Tawaif (Muslim traditions) in Pakistan

Tawaif (Muslim traditions)
Photo Source:  Copyrighted © 2024
Isudas  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source:  People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Tawaif (Muslim traditions)
Country: Pakistan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 18,000
World Population: 151,000
Primary Language: Sindhi
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

Tawaifs are courtesans, high class prostitutes who are also artistic performers. Hindu Tawaifs are far better known than their Muslim Pakistani counterparts. Tawaifs either live in India's Uttar Pradesh state or Pakistan's Punjab and Sindh Provinces.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Tawaifs have their own culture which involves music and dance. People have wavered for many years between seeing them in negative terms, even as non-humans, and honoring their cultural achievements.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like any Muslim, the Tawaif believe in Allah as the all-sovereign God who spoke to Mohammed leading to the Koran, which is their holy book. Typically Muslims in South Asia also hold beliefs that seem almost Hindu.

What Are Their Needs?

The Tawaifs need to find their worth in the Savior, Jesus Christ. Some need help with job training so they can earn a better living.

Prayer Points

Pray for Holy Spirit driven workers to go to the Muslim Tawaifs until there they have their own church planting movement. Pray for them to have the spiritual hunger to seek and find the only Savior. Pray for the Lord to speak to the hearts of Tawaif community leaders, giving them reason to open the doors for the gospel.

Text Source:   Joshua Project