Laheri (Muslim traditions) in Bangladesh

Laheri (Muslim traditions)
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Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Laheri (Muslim traditions)
Country: Bangladesh
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 7,700
World Population: 74,700
Primary Language: Bengali
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Complete Bible
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: South Asia Muslim - other
Affinity Bloc: South Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Laheria people live in both India and Bangladesh. They are of Arab ethnic background. Their traditional language is a blend of Persian, Bengali and Arabic, but most also speak Bengali. Those who live in Bangladesh are in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) region.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Laheri community is made up of fishermen, traders and farmers. Those who farm grow a variety of crops.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Laheria are Shia Muslims, which puts them at odds with the Sunni Muslim majority in Bangladesh. Unlike their Sunni counterparts, the Laheria have a spiritual leader whom they call a "Khalifa." This leader resolves conflicts and makes group decisions for religious matters.

What Are Their Needs?

The Laheria community has to deal with land disputes and discrimination for being Shia Muslims. Many are poor, and they need a better living standard.

Prayer Points

Pray the Laheria people will be financially and spiritually blessed by the Lord, so they will know that he is their true provider.

Pray for Laheria elders to have dreams and visions of the risen Christ, so they will understand who he is.

Pray for Laheria disciples to make more disciples.

Pray for God’s chosen workers to go to the Laheria people in India and Bangladesh.

Text Source:   Joshua Project