Arab, Iraqi of Iraq

Most scholars consider Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula to be the original Arabs. Modern day Iraq is the home of the ancient Sumerian, Assyrian, and Babylonian empires. Today three-fourths of Iraq is Arab. Although the Iraqi Arabs have settled in towns or villages, they have held on to their tribal affiliations. Social life is extremely important to them and Islam has greatly influenced the way they live. To preserve their people, they are only allowed to marry those inside their own group. Inheritances are passed down through the males. In this system, men inherit more than women. Since children are considered a family’s greatest asset, females are valued mostly for their ability to bear children. God loves the Iraqi Arabs! Most of them only know a god called “Allah”, but Jesus, the Savior wants them to hear and know of His great love. Most believe Jesus is a prophet, teacher, and a good man; just not God’s Son. Many have a great spiritual hunger, which has increased since the overthrow of the Sunni- led government of Saddam Hussein. Others are hearing His name for the very first time and responding.

Primary Religion: Islam

% Evangelical: 0.10%

Primary Language: Arabic, Mesopotamian Spoken

Status:   Initial (localized) church planting within past 2 years

Prayer Points:

• For the Iraqi Arab Christians to persevere amidst persecution
• For God to open the hearts of the new government leaders to the Gospel
• For translation of the Bible to begin in their primary language

For more information please visit Joshua Project and Operation World