Kuwait's history could be traced to the early 18th century when a group of Anizah Bedouin families moved there; before that, it was mainly the home of fishermen. In 1756 the Bedouins formed a sheikhdom in that location. The 19th century brought about a thriving trading community dominated by a couple of prominent merchant families that still hold much power today. Oil was discovered in 1938, the same year Iraq claimed Kuwait as part of their nation. Kuwait has weathered many threats, both internal and external. Because of external threats, they became a British protectorate during WWI. The British granted much of Kuwait's claimed land to neighboring Saudi Arabia. Kuwait gained independence from Great Britain in 1961.
Though there are many other Arabic speaking peoples in Kuwait, the native Kuwaitis are those who speak a Gulf language, of which Kuwaiti Arabic is a dialect. Kuwaiti Arabic includes a number of borrowed words from the languages of the many migrant groups who live there. Because Kuwaitis produce many Arabic-language soap operas, many Arabs understand this dialect.
Since the development of the oil industry, many Kuwaiti Arab men are now bureaucrats, clerical technicians, industrialists, and other professionals. The oil economy has brought new communication systems, water systems and roads. The reformed educational system has led to one of the highest literacy rates in the region. Health care, affordable housing, and other social services have given Kuwaitis comfortable lives.
A Kuwaiti Arab woman's first role is as a wife and mother; however, she has more opportunities than many Arab women. Kuwaiti Arab women have access to higher education, and many have become teachers, businesswomen and professionals. This freedom has resulted in higher income for the family and the ability to hire others to perform the more traditional tasks of the Arab women.
The family, however, remains important as the basis of Kuwaiti Arab society. Just as in other Arab nations, family honor is very important. Each member of the family has a defined role, according to Arab tradition. The family provides security in times of economic hardship and in old age. Health, welfare, and the happiness of family, friends, and strangers are important to Kuwaiti Arabs.
Almost all Kuwaitis are Sunni Muslim. They have allowed for a degree of modernization in their daily lives, but at the core, they are Muslims. They follow the teachings of the Koran, the Muslim holy book. The Koran forbids lying, stealing, adultery, and murder. It teaches Muslims to honor their parents, show kindness, protect the orphan and widow, and give to the poor. Muslims believe that life on earth is a period of testing and preparation for the life to come; thus, death is not feared but viewed as the gateway to eternal life. They believe that after death, all men will give an account for their actions, being judged by their works and by their adherence to the Koran.
Islam dominates their lives. The Kuwaiti government has attempted to link the state identity to Islam through public devotion, by state funding of mosques and other Muslim institutions, and by participating in Islamic conferences.
Kuwaiti Arabs have few material or physical needs. However, Kuwaiti Arabs are so devoted to the Islamic religious system that they have not allowed themselves to consider the claims of Jesus Christ, the only one who can save mankind from sin and death. Only sustained, fervent intercession can soften their hearts.
Pray that this will be the decade where there is an unstoppable movement to Christ among Kuwait's Muslims.
Pray for Kuwaiti Muslims to understand that they cannot be saved apart from a sin-free Savior. Pray for the Holy Spirit to anoint and send out Christ's ambassadors to Kuwaitis.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Arabic Gulf Spoken in Kuwait.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
