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People Name: | Arab, Saudi – Najdi |
Country: | Oman |
10/40 Window: | Yes |
Population: | 39,000 |
World Population: | 18,511,400 |
Primary Language: | Arabic, Najdi |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
Scripture: | Portions |
Online Audio NT: | No |
Jesus Film: | No |
Audio Recordings: | Yes |
People Cluster: | Arab, Arabian |
Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
Progress Level: | ![]() |
Najdi Arabs are a good example of how Arabs and Bedouins overlap. We often talk about “Bedouin Arabs.” In simplistic terms, the difference between Arabs and Bedouins usually has to do with lifestyle. Bedouins are Arabs with a nomadic lifestyle, but they often speak one of the “Arabic” languages such as Nadji. The Najdi form of Arabic is among the most prestigious since it is closer to the classical Arabic of the Koran, the Muslim holy book than other Arabic languages.
This Arabic language is mainly spoken in central Saudi Arabia, but also in the other countries of the Arabian Peninsula such as Qatar and Kuwait. Some speak Najdi in Syria, Jordan, and especially Iraq. There are smaller numbers of Najdi speakers in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States.
Najdi speakers usually live as Bedouin nomads and fall into one of two basic social classes. One class is known as the “true” Bedouin, and they live as nomadic herdsmen. The other group has embraced farming and is known as the fellahin. The fellahin lead a more settled life on the edge of the desert. They move into the desert during the rainy winter seasons and back to the desert’s edge during the hot, dry summers. Those who live as Bedouins must deal with a harsh environment. To endure the extreme heat of the desert, the Najdi wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. It is very loose-fitting, allowing for the circulation of air. They have no permanent homes, but live in portable, black tents made from woven, goat hair. The tents are divided by a decorative partition called a gata. Half of the tent is for the women, children, cooking utensils, and storage. The other half contains a fireplace and is used for entertaining. The women do most of the work, while the men socialize and make plans for the group.
The material culture of these Bedouins is very limited. Their tents are their main possessions, and animals are very important for their nomadic lifestyle. Camels are their main means of transportation, and they buy and sell sheep and goats.
Dairy products are their main food source. They turn the milk from camels and goats into yogurt and butter. Most of their meals consist of a bowl of milk, yogurt, or rice. When available they eat round loaves of unleavened bread. Those fortunate enough to find dates in the desert oases eat those as dessert. They only eat meat on special occasions such as marriage feasts, ceremonial events, or when guests are present.
Although Bedouin Arabs once considered it degrading to hold manual labor jobs, this has changed in recent years. Due to the need for better health care, more money, and better living conditions, some have accepted wage-paying jobs. However, most of them despise this type of work, partly because it means they are moving away from their Bedouin roots.
Islam is the backbone of Bedouin Arab culture and religion. They are Sunni Muslims, who believe the Koran is the final word of Allah, and Mohammed is the final prophet. On a daily basis, however, they rely on spiritual forces, charms and amulets. Almost none of the Bedouin groups have accepted Christ for a couple of reasons. They are a Muslim culture, and no other spiritual beliefs are tolerated. It is also very difficult for Christ’s ambassadors to reach nomads who live in the hot, dry desert. Few are willing or able to take this huge step.
Bedouin Arabs like the Najdi speakers need to learn modern skills as water is increasingly difficult to find in their homeland. If they are going to get modern health care and useful education for the next generation, they will need to make changes.
Pray for Najdi Arabs in Oman to find ways to get adequate health care and education.
Pray for the Najdi Arabs to have a hunger and thirst for righteousness that will drive them to find the Prince of Peace.
Pray for the Lord to reach Najdi Arabs through dreams and visions.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out hearty disciples, who will show these people the way to the cross and the empty grave.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among the Najdi Arabs in Oman.
Text Source: Joshua Project
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
"...that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
ReadMatthew 11:28-30: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest."
Read"My peace I leave with you; my peace I give you…not as the world gives" John 14:27
Read"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3
Read"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Cor. 1:3-4
Read"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Is. 41:10
Read"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Ps. 34:18
Read"throne of grace with confidence, so that [they] may receive mercy and find grace"
Read"Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!" Psalm 150:6
ReadJohn 4:14, "whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst again."
ReadPsalm 117:1, "Praise the Lord, all you nations. Praise him, all you people of the earth."
ReadPsalm 113:3: "Everywhere—from east to west—praise the name of the Lord."
ReadPsalm 107:8: "Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them."
ReadPsalm 106:1: "Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."
ReadPsalm 104:1: "Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty."
ReadPsalm 100:4, "...enter his gates with thanksgiving... and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name."
ReadPsalm 98:4 says, "Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!"
ReadPsalm 96:4, we declare together: "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods."
ReadPsalm 95:1: "Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation."
ReadPsalm 86:12: "With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever"
ReadPsalm 66:4: "…I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long."
ReadPsalm 66:4 declares: "Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs."
ReadPsalms 63:3 declares, "Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!"
ReadPsalm 48:1, "How great is the Lord, how deserving of praise, in the city of our God, which sits on his holy mountain!
ReadPsalm 47:6, "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!"
ReadPsalm 34:1, "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises."
ReadPsalm 33:1, "Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him."
ReadPsalm 30:4, "...sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name."
ReadPsalm 29:2 to "Honor [You] for the glory of [Your] name" and "worship [You] in the splendor of Your holiness."
ReadPsalm 19:1, "...Heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display [Your] craftsmanship."
Read“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them…” Acts 19:6
ReadActs 13:2 records, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’”
Read"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Read“God anointed Jesus [to bring the Good News]… with the Holy Spirit and power.” Acts 10:38
Read"Jesus…has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:17
Read"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Read“We are witnesses… and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32
Read“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31
Read“...in the last days, [You][ will pour out my Spirit on all people..." Acts 2:17
Read"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:1–4
Read“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8
Read