Introduction / History
The Muslim Mallik people of Pakistan converted from Hinduism to Islam sometime in the past. Their name means "lord," "king" or "chief." Though they are small in number in Pakistan, there are a number of well-known people who carry this surname including an actress, a singer and a professional cricket player.

What are their lives like?
Farming has been their traditional vocation, but the Mallik are presently engaged in other vocations as well. The Mallik people are usually poor and poorly educated, but that is not always the case. A married woman wears a nose-stud as a symbol of a marriage. Their traditional community council consists of nine members who are elected by a voice vote for a period of one year. Malliks are sharply divided over the use of musical instruments for ceremonies such as weddings and burials. Some feel using instruments is costly, ostentatious, and not consistent with the basic simplicity of Islam. When a Mallik person dies, he receives a ceremonial bath. Between the time of death and the burial, no one prepares food in the dead person's home. Friends and relatives deliver meals. After the burial, people prepare a large meal for loved ones of the deceased. The official mourning period extends for four-and-a-half months, after which a widow is free to re-marry.

What are their beliefs?
Like many South Asian Muslim groups that were once Hindus, the Mallik people believe in Allah, but they also put their trust in spiritual entities and forces that Hindus would normally worship.

What are their needs?
The Mallik people need the opportunity to accept the abundant life offered only by Jesus Christ to His followers.

Prayer Points
Pray for strong conviction of sin for the Muslim Malik people group, that they will yearn for a Savior. Pray they will not receive satisfaction from a religion that offers no promise of eternal life, and no power to live abundantly in this life, as Jesus promised those who follow Him. Pray for Holy Spirit-driven workers to go to them in Pakistan.