Introduction / History

The Batahin people are part of the larger Ja'alin tribe. They speak Sudanese Arabic.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Batahin are herdsmen. Their herds are comprised primarily of cattle although they also raise sheep and goats. They keep camels for riding and as pack animals.

Batahin women provide family income by milking the cows and selling milk and milk products. The men are primarily involved with caring for the herds. They also plant and harvest the few crops that supplement their diets.

Batahin prefer cross cousin marriages. The future husband and his near relatives must provide a bride price for her family.

Batahin society is patrilineal, which means that the line of descent is traced through the males. Traditionally each camp is headed by a male leader called shaykh. Although this position is generally inherited, all of the adult male members of a camp must agree on the man who is to fill the position. The shaykh does not rule the camp, but rather acts as the spokesperson for the decision-making males of the camp. However, he may also have a considerable amount of influence, depending on his wisdom and economic status.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Batahin tribe is almost completely Muslim. Those who can afford it make the pilgrimage to Mecca. They honor the yearly fast of Ramadan. Devout Batahin Muslims pray five times a day as prescribed by the Koran. They hold various religious celebrations and also place importance on many life stage transitions.

What Are Their Needs?

There has been very little evangelization among the Batahin tribes. The people are so devoted to the Islamic faith that very few would consider following the only savior of mankind.

Like most people in rural Sudan, the Batahin people need clean drinking water and better medical care.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to show himself both powerful and loving by providing the Batahin people with clean water, medical care and healthy cattle.
Pray for the Lord to bless Batahin elders and family leaders with dreams and visions of the risen Christ.
Pray that God will raise up long term workers to reach out to the Batahin tribe.
Ask God to encourage and protect the small number of Batahin Muslims who have become Christian believers and use them to turn others to the only savior.

Scripture Prayers for the Batahin in Sudan.