"Machhi" refers to fish, and the Machhi people have a history of being fishermen. Most of the Muslim Machhi live in Pakistan, but there are some in northwest India as well. They have three subgroups: the Sial, Wajan and Sanjri. Inherited property is usually shared by the sons but the widow receives a 12% share of her husband's property. Birth rituals, circumcision, marriage and death rituals are performed according to Islamic rules, along with some Hindu ritual observances. Glass bangles, nose-pin and toe-rings are the symbols of marriage for women. They are Sunni Muslims. Their sacred specialists are from other Muslim communities.

Pakistan does not offer welcome to Christian missionaries, not by any means. Dangers are real and numerous.

Prayer is probably what is most needed for the peoples of Pakistan; sustained, informed, and focused prayer. Spiritual opposition to the Gospel is intense.

It is not likely there are any followers of Jesus among the Macchi people of Pakistan and India, although there may be a few secret believers. If there are believers, they need our prayers. Pray they won't revert back to their former religion, as this is not unlikely.

Please pray the Macchi people will not gain satisfaction from their religion that demands so much from them. Pray they will begin to search for a savior from their sins, one who not only gives them assurance of eternal life but helps them with the day-to-day problems of this life, as well.

Scripture Prayers for the Machhi (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan.