Jat (Muslim traditions) in Saudi Arabia

Introduction / History

The Jat people are a historical Indo-Aryan tribal group native to the Punjab region that straddles India and Pakistan. It is not known when the Jat people established themselves in the Indian desert. By the 4th century they had spread to the Punjab. Jats rose to prominence following the 1669 Jat uprising against Mughal rule, and they ruled various princely states throughout the 18th century. After 1858, under the British Raj, the Jats were known for their service in the Indian Army, being categorized as a "martial race" by the British, specifically in the Jat Regiment, the Punjab Regiment, and the Sikh Regiment.

The life and culture of Jats is full of diversity and approaches most closely to that ascribed to the traditional Central Asian colonists of South Asia. The Jat lifestyle was designed to foster a martial spirit. Whenever they lost their kingdoms, Jat people retired to the countryside and became landed barons and the landlords with their swords girded round their waists. They would draw the sword out of the scabbard at the command of their panchayat to fight with the invaders.

Jats in Saudi Arabia are largely from Pakistan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Jats in Saudi Arabia blend in socially with other Pakistanis. There are so many Pakistanis in that country that markets and schools cater to their needs.

Jat people have a history of being brave and ready fighters. They are fiercely independent in character and value their self-respect more than anything, which is why they offered heavy resistance against any foreign force that treated them unjustly. They are known for their pride, bravery, and readiness to sacrifice their lives in battle for their people and kinsmen. For this reason, it’s possible that some have entered Saudi Arabia’s military.

Jats are required to marry within their community. The joint family system was popular amongst the Jats, and large families used to share the same house and hearth. With the advancement of modern civilization, as people become less dependent on and less tolerant of each other, the joint family system is losing popularity. It was still prevalent in the less advanced areas in the 1930s. The Jats are required to marry within their religious community. Divorce is uncommon, possibly because it leads to serious conflict between the husband and the wife’s families. Widow marriage is not only permitted and practiced but is also a social obligation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Overall, Jats make up followers of three major religions: Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism. Those from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are almost entirely Sunni Muslim.

What Are Their Needs?

Muslim Jats need the humility it takes to enter the Kingdom of God like a child. That will involve looking to Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation rather than to works.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Muslim Jat people in Saudi Arabia to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods.
Pray for Holy Spirit-anointed believers from the Muslim Jat people to change their society from within.
Pray for a movement in which the Holy Spirit leads and empowers Jat disciples to make more disciples.

Text Source:   Joshua Project