WHO are they? Tausug means “people of the sea current.” They make their living
through agriculture, fishing, & livestock raising.
WHERE do they live? Originally from the Sulu Archipelago in the Philippines, the
Tausug migrated to Sabah in the 18th century. The can be found mainly in coastal area
communities.
HOW many? 200,000 living in Sabah, Malaysia.
WHAT do they worship? Sunni Islam is the majority religion of the Tausug. As the
children grow, they receive religious instruction from the Quran (Islamic Holy book).
However, they have also retained some of their animistic beliefs & practices associated
with the spiritual world. They believe in spirits that may cause either good fortune or
sickness.
Their view of life after death mixes Islam & beliefs in spirits. They believe that once a
person dies, his four souls will leave his body. The body of the deceased goes to hell
where punishment of his sins will be revealed according to his wrongdoings while he
was alive.
PRAYER needs: Many of the Tausug people live below poverty leve. Efficient farming
methods and innovative fishing techniques will help raise the standard of living among
the people. Pray that:
• God will send helpers to the Tausug to assist in these needs and to bring the
Good News of Jesus Christ.
• God will create receptive hearts among the Tausug.