Introduction / History

The Rubatab of Sudan are a Sunni Muslim tribe. The Rubatab trace their ancestry to Arabia and follow Islam. They are Arabic speakers. They have a different accent to other peoples in Sudan, but they speak the same Arabic language. People among them have Islamic names such as Mohammed and Ahmed.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Many of the Rubatab are farmers and a few are artists. There are both men and women teachers. In high school the teachers are usually women. Mathematics, languages and sciences are taught but religion is the main subject. Some are self-employed. People with plenty of money buy expensive cars and have high class homes.
Women look after the home and the children. Girls help their mothers and can go to school. Men work to feed themselves and their families. Boys play outside or mix with men. Elders are respected. The Rubatab honor people who are generous to them.
Before marriage, the man will tell his future wife's family about himself. The family of the girl ask the community about the character of the future husband. All being well the families are introduced to each other and marriage takes place. Most families give their sons a house when he is getting married. The father has the final decision in the family.
Their one floor buildings are made from bricks and cement. The homes have two doors, one for men and the other for women. Men and women have little contact.
When a baby is born, the mother must remain at home until forty days after the birth have passed. She lives with relatives and friends and people give her money. The baby is named after seven days. They eat a cow or sheep to celebrate. After forty days, there is another celebration and then the mother can leave the home. When a person dies, family members come to the home. The dead body is washed. They bury the dead in the way of Islam.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Rubatab observe Islamic holidays. They respect tribes that believe in other religions. (maybe an opportunity for the gospel to be given here).

What Are Their Needs?

The Rubatab people need the chance to hear and respond to the life changing claims of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Holy Spirit to intervene among Rubatab elders, opening them to hear the gospel with their hearts and their heads.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out loving and dedicated workers.
Pray for Rubatab disciples who will make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Rubatab in Sudan.