Arab, Moroccan in Norway

Introduction / History

Arabs represent the largest, most diverse, and most politically influential Muslim ethnic grouping in the world. While there are several characteristics that determine if a person is a true Arab, one trait is always evident: a proud sense of being an Arab. The early Islamic period was a time when "Arab identity" meant that all Arabs had descended from a common male ancestor. Thus, being an Arab brought recognition, honor and certain privileges. Their physical, geographical and religious aspects all vary greatly. However, the ability to speak Arabic (or an Arabic dialect) and identification with the Arabian cultural heritage are, perhaps, the two most essential elements. Arabs are the majority people in many countries in the Arabian Peninsula, the Maghreb, and all of North Africa. From there, Arab and Berber armies turned northward, and conquered the Iberian Peninsula (i.e. , Spain and Portugal), and held all or part of it till 1492. Arabs were not as much of a threat to northern European countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Germany. Today Moroccan Arabs have come to Europe seeking job opportunities and a better life than they had in Morocco.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The diaspora is usually located in urban centers where they usually hold low paying jobs. Many find it difficult to obtain secondary or tertiary education. The majority of Moroccans living in Norway were born there, and instead of a Muslim culture, they have to interface with a secular-humanist culture. Moroccan Arab traditional family and tribal ties are breaking down. In Norway, there are fewer arranged marriages, there is greater freedom for women to leave the home, and there is less social pressure to conform to traditional religious practices. Women as well as men have greater educational and employment opportunities in Europe than they had in Morocco. These changes bring about much tension. Some Moroccan Arabs in Norway identify with their country of origin rather than being "Arab." Others mingle with Arabs from other parts of the Arab world socially. This is especially true for those who pray at the mosque.

What Are Their Beliefs?

It is difficult for Moroccan Arabs in secularized Norway to maintain their Islamic identity. To do this, they immerse themselves in Muslim activities and avoid the European culture around them. Still, those who want to fit in with Norwegian culture probably become more secularized. It is hard to imagine where the Moroccan Arabs will be spiritually in a generation or two. Most likely, they will maintain their identity with Islam, but it will not affect their lives like it did in Morocco.

What Are Their Needs?

People who genuinely follow Christ will need to patiently and lovingly take the opportunity to take Christ to the Moroccan Arabs in Norway. They can do this in part by helping to teach language and work skills.

Prayer Points

Pray that God will raise up faithful intercessors who will stand in the gap for Moroccan Arabs in Norway. Pray that the loosening of their traditional culture will soften their hearts so they will hunger for the truth and eagerly accept it when they hear it. Pray for a church planting movement among Moroccan Arabic speaking people in Norway that will show others the transforming power of the gospel in their lives. Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches and discipleship movements among Diaspora Arabs in Norway.

Text Source:   Joshua Project