Birgid, Arabized in Sudan

Birgid, Arabized
Send Joshua Project a photo
of this people group.
Map Source:  People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.
People Name: Birgid, Arabized
Country: Sudan
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 179,000
World Population: 179,000
Primary Language: Arabic, Sudanese
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
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 Birgids, learn Arabic and live more like Arabs than sub-Saharan Africans. Being more "Arab" than "African" allows someone to be part of the culture that holds political and economic power. For the most part, the Birgid culture is being eclipsed by the Arabs, so most Birgid people are now "Arabized."
The Birgid people live in southern Sudan.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Birgid people have an ongoing conflict with the Rezeigat Arabs. This has driven many of the Arabized Birgids to seek safety my moving to other places. Some have lived as internally displaced people (IDP), while others have managed to start their lives over in a new location.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Arabized Birgid people are 100 percent Sunni Muslim, though they have many non-Koranic beliefs mixed in with Islam. This is true for just about any African Muslim people.

What Are Their Needs?

The Arabized Birgid people need to find ways to make a good living, free from violence. Their children need schools that will prepare them for the future.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Arabized Birgid 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:   Joshua Project