The name Swahili literally means "coast," and is the name traditionally given to several people groups that share a common culture, language (Swahili), and religion (Islam) living along the eastern coast of Africa. Though they are called "Swahili" by others, they prefer to be named according to their local settlements.
Today, the Swahili are scattered along eastern Africa and the Persian Gulf, from Saudi Arabia to Zambia. For about 2,000 years, the backbone of the Swahili economy has been commerce. They worked as cross-national merchants trading spices, slaves, ivory, gold, and grain. Today, international commerce is still important to the Swahili but to a lesser degree. Many upper class Swahili now manage small businesses, do clerical work, and teach school.
Most likely, the Swahili in Saudi Arabia conduct business deals with Saudi corporations. There might be some Swahili people who work as oil workers or other less-prestigious jobs.
Islam is deeply ingrained in the worldview of the Swahili people. It will be difficult for them to accept other foundational answers to spiritual questions, such as salvation by Jesus Christ, not by human effort.
Since the Swahili are predominantly Muslim, Islamic practices play a large role in their daily activities.
Perhaps the Swahili will learn of the possibility of scripture downloads from the web and will be spiritually hungry enough to read these downloads on their computers or phones.
There are likely no followers of Jesus today among the Swahili of Saudi Arabia. Please pray the Lord will soon stir the hearts of many in this tribe to find out more about Jesus Christ.
Pray Jesus will appear to some in dreams or visions, leading them to seek and find the Savior.
Pray the Swahili in all countries of residence will turn their hearts and communities to Jesus Christ.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swahili_people
Scripture Prayers for the Swahili in Saudi Arabia.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Swahili |
People Name in Country | Swahili |
Pronunciation |
swa-HEE-lee
|
Alternate Names | African Black; Arab-Swahili; Bantu; Baraawe; Barwaani; Black African; Central Swahili; Coastal; Coastal Swahili; Mrima; Shirazi; Siddi; Swahili Shamba; Urban; Zanzibari |
Population this Country | 433,000 |
Population all Countries | 1,183,000 |
Total Countries | 25 |
Indigenous | No |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
GSEC | 1 (per PeopleGroups.org) |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 9 |
People ID | 15145 |
ROP3 Code | 109644 |
ROP25 Code | 307782 |
ROP25 Name | Swahili |
Country | Saudi Arabia | ||
Region | Africa, North and Middle East | ||
Continent | Asia | ||
10/40 Window | Yes | ||
Persecution Rank | 13 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Country | Saudi Arabia |
Region | Africa, North and Middle East |
Continent | Asia |
10/40 Window | Yes |
Persecution Rank | 13 (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking) |
Primary Religion: | Islam |
Major Religion ▲ | Percent |
---|---|
Buddhism |
0.00 %
|
Christianity (Evangelical 0.00 %) |
0.00 %
|
Ethnic Religions |
0.00 %
|
Hinduism |
0.00 %
|
Islam |
100.00 %
|
Non-Religious |
0.00 %
|
Other / Small |
0.00 %
|
Unknown |
0.00 %
|
Primary Language | Swahili |
Language Code | swh Ethnologue Listing |
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
Primary Language | Swahili |
Language Code | swh Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 1 |
People Groups | Speaking Swahili |
Primary Language: Swahili
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1868-1968) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (1879-1989) |
Bible-Complete | Yes (1890-2017) |
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) | Online |
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) | Online |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Photo Source | Luciano Rizzello - Flickr Creative Commons |
Profile Source | Joshua Project |
Data Sources | Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more. |