110 Cities

Iraqi Arab in Iraq

What Are Their Beliefs?

In 1968, the Iraqi constitution established Islam as the religion of the state. Iraq is dominated by Shi’ite Muslims (over half) and Sunni Muslims (more than one-third). Islam is a religion of works that is based on five basic “pillars.” (1) A Muslim must affirm that “there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet.” (2) He must pray five times a day while facing Mecca. (3) He must give generously. (4) He must fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. (5) He must try to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in his lifetime.

The Apostle Thomas brought Christianity to Mesopotamia. The Church was centered in and spread from the Assyrian city of Arbel, located in the North. Today there are several denominations that have churches in Iraq.
What Are Their Needs?

God loves Iraqi Arabs! Most only know a God called Allah, but Jesus the Savior wants them to hear and know of His great love. Most believe Jesus is a prophet, teacher, and a good man, just not God’s Son. Many have a great spiritual hunger, which has increased since the overthrow of the Sunni- led government of Saddam Hussein. Others are hearing His name for the very first time and responding.

The greatest spiritual need that must be met among the Iraqi Arabs is training for evangelistic workers, church planters, children’s workers, and pastors. Praise God that Christian literature has already been printed. Now it must be distributed, and the Word of God must be taught.

A door of opportunity has been opened for the Church today to share the love of God with the Iraqi Arabs. Will we respond?
Prayer Points

Pray that Iraqi Arab Christians would be protected from harm and persecution.
Pray for Christian workers from nearby countries who are making initial plans for church planting and church planter training in Iraq.
Ask God to give wisdom to the new government in Iraq and open their hearts to the Gospel.
Ask God to change the spiritual climate over Iraq.

Iraqi Arab in Iraq