Day 27. Sylhet Muslim in Bangladesh (SIH-let)

The Sylheti in Bangladesh are Sunni Muslims of the Hanafi and Sufi sects. Their religious practices can vary from conservative Islam to Sufism (a form of Islam focused on mystical spirituality and purification), and occasionally include some Hindu forms of worship as well. Sylhet has been regarded as the spiritual and cultural center of Bangladesh and is often considered the agricultural capital as well. According to the World Bank, Sylhet has one of the lowest incidences of poverty in Bangladesh and is projected to be in the forefront of the country’s economic growth. This is partly due to its vast natural resources such as natural gas, tea plantations, fisheries, with other major infrastructural developments. Alongside these, its recent economic growth has also been empowered by billions in currency remittances from the Sylheti diaspora working in the UK, USA, Middle East, and elsewhere.

The Sylhet province in Bangladesh borders tribal lands to the east, which include some of the most Christian areas of India. Although Bengali is their trade language, portions of scripture, the JESUS Film, and other audio resources are available in Sylheti, their heart language. Storytelling is a significant aspect of the Sylheti culture and heritage. This cultural heritage has been influenced by the story of Islam, and other stories, which communicate worldview and cultural ideals. May Jesus bless them with the one story that matters most.

Prayers for the families of the Sylheti:

Lord, speak to the Sylheti in dreams and visions, pointing them in the direction of believers, scriptures, and other resources to encourage them in their journey toward Messiah. Lord, help them see Jesus working among them and leading them to worship in “Spirit and Truth”. (Jn. 4:24)

Lord, encourage Sylheti believers dispersed throughout the nations to hear and then communicate stories about the kingdom of God and His love for their families in Bangladesh. Lord, help them recognize their spiritual need and come to Jesus for the riches of his forgiveness.

Lord, encourage believing families with increasing faith in Jesus as they study Your Word, to hear Your voice and obey. Lord, raise up your anointed spiritual leaders among the Sylheti people, blessing their service with disciple-making movements multiplying among and through all the Sylheti people. May they be a blessing for other peoples nearby! 

Lord, bring Sylhet-believers, both near and far, to share the Good News of Jesus with their family and neighbors.

God’s blessing for the Sylheti: A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. (Jn. 4:23)