Shabak in Iraq

People Name:	Shabak
Country:	Iraq
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	283,000
World Population:	283,000
Primary Language:	Shabak
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.01 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	No
People Cluster:	Kurd
Affinity Bloc:	Persian-Median
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Shabaks probably migrated from Persia to Ninevah in the 1600s. Many of the Shabak are related to the Kurds and the word shabak in Arabic means “intertwine.”
The Shabak of Iraq live in the Sinjar region of Ninevah, Mosul in many villages like Khazna, for example. They speak Shabaki and Arabic.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In Iraq the Shabak have always been looked on as being lower class people. They face discriminated by Iraqi authorities and by their Kurdish neighbors. They have been attacked and many have been killed.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Shabak began their own religion to defend themselves against what they say to be false accusations. The Shabak have their own ideas on spiritual life which include elements of Christianity and the mystic Sufi sect of Islam. They have religious guides called pirs. Unlike other Muslims, the Shabak people drink alcohol.

What Are Their Needs?

This people group is in danger from hostile neighbors.

Prayer Points

Pray for their safety and for their situation to lead them to Jesus Christ. Many have now gone to Iraqi Kurdistan.
Pray their despised situation may work for their good, making them receptive to the gospel message.
Pray that they meet loving Christians who will disciple them.