Arab, Jordanian in Oman

Introduction / History

Arab culture is one familiar to many. Though perhaps not with any detail, many know of the desert nomads and their culture, which was developed through centuries long past in the harsh Arabian sands. In the present, many Arab peoples lead their lives in perhaps a less romantic fashion than framed in story and legend. The Levant Arabs (a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs), originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. Today, several hundred thousand Levant Arabs live along the northern edges of the Arabian Desert. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far south as Oman.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Levant Arabs typically live in villages located near fertile regions; but they can also be found near mountain foothills in less arid regions. Although they have settled in towns or villages, they have held on to their tribal affiliations.
To preserve their people, they are only allowed to marry those inside their own group. Levant Arab society is patrilineal, which means that inheritances are passed down through the males. In this system, boys inherit more than girls. Since children are considered a family's greatest asset, females are valued for their ability to bear children.
One of the oil-nations of the Middle East, Oman is fairly modern in its infrastructure. The nation is governed by a type of monarchy known as authoritarian benevolence. While the Sultan has complete authority to act as he sees fit, some of that authority has been used to provide a wide array of social programs for Omani citizens. Human rights organizations are banned from the country, and its political structure is far from resembling a democracy, though free health care, employment programs, and other benefits tend to make dissent less common. Life is peaceful in Oman, and Jordanian Arabs are not likely to encounter terrorism nor international tensions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Levant Arabs are Muslims, and the Islamic religion has greatly influenced the development of their modern culture. The primary sect followed in Jordan is Sunni Islam, though in Oman, it is Ibadi. Ibadi Islam is the primary sect practiced by the population, and is known for progressivism, tolerance, and non-sectarianism. Related to neither Sunni nor Shia Islam, the sect has no qualms with either. The dominance of Ibadi Islam, along with its policy of neutrality, creates an oasis of calm in a region that has unfortunately known much war and strife. While some Jordanian Arabs may change sects, adherents to Islam as a religious system remains constant.

What Are Their Needs?

There is a great need for the gospel to be preached among the Jordanian Arabs in Oman. At the present time, there are only a few Christ followers within the Levant Arab community, with the largest number found among the Iraqi Arabs. Evangelization efforts among these tribes are challenging due to restrictions as well as general antagonism towards Christianity. Prayerful intercession is the key to reaching them with the gospel.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to reach out and share the love of Christ with the Jordanian Arab peoples.
Pray that God will raise up faithful intercessors who will stand in the gap for the Jordanian Arabs in Oman.
Ask God to give Arab believers opportunities to share the love of Christ with Jordanian Arabs in Oman, and for hearts to soften, creating open doors for the gospel to be spread to the Omani majority.
Ask the Holy Spirit to stir the hearts of these people toward Christ.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Jordanian Arabs in Oman.

Text Source:   Joshua Project