Gujarati in Malaysia

Introduction / History

It is believed that Gujarati missionaries from Indian introduced Islam to Malaysia prior to the establishment of the Malacca Sultanate in 1402. Gujarati traders from Cambay also frequently visited the port of Malacca but did not settle there. Only in the late 19th century did the Gujarati who are mostly businessmen in textile trade, travel to Malacca to settle in Malaysia. This new community grew as more Gujarati came after the 2nd World War.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Their trading in Malaysia broadly covers textiles to tea, palm oil, tin, rubber, cocoa, timber, and coffee. They can be found in other professions as well.

The Gujarati remain community-oriented and are interrelated through marriage and families. Marriages are usually arranged by parents, with the consent of the potential couple. Marriages are often arranged with Gujarati from other countries.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though most Gujaratis are Hindu, the Muslim ones are most likely to be found in Malaysia. They are Sunni Muslim.

What Are Their Needs?

There are Gujarati who feel that they have to strive to do good works in their lives in order to attain Moksha (perfect peace and solitude). Some feel that there is no hope for them to get to Moksha. Pray for believers to encourage these people by being a friend and by showing them that there is a place of hope that is not dependent on their good works.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to raise up missionaries who are willing to share Christ with the Gujaratis in Malaysia.
Pray that Indian Christians in Malaysia will be bold in their witness for Christ.
Pray that Gujarati businessmen will be evangelized and take the gospel to their own people.
Ask the Lord to raise up Gujarati disciples who will make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project