Introduction / History

Darfur, the name of the area where they live today, means the Homeland of the Fur. This area was known in the 16th century as Southern Nubia. They are kin to the Kanuri people of Nigeria, with whom they maintained contact over the centuries.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are an active farming people and may also raise cattle.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Fur are nominally Sunni Muslims following the Maliki school of Islamic law. Their Islam is heavily mixed with folk religion and animism. Sunni Muslims try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad. Sunnis believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, using deceit, slandering and making idols. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

The Darfur area is in much turmoil, a dangerous place. Life is dangerous for the Fur people.

Workers need to minister to the Fur by helping them physically and materially. The needs are great.

Prayer Items

Pray for a movement to Jesus to multiply among Fur families and neighborhoods.
Pray the Lord will soon build his church among this ancient community.
Pray they will keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ask the Lord to help the Fur care properly for their families, and to live lives of peace in a dangerous land.
Pray the Lord gives them increasing hunger to learn more about Jesus through his children and through dreams.

Scripture Prayers for the Fur, Forok in Sudan.