Wali, Arabized in Sudan

Wali, Arabized
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Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Wali, Arabized
Country: Sudan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 63,000
World Population: 63,000
Primary Language: Arabic, Sudanese
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 1.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.20 %
Scripture: New Testament
Online Audio NT: Yes
Jesus Film: Yes
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Nubian
Affinity Bloc: Sub-Saharan Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Arabization of the African peoples of Sudan began in the 1300s with the powerful Ja 'alin tribe. This country has been becoming more Arab and less African ever since. Sudan is a mixture of Arabic culture from the north and sub-Saharan African culture from the south. The Arabic culture is dominant, and many of the African peoples, including the Wali learn Arabic, and live more like Arabs than sub-Saharan Africans. There are many degrees of enculturation. Some have little contact with their traditional culture, while others are much more bi-cultural. Being more "Arab" than "African" allows someone to be part of the culture that holds political and economic power in Sudan. For the most part, the Wali culture is being eclipsed by the Arabs, though there are still some who remain part of the old culture.

Where Are they Located?

The Arabized Wali people live in the southern part of Sudan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There is little or nothing written about the lives of the Arabized Wali people of Sudan.

What Are Their Beliefs?

One aspect of being "Arabized" is that one is also Sunni Muslim. That is true for the Arabized Wali people. However, like just about all other Muslims in this region, the Wallis mix in pre-Islamic beliefs with their spirituality.

What Are Their Needs?

The Arabized Wali people need a spiritual hunger that will drive them to seek and find the only Savior, Jesus Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Arabized Wali people to have the chance to hear about what Jesus Christ has to offer them.
Pray for them to have the gift of faith that will draw them to the only Savior.
Pray for a Disciple-Making movement to emerge among this Muslim people group.

Text Source:   Keith Carey