Arab, Sudanese in Saudi Arabia

Introduction / History

Sudanese Arabs originated in the Khartoum region of Sudan many centuries ago. Today, they live primarily in northern and central Sudan and in Egypt. The first "pure" Arabs were called "Bedouins." They were tribal nomads from Saudi Arabia, famous for their love of poetry and war. The Sudanese are a tribe who branched off the Bedouins. They are a heterogeneous people with a mixture of diverse blood and cultures.
There has been turmoil and war in Sudan for decades. In 2011 the country was divided between Sudan and South Sudan, but the violence continues. Those with the resources can flee to peaceful countries like Saudi Arabia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In the Arab culture, children are a family's greatest asset, providing both workers and security for the parents as they grow older. Although boys and girls may be raised together when they are young, they are treated differently. Mothers show great affection towards the boys, pampering them and responding to their every wish. Girls are shown some affection but are not pampered. The boys are taught by their fathers to obey and respect older males. Girls are taught the values of obedience to their future husbands. Teenagers are not permitted to have any contact with the opposite sex until after marriage.
The lives of the Sudanese Arabs in Saudi Arabia depend upon their level of education. There is a high percentage of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia. Sudanese Arabs who can speak English and can read and write Arabic enjoy relatively prosperous lifestyle. They work as middle managers in the oil, tourist, construction, chemical and manufacturing industries. Others are common laborers in the oil industry, etc.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Sudanese Arabs are Muslims, as are most Arabs. Identification with the Islamic religion is one of the primary cultural characteristics of most Arabs. They are devoted to their faith, and this is evident in their daily life. While the men gather in the local mosque five times a day for prayer, women meet in homes and have their own religious services, conducted by female religious leaders. Only on certain occasions are the women permitted inside the mosques.
According to Islamic law, a man may have up to four wives. Rules concerning marriage and divorce are held in accordance with what is written in the Koran. Regulations regarding inheritance, taxation, wartime, submission to those in authority and the roles of family members are also found in this Islamic holy book.

What Are Their Needs?

Sudanese Arabs often must deal with the psychological trauma of war. They must learn a different dialect of Arabic in Saudi Arabia. Some of the Sudanese Arabs are separated from their families.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call out prayer teams to go and break up the soil through worship and intercession.
Pray for an abundance of Sudanese Arab disciples who will make disciples in Saudi Arabia.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will anoint Christian broadcasts that will be heeded by Sudanese Arabs.

Text Source:   Joshua Project