Arab, Sudanese in Australia

Introduction / History

The Sudanese Arabs originated in the Khartoum region of Sudan many centuries ago. Today, they live primarily in northern and central Sudan and in Egypt. A few groups are also scattered in Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Libya, Yemen, and the United Arab Emirates.
For decades, Sudan has been wracked with bloodshed. First there was fighting between the "Arab" northerners and the southern African peoples. The violence did not stop after the southern regions split into a different country. Killings, mass rapes, looting of livestock and burning of villages by the Arab militia, janjaweed, have devastated Sudan. Though the African populations have been most affected by this, there is much violence against the Arab populations as well. Some of the Arab people have had no choice but to leave Sudan for safer countries like Australia. Sudanese Arabs in Australia tend to live in Victoria, a province in the southeast. The city of Melbourne is in Victoria.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Sudanese Arabs who have been allowed to settle in Australia are usually those with higher education and marketable skills. There are engineers and medical professionals among them. Among the younger generation there is a large number of university students.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The majority of Sudanese Arabs living in Australia are Sunni Muslims, though there are Christians among them. The Sudanese Arabs try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad. Sunnis believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain paradise upon death. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, using deceit, slandering, and making idols. For many younger Sudanese Arabs their Islam has become more cultural than religious. 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.

What Are Their Needs?

The Sudanese living in Australia must come to understand that neither Islam nor material wealth will gain them the joy and peace of mind they seek. Jesus or Isa is much more than a prophet as he is described in the Koran. Only Jesus can forgive their sins

Prayer Points

Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften the hearts of Sudanese Arabs towards Christians.
Ask the Lord to send additional long-term laborers to live among the Sudanese in Australia and share the love of Christ with them.
Pray for effectiveness of the JESUS Film among the Sudanese Arabs in Australia.
Pray for God to raise up disciple making movement among the Sudanese Arabs in Australia this decade.

Text Source:   Joshua Project