Afghan, general in Russia

Introduction / History

By Afghans, we mean citizens of Afghanistan. This is a generic term that isn't limited to a particular ethnic group.

Ever since the USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979, there have been waves of Afghan refugees fleeing for safety. The U.S. invaded in 2001; American troops were there for 20 years. "Peace" was eventually achieved by the Taliban, which brought destruction and death to those who wouldn't comply with their demands. Thousands have fled.

Most Afghan refugees live in neighboring Pakistan or Iran, but some have made their way to the more peaceful shores of European countries, including Russia. Those in Russia entered Russia through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan either right after Russia's invasion failed and included those who cooperated with the Soviets. Others came after the Taliban takeover in 2021.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Afghans in Russia are a constant reminder of their botched war. They face hostility from Russian men who refer them as "blacks," a derisive term for Central Asians.

Many Afghans in Russia are traumatized by war and destruction. Commonly, men have fought in battles, and they have seen death firsthand. Women, who have little power to change anything, had to watch family members killed and destruction of their communities. Afghanistan only offered more of the same for their children.

What Are Their Beliefs?

All Afghans, except for the Hazaras, are Sunni Muslims. Sunnis believe that the supreme God, Allah, spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship.

The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

Sunni religious practices are staid and simple. They believe that Allah has pre-determined our fates; they minimize free will.

In most of the Muslim world, people depend on the spirit world for their daily needs since they regard Allah as too distant. Allah may determine their eternal salvation, but the spirits determine how well we live in our daily lives. For that reason, they must appease the spirits. They often use charms and amulets to help them with spiritual forces.

What Are Their Needs?

Afghans in Russia have many needs. Christians can teach local languages and help Afghan men to get the needed credentials to find work. There is a strong need for Christian trauma counselors to help them look to Jesus Christ for answers.

Prayer Points

Pray for hundreds of Christian trauma counselors and language teachers to serve Afghans in Russia.
Pray that Christians will be instrumental in helping Afghans adjust to European life.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will comfort and enlighten Afghan Muslims, sending them to the cross for truth.
Pray that soon there will be Afghan disciples making more disciples throughout Europe.

Text Source:   Joshua Project