Abdul of India

Abdul of India The Abdul (or Dafali) are widely distributed in northern India. In Gujarat, the Abdal collect alms in the name of god by beating a one-ended drum (danka) and singing religious songs. Their subsistence is largely derived from seeking alms. In other states the Abdul have other occupations, such as fitting horseshoes and making horse and cow whips with leather. In Himachal Pradesh they traditionally were singers for the Rajput, and used to lead funeral processions playing on a stringed musical instrument and singing mourning songs. They have an effective and organized social council known as the panchayat, which is headed by a sardar, to maintain social order in the community. They have a very low rate of literacy, especially among females. They are Sunni Muslim. Ministry Obstacles This community is widely dispersed, making it difficult to contact very many of them. Outreach Ideas The Gospel needs to come primarily in oral form to this community. Workers are needed who can tell stories from scripture, and who will bring recorded scripture with them to the people. Pray for the followers of Christ None of the Abdul has identified themselves as Christians to the Indian census. Pray this situation will soon change. Pray for the entire people group Pray this poor community will be able to educate their children well. They very much need to raise their literacy rate, and they need to gain skills to become employable. Scripture Focus "And those who lead many to righteousness [will shine] like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3		People Name: Abdul Country: India 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 32,000 World Population: 58,000 Language: Urdu Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1