Moor, general in Saudi Arabia
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| People Name: | Moor, general |
| Country: | Saudi Arabia |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 17,000 |
| World Population: | 295,900 |
| Primary Language: | Hassaniyya |
| Primary Religion: | Islam |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.00 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.00 % |
| Scripture: | New Testament |
| Ministry Resources: | Yes |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Arab, Hassaniya |
| Affinity Bloc: | Arab World |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The people known as Moors today are an offshoot of the Berber people, specifically a mixed tribe of Hijazi Arabs and Tuaregs. When Arabs conquered North Africa in the 7th and 8th centuries, one of the first Berber people to convert where the Tuareg, who at that time dwelt on the African Red Sea coast. They helped the Arabs in their spread of Islam until they reached the Atlantic. From there the Moors and other Berber tribes conquered the Iberian Peninsula, Southern France and Italy and the island of Sicily. This kingdom was known as Al Andalusia or the Moroccan Empire. The Moors constructed cobblestone streets and multi-storied buildings. They built over 15 universities in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The Moors, Arabs and Jews were expelled from Iberia in 1492 after King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella defeated the last of the Moorish strongholds.
Most Moors are native to Mauritania, but they are also found in 9 other countries, including Saudi Arabia. They have gone to Saudi Arabia as temporary workers.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Most likely, Moors go to Saudi Arabia to work. Those who are unskilled laborers face the possibility of abuse. Domestic helpers have faced economic, physical, and sexual abuse. Saudi employers can withhold wages or confine foreign workers with impunity. Commonly, they work long hours.
Those who get paid adequately can send money to struggling families in Mauritania.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Moors are virtually all Sunni Muslim and part of the Malikite sect. They have adopted Arab culture and speak Hassaniyya Arabic. Pre-Islamic North Africans were a matriarchal people who had female rulers and traced their lineage through women. Moors, Tuareg and Saharawi tribes on the other hand were patriarchal before the Arab conquest. The Moors acknowledge two main Islamic brotherhoods: the Qadiri and the Tajani. The Qadiri is the most widespread group and is characterized by many secret societies that are saturated with mysticism.
Surprisingly, the Moors in Saudi Arabia have influenced their form of Sunni Islam.
What Are Their Needs?
There has been little response to the gospel among the Moors no matter where they live. Prayer is the key to seeing them reached with the eternal blessings of Christ.
Prayer Points
Pray for the Lord to protect Moors working in Saudi Arabia.
Pray for the Moors to have their economic and spiritual needs met by Jehovah Jireh, their provider.
Pray for Holy Spirit-anointed workers to go to the Moors.
Pray for a spiritual hunger among Moorish leaders that will lead them to open the doors of their understanding to Jesus Christ.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among Moors in Saudi Arabia.