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 they viewed it 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 excellent 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. There is a small population of Omani Arabs in the United States.
The Omani Arabs live in extended families. 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. Their society is patriarchal, or male-dominated. The men seldom abuse this authority because they believe their families should obey them out of respect rather than fear. Also, there are clearly defined roles for both sexes. Even the children have gender-specific duties. Such conservative ways of doing things are likely to be challenged as the Omanis live in the United States and other Western nations.
Omani Arabs were among the first people in the middle east to accept Islam.
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. Sunnis are welcomed by the Ibadis with Sunni greetings.
Pray for a spiritual discernment and hunger that will allow Omani Arabs in the United States to seek and find Christ. Pray for Holy Spirit-directed believers to go to the Omani Arabs in the United States. Pray for a disciple making movement to spread far and wide among Omani Arabs.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Omani in United States.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Arab, Omani |
People Name in Country | Arab, Omani |
Natural Name | Omani Arab |
Pronunciation |
oh-MAH-nee AE-rub
|
Alternate Names | Arabic, Omani Spoken; Omani Arab |
Population this Country | 1,000 |
Population all Countries | 2,823,000 |
Total Countries | 10 |
Indigenous | No |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | No |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 10378 |
ROP3 Code | 100431 |
Country | United States | ||
Region | America, North and Caribbean | ||
Continent | North America | ||
10/40 Window | No | ||
National Bible Society | Website | ||
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Country | United States |
Region | America, North and Caribbean |
Continent | North America |
10/40 Window | No |
National Bible Society | Website |
Persecution Rank | Not ranked |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 1.50 %) |
3.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
97.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Arabic, Omani Spoken (1,000 speakers) |
Language Code | acx Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Unknown |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Arabic, Omani Spoken (1,000 speakers) |
Language Code | acx Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Arabic, Omani Spoken |
Primary Language: Arabic, Omani Spoken
Bible Translation Status: Unspecified
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Arabic Bible Online | Arabic Bible Outreach Ministry |
Text / Printed Matter | Tools for faith conversations | Campus Crusade for Christ |
Photo Source | CharlesFred - Flickr Creative Commons |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |