Quick Facts

  • Primary language: Dari 
  • Percentage Christian: 0.0%
  • Percentage Muslim:  100%
  • Considered a Frontier People by Joshua Project
  • Population Size: 40,000 (includes both Afghan Tajiks and Pashtuns)
  • Concentrated Areas: Alexandria, Woodbridge, and Falls Church
  • Primary Branch of Islam: SunniPrimary Country of Origin: Afghanistan 

Overview

The Afghan Tajiks are known for their strong Islamic faith, family-oriented lifestyle, and incredible hospitality.  Both men and women were educated professionals in Afghanistan.  Since the fall of Afghanistan, many have immigrated to the DC area which has received approximately 10,000 refugees, many of which were Afghan Tajik.  A plethora of the men worked as translators or supported the US military.  Afghan Tajik women were taught to read and write Dari and some are proficient in English.  There is a history of division between the Afghan Tajiks and Pashtun people groups. The Taliban are from the Pashtun people group and are held responsible for difficult living conditions while continuing to persecute anyone remaining who worked with US forces.  It is common for family members in the US to feel increased stress because they speak daily with family members in Afghanistan.

Prayer Points

  • Prayers for the reunification of separated families, outstanding immigration cases to be processed, continued English acquisition, and for Afghan women to get driver’s licenses. 
  • Prayers that the few Afghan believers will grow in their faith, have a passion for their people to hear the Gospel, and have strong marriages and families.  Prayers that the perfect love of Christ will drive out fear. 
  • Prayers for God to lead workers to persons of peace and that new bible study groups will be started. 
  • Prayers for salvation for Afghan Tajiks and for Afghan fellowships to begin in the DC area.

Prayer Video

Click below to visit the Prayercast page for a prayer video and to learn more about Afghanistan and the Afghans who live there.

Additional Links

Learn more about Afghans in America from UPGNorthAmerica.com including many links to Gospel resources.

Learn more about the Afghans in the DC area from UPGNorthAmerica.com