- Population 10,802,000
- Main Language Urdu
- Main Religion Islam
- Jesus followers 0%
- Workers Needed 217 (1 worker/50000)
Begin with WorshipAnd they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
Most Ansaris still live in villages like their ancestors did. The name Ansari (“helpers”) was given to the residents of Medina who helped the prophet Mohammed. After waves of migrations from the Middle East, the name was adopted by people groups becoming Muslims on the Indian subcontinent.
They have traditionally been weavers and textile sellers, but are now involved in a wide range of small businesses, agriculture and even politics. One Ansari family helped to found the Muslim Jamia Milia Islamia University in Delhi and has tried to stand up for rights of Muslims in the increasingly Hindu environment in India. Others Ansari remain poor, illiterate, could benefit from help in educating their children, learning new jobs skills, and obtaining access to clean water and electricity. Many Ansari now live in cities. Muslim citizens of India like the Ansari have faced increasing persecution and violence from the majority Hindu government in recent years.
The Ansari people are Sunni Muslims with a mix of folk religion. Because the Ansari are friendly and hospitable, believers can develop friendships and find opportunities to share the Good News. In recent years, teams of believers have begun work in north India among the Ansari and some families have come to know Jesus!
Prayers for the families of the Ansari:
Lord, send Indian followers of Jesus to their Ansari neighbors to share with them Your love and Good News. Give them eyes to see how to bless Ansari families, bringing them healing, forgiveness, and well-being.
Lord, raise up Ansari leaders to study Your Word so they would understand the destiny You have for them and turn to follow Jesus. May the Ansari adults become literate and their children have access to good schools to lift them out of poverty.
Lord, bless Your Holy Scriptures in Indian Urdu. Help Ansari believers to be effective and fruitful in sowing Your Word among their families and communities. May Your Spirit give power to a movement that will spread God’s blessing of salvation and grace from household to household.
Today's scripture proclaiming encouragement and hope from Jesus to the Ansari: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die.” (Gospel of John 11:25-26)
Resources for Ansari
Ansari in India people group profile | Joshua Project
Library links to further information: Ansari in India
Current news affecting Ansari Muslims in India in the past 6 months - Google Search
Use Google Maps to take a virtual prayer walk in the Jaitpura neighborhood in Varanasi, where the majority are Ansari. As you do, perhaps you can share screen and join other intercessors on Zoom. Move your cursor to click the arrows up ahead, or slide to turn. Notice details. Ask the Spirit to give you specific insights and prayers for the people you pass. (These images are from 2025.)
Small side street: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - Google Maps
Market under a street: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - Google Maps
Larger street: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - Google Maps
Thank you for joining the Lord today to ignite multiplying Jesus families throughout Frontier Peoples!