| · Population: 3.45 million
| · Muslim population: 19.6%
One of the most historic cities of India, and the Muslim world, is Lucknow. Lucknow is a city caught in a time warp. It exists in an in-between land of the past and the present looking back constantly to the memories of a colonial-Nawabi past. There is at the same time a sense of pride at the thought of being second after Delhi, the most important centre of power in India. Politics has been indeed been Lucknow’s forte but culture has been and still is its historical identification. Its local industries include the manufacture of gold and silver brocade, muslins and other light fabrics, glass, shawls, and jewelry. Chemicals, cigarettes, and cotton cloth are also manufactured.
Shia Islam in Lucknow, India
Lucknow is the Capital of Uttar Pradesh and is situated on the banks of the river Gomti in Northern India. It is a city synonymous with the Nawabi culture which has been glorified and eulogised down the ages by writers, poets and historians alike. The meaning of Lucknow is “sign” or “mark”. “Lucknow” is derived from the name Lakshman. It is believed that after 14 years of exile, Lord Ramchandra gifted this area to his brother, Lakshman.
Culturally and historically Lucknow has always been a rival to the city of Delhi, in everything from arguments as to who has the “more pure” Urdu language to whose food is the best. Lucknow and Delhi have been friendly competitors for as long as anyone can remember.
Lucknow is also the centre in India for the “Shia” branch of Islam. Boasting the major Shia seminary in India as well as other Shia institutions, Lucknow holds a diversity of Islamic beliefs (as well of as other religious faiths.) Though Shias in India are well in the minority (as they are in other parts of Muslim world except for Iran) they represent significant influence both within the city and radiating out to other parts of India.
Challenge in Lucknow, India
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This sprawling urban centre presents a tremendous challenge to the church of Jesus Christ. Though Lucknow has several praying churches, there is presently very little consistent outreach to the Muslims of the city. Lucknow could and should become a major centre not only for Muslim evangelism but also as a place of training for those called to reach Muslims elsewhere. With its rich culture (not to mention great food!) Lucknow holds an important place in the future efforts to share Christ’s love with Muslims in India.
Prayer for the Muslims in Lucknow, India:
* For the Shia community of Lucknow – that relevant and contextual witness will be developed to reach them.
* Pray that the existing churches of Lucknow would be motivated and encouraged to get involved among their Muslim neighbours (1 John 4:18).
* Pray that the Muslims would be open to hear the Word of God and that their understanding of Him would be consistent with the truth (Psalm 119:11).
* It’s God’s kindness that leads us to repentance, pray that the Muslims of Lucknow would see God’s kindness and turn to Him (Romans 2:4).