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People Name: | Arab, Omani |
Country: | Oman |
10/40 Window: | Yes |
Population: | 1,939,000 |
World Population: | 2,782,200 |
Primary Language: | Arabic, Omani Spoken |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
Scripture: | Translation Needed |
Online Audio NT: | No |
Jesus Film: | No |
Audio Recordings: | Yes |
People Cluster: | Arab, Arabian |
Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
Progress Level: | ![]() |
Omani Arabs were among the first people in the Middle East to accept Islam. 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. It is unlikely that Tanzania offers as good opportunities as some of the Gulf States closer to Oman. Omani Arabs originate in Oman, but they live in five other countries including Kenya and Tanzania.
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. Also, 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.
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. Even Christians are tolerated by Omani Arabs in Kenya as long as they are not Muslim converts.
Pray for a spiritual discernment and hunger that will allow Omani Arabs in Tanzania to seek and find Christ. Pray for Holy Spirit-directed believers to go to the Omani Arabs. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to spread far and wide among Omani Arabs.
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
"Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel 6:10
Read"These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations." Isaiah 56:7
Read"May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice." Psalm 141:2
Read"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name." Psalm 100:4
Read“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Ephesians 6:18
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