Urdu in Saudi Arabia
Photo Source:
Muzaffar Somro - Pixabay
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Map Source:
People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
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| People Name: | Urdu |
| Country: | Saudi Arabia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 823,000 |
| World Population: | 2,161,000 |
| Primary Language: | Urdu |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | South Asia - other |
| Affinity Bloc: | South Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
Urdu speakers who live and work in Saudi Arabia are not exactly a people group in the usual sense. They are collection of peoples from many countries who share the common language of Urdu. Urdu is one of the largest languages in South Asia. It is spoken mainly by Muslim peoples.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Some Urdu language users work at the highest level of Saudi society. Others are day laborers who do not read. All come to Saudi Arabia looking for economic opportunities. Many send money home to support their families.
What Are Their Beliefs?
If it becomes known to the Saudi government that an Urdu speaking Muslim has become a Christian, he will be arrested. He may be tortured, expelled or killed for his belief.
Radio broadcasts in Urdu can share the news about Jesus. Believers who are working in Saudi Arabia can very discreetly tell the Urdu speakers about Jesus in small social settings.
What Are Their Needs?
Like people everywhere, the Urdu people in Saudi Arabia need to allow the loving Savior to direct their lives. They need his forgiveness for sin.
Prayer Points
There may be no Urdu speaking believers in Saudi Arabia. If a few exist, pray that they would grow spiritually and be hidden from the Saudi authorities. Ask the Lord to use radio and literature to bring many Urdu speakers in Saudi Arabia to Christ.
Pray for a movement to Christ among the Urdu speakers in Saudi Arabia.
Pray for a spiritual hunger that will drive them towards the only Savior.