The Islamic prophet, Mohammed, started not only a religious movement but also an Arab-based empire. From 622-632 he conquered most of the inhabited part of the Arabian Peninsula. He died in 632, but was succeeded by the Rashidun Caliphate, which conquered much of Egypt, Libya and Algeria by 661.
There were tribal peoples in North Africa, collectively called Berbers or Imazighen (free men). Given time, Arabs settled among the Berber tribes. What we know as Arabic changed as it moved west, sometimes incorporating words and grammatical aspects of the local languages. Today, Algerian Arabic differs from other forms of Arabic.
Since the Arabs are the dominant ethnic group in Algeria, they inhabit the northern areas with the most productive land and the coastal areas that offer fishing and commercial opportunities.
With a population of over 33 million, Algerian Arabs can be in just about any line of work. Like anywhere else, those in port cities such as Algiers are more liberal than those who live in rural communities. Yet there are commonalities no matter where they live.
Algerian Arab families are led by the father or grandfather. Women are subservient but protected by their male family members. Things are complicated when they live in cities; some women work outside the home where they regularly encounter men who are outside their families. Some husbands want their wives to wear the Islamic veil. In a rural setting, Algerian Arab women stay at home where they take care of the house and children. They tend gardens and cook for their families.
Algerian Arab youths are attracted to Western music and movies, much to the dismay of Islamic leaders. The younger generation prefers to wear Western style clothes rather than traditional Arab garb. Marriages are usually arranged by families, especially in rural areas. There is little room for love marriages.
Couscous (granulated semolina) forms the basics of the daily Algerian Arab diet, and they flavor it with vegetables and broth. Their daily diet involves mostly grains, but they are more likely to eat meat on special occasions such as weddings and festivals. During festivals they enjoy dried fruit, almonds and other treats.
Today, almost all Algerian Arabs are Sunni Muslim, with most belonging to the Malikite branch of Islam. Islam is a major world religion that is based on five essential duties or "pillars": (1) A Muslim must affirm that "there is no god but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet." (2) Five times a day he must pray while facing Mecca. (3) He must give an obligatory percentage (very similar to tithes) on an annual basis. (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. Yet on a practical day-to-day basis, Algerian Arabs are likely to look to the spirit world and Muslim saints for their needs. Thus many use amulets and charms to gain good fortune.
Islam has faced little in the way of spiritual challenges in Algeria since the advent of Islam. The government, local communities, and families all stand against allowing their people to seek and find the only Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to give dreams and visions to Algerian Arab family leaders, who can in turn open the door to the gospel.
Ask God to call out prayer teams who will begin breaking up the soil through intercession.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of Algerian Arabs to Jesus Christ, so they will consider his claim as the only way to the Father.
Pray for Algerian Arab disciples to make more disciples who will disciple others.
Scripture Prayers for the Algerian, Arabic-speaking in Algeria.
https://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Algeria.html
https://www.britannica.com/place/Algeria/Cultural-life
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Algeria
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
