Arabs have inhabited the territory that is now Oman for thousands of years. Omanis at one time had influence along the East African coast including what is now Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Large numbers of Omanis migrated to Zanzibar and the Swahili coast of East Africa during a time when that was seen by them as a land of opportunity. They prospered there until a bloody revolution forced most of them to return to Oman. Today some of them are fleeing Oman because of poverty, seeking employment elsewhere.
The Omani Arabs live in extended family units. Their society is patriarchal, or male dominated. The men seldom abuse this authority because they believe that their families should obey them out of respect rather than fear.
There are clearly defined roles for both sexes. Even the children are given gender-specific duties. The men work outside in the fields while women work in the homes. Men and women often eat separately and never pray together. While men worship at mosques, women attend ceremonies conducted at home by female religious leaders. Marriages are generally pre-arranged by the parents. Children are a considered the family's greatest asset because they provide the parents with additional laborers and social security.
Omani Arabs were among the first people in the Middle East to accept Islam. Most Oman Arabs belong to the Ibadi sect of Islam, one of the religion's oldest and most traditional branches. Ibadi principles of puritanism and idealism have greatly influenced Arabs in surrounding countries. Family ties and religious traditions are strong. The Oman Arab standard is to accept others on their terms. For example, they view anything less than excessive generosity as rudeness. Sunnis are welcomed by the Ibadis with Sunni greetings.
There are few if any Christ followers among Omani Arabs no matter where they live. Almost all are satisfied with the works-righteousness of Islam. They need spiritual hunger.
Pray for a spiritual discernment and hunger that will allow Omani Arabs to seek and find Christ.
Pray for Holy Spirit-directed believers to go to the Omani Arabs.
Pray for a Christ-ward movement to spread far and wide among Omani Arabs.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Omani in Oman.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Arab, Omani |
People Name in Country | Arab, Omani |
Natural Name | Omani Arab |
Pronunciation |
oh-MAH-nee AE-rub
|
Alternate Names | Arabic, Omani Spoken; Omani Arab |
Population this Country | 1,967,000 |
Population all Countries | 2,823,000 |
Total Countries | 10 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 39 |
People ID | 10378 |
ROP3 Code | 100431 |
ROP25 Code | 300414 |
ROP25 Name | Arab, Omani |
Country | Oman | ||
Region | Africa, North and Middle East | ||
Continent | Asia | ||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||
Persecution Rank | 31 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) | ||
Location in Country | Mainly in Hajar Mountains highlands; a few coastal regions. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Country | Oman |
Region | Africa, North and Middle East |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
Persecution Rank | 31 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Location in Country | Mainly in Hajar Mountains highlands; a few coastal regions.. Source: Ethnologue 2016 |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
99.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
1.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Arabic, Omani (1,967,000 speakers) |
Language Code | acx Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Unknown |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Arabic, Omani (1,967,000 speakers) |
Language Code | acx Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Arabic, Omani |
Primary Language: Arabic, Omani
Bible Translation Status: Unspecified
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Arabic Bible Online | Arabic Bible Outreach Ministry |
Text / Printed Matter | Tools for faith conversations | Campus Crusade for Christ |
Photo Source | CharlesFred - Flickr Creative Commons |
Map Source | People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project. |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |