus
"For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14