Jordanian Arabs are considered to be from the "Levant" region of the Arab world. The Levant encompasses Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Arabs from the Arabian Peninsula are considered the original Arabs, as Arab culture originated from there and later expanded across the Middle East and North Africa. Most Levant Arabs are Muslim due to the close association with Islam throughout their history. However, there are some traditional Christians among them.
Most Levantine Arabs speak Arabic, which consists of many dialects depending on the region. For example, Moroccan Arabic and Levantine Arabic are mutually unintelligible. There exists, however, Modern Standard Arabic, which is the formal dialect that news channels and newspapers utilize to broaden their reach. Almost everyone in the Arab world understands Modern Standard Arabic.
Social life is essential for Arabs, as hospitality is essential to Arab culture. In Islam, it is permitted for one man to have up to four wives, although currently most Levantine marriages are monogamous. Polygamy was more popular in the past, especially because providing for a large family was less expensive.
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.
Like members of religious groups all over the world, Jordanian Muslims equate “Christianity” with a worldwide political system.
The vast majority of Jordanians are Muslims though there are some traditional Christians among them. Islam is a religion of works that is based on five basic "pillars." (1) A Muslim must affirm that "there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet." (2) He must pray five times a day while facing Mecca. (3) He must give generously. (4) He must fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. (5) He must try to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in his lifetime.
The biggest need for Jordanian Arabs is the need for the gospel. They cannot experience the abundant life Christ offered until they accept his lordship.
Pray for Jordanian Arabs in Kuwait to have easy access to the gospel.
Pray for Jordanian Muslims to understand that they can only be forgiven for their sins by the blood of Christ. Pray for Christian Jordanians to share the gospel with their Muslim neighbors through the testimony of their lives and their close relationship with Christ. Ask the Lord to raise up a strong church planting movement among the Levantine Arabs in Kuwait.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Jordanian in Kuwait.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
