Introduction / History

There have been Malay merchants in Yemen since the 1800s when both Malaysia and Yemen were under British control in one way or another. The Malay lived well in that part of the world until recent years.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most Yemeni Malays alive today have never been to Malaysia. They were been born in Yemen and would feel very out of place in Malaysia or Singapore. Going to Malaysia is not an option for many of them. This is a difficult situation because Yemen is not a safe place to live, and Yemen does not provide business opportunities at this point in time. Some returned to Malaysia in 2020 because of the corona virus, and they are getting re-established and re-oriented.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Islam was brought to Malaysia by Arabic and Indian traders many centuries ago, and the Malay people have come to embrace and ardently follow the Islamic faith. All Malay people are considered Islamic though levels of devotion to the religion are varied. Even those who half-heartedly follow Islam participate in the fasting month, and the Malay people of affluence will go on the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once if not many times during their lifetime. The Malay have early roots in Hinduism and traces of this can still be seen in certain aspects of their culture such as weddings. For instance, the bride and groom sit upon a platform for hours for the guests to admire like they do in Hindu weddings.

What Are Their Needs?

Although tools such as the Bible, evangelistic literature, the JESUS Film, and Christian broadcasts are available in the Malay language, few have accepted Jesus as Savior. The Malay living in Western countries have freedom of religion. Christ followers in these countries must seize the opportunity to share Christ with the Malay. Perhaps Christian teachers and businessmen will have the most opportunities to share the love of Jesus with them.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger among Malay Muslims in Yemen that will lead them to seek and find the eternal blessings of Jesus Christ. Pray for believers who are filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit to go to them and share Christ until He is exalted among Malay Muslim families. Pray for a movement to Christ among Malay Muslims this decade.

Scripture Prayers for the Malay in Yemen.