Fur in Egypt

Introduction / History

Darfur, in Sudan, means the Homeland of the Fur peoples. This area was known in the 16th century as Southern Nubia. The Fur are kin to the Kanuri people of Nigeria, with whom they maintained contact over the centuries. Most Fur people live in Sudan, though some are also in Chad and Egypt.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Fur are an agricultural people who also raise cattle. In times of peace, the Fur grow millet, sorghum, maize, and beans for their stable foods. Peanuts, cotton and tobacco are cash crops. Many Fur villages have chickens, cattle and goats to supplement their diets. War and violence in Sudan have made living conditions for the Fur even worse. Many are living in tents and are dependent on aid from the United Nations and NGOs for food, shelter and water. Families arrange marriages with the girls getting married at a young age. A man may have up to four wives if he can afford them. The number of cattle determines the wealth of a village or family. Unfortunately, many Fur children do not attend school due to the lack of teachers and the family's need for child labor. Periods of draught are common in the savannah regions where the Fur live. In times of little or no rain, the Fur face starvation.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Fur claim to be Sunni Muslims. Their Islam is heavily mixed with folk religion and animism. Sunni Muslims try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad. Sunnis believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, using deceit, slandering, and making idols. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.

What Are Their Needs?

The Fur people need to put their identity and hope in Jesus Christ, who provides for all spiritual and physical needs.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to be the provider for their physical and spiritual needs. Pray for a movement to Jesus to multiply among Fur families and neighborhoods. Pray for Holy Spirit led workers among the Fur people in Egypt. Pray for the Fur people to give all their allegiance and thanks to the King of kings.

Text Source:   Joshua Project