Arab, Iraqi in United Kingdom

Introduction / History

The Iraqi Arabs descended from a people group cluster called the Levant Arabs. The Levant Arabs originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. "Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Iraqi, Jordanian, Palestinian, Arabic Jewish, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs.

Most scholars consider Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula to be the original Arabs. The Arabian culture was developed by tribes of nomads and villagers who lived in the Arabian Desert for many centuries. It was also from there that Arab migrations began, eventually leading to the expansion of the Arab world. Modern day Iraq is the home of the ancient Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian empires. Iraq was occupied by Britain during World War I. In 1932, Iraq gained its independence.

Since the 1940s, the UK has allowed many Iraqis, especially political dissidents, to live in their nation. There have been waves of Iraqis coming to the UK. Since 2003, the UK has absorbed more refugees from war in Iraq. At different times each of three different religious groups have had to flee for safety.

Most live in Greater London, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, or Glasgow.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Iraqi population in the UK has been there longer than Iraqis have been in other parts of Europe. Many of Iraqis who entered England in past decades were part of the elite, well-educated communities. These people have re-established their lives in the UK. These Iraqi Arabs have made their mark in British society in a number of fields. They have founded corporations, served in politics, been doctors, actors, athletes and musicians.

There is an Iraqi Association in London that acts as a charitable organization and it helps newly arriving Iraqis to adapt to live in the UK. The British Iraqi Friendship Society has events that highlight Iraq’s ancient culture and artistic achievements.

What Are Their Beliefs?

A little over half of the Iraqi Arabs are Shia Muslims, and most of the rest of them are Sunni Muslims. There is a small minority that adheres to traditional forms of Christianity.

What Are Their Needs?

Muslim Iraqis in the UK need to experience the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the hope of his resurrection victory.

Prayer Points

Pray that believers in the UK will lead Iraqis to Jesus Christ.
Pray that they will read the Bible and be attracted to Jesus, realizing that he is the Christ and give their lives to him.
Pray for a Disciple Making Movement to begin among Iraqi Arabs in Europe.

Text Source:   Joshua Project