Ansari in Nepal

Ansari
Photo Source:  Anonymous 
Map Source:  People Group Location: Omid. Other geography / data: GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project
People Name: Ansari
Country: Nepal
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 51,000
World Population: 17,147,700
Primary Language: Urdu
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 - Ansari
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Ansari is Arabic and is derived from Ansar (also Arabic), which has a literal meaning of "those who support." It is considered to be primarily a nisbat which is a second or suffix name used as a specifier. Ansar originated from the Medinan people who assisted the prophet Mohammed as he migrated from Mecca to Medina. These people later became his emissaries and soldiers. The Ansaris reside in most countries of South Asia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are predominately artisans by trade and are mostly poor. The weaving of silk is a common trade skill of these people. Although traditionally weavers and textile sellers, the Ansaris are now involved in a wide range of small businesses in towns like Janakpur or Lumbini. Predominantly in the Maithili language, though also in Nepali or Bhojpuri, these textile artisans trade with Darzi tailors and other Muslim merchants. The Ansaris are not vegetarian and widely accept drink and food from other communities. They tend, however, to be rather clannish and guarded about marriage within the group. Bangles and beads are commonly worn and glass bangles are a symbol of married women in some communities. The Ansaris are Muslims who practice Islamic laws, though folk Islam practices are common.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Ansaris are Muslims who practice folk Islam, which incorporates many folk beliefs into their observance of the religion. Broadly, Sunni Muslims claim Allah is the one supreme God, who spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live

What Are Their Needs?

Many Ansaris live in poverty, and even greater than their physical needs are their spiritual ones. The friendliness of the Ansaris can open doors for believers to develop closeness and opportunities to share the gospel. More work has been done to reach th

Prayer Points

Pray for the expansion of work into the Ansari communities of Narayani, Bheri and Lumbini Zones.
Pray that God would send many Nepalese followers of Jesus to their Muslim neighbors and co-workers with a heart to befriend them and share the gospel with them.
Pray that Ansari Muslims will have dreams and visions that cause them to inquire about Jesus.
Pray for the Ansaris to hear the gospel and trust in Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project