Hausa in Italy

Introduction / History

The Hausa language is among the largest in West Africa. Because of their frequent contact with Arab traders, about one fourth of the Hausa vocabulary comes from Arabic. Hausa is written with Arabic script. The Hausa are the largest ethnic group in all of West Africa. The Hausa are originally from "Hausaland," a region covering 75,000 square miles and straddling the borders of Niger and Nigeria. From 1890 to 1960, Hausaland was divided into two sovereign states under French and British rule. After 1960, one became the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the other, the Republic of Niger. There are smaller Hausa populations in other countries of West Africa. A small number have migrated to Italy.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In West Africa, Hausas are among the most dominant group. It Italy, they don't hold high status. Usually they come through North Africa, often illegally, trying to find work in Europe. Though Hausas are relatively prosperous in West Africa, the ones who flee to Europe are usually very poor and desperate. Some have made their name in sports, especially soccer. Such people are given honor in Italy, a country that loves sporting events.

What Are Their Beliefs?

By 1500, Islam had been introduced to the Hausa by traders. Many of the urban Hausa embraced it right away, in hopes of enhancing their businesses. However, the villagers were not as receptive to this new religion.

In the "holy wars" of 1804 and 1808, the Hausa were conquered by the Fulani, their strongly Islamic neighbors. They were made slaves until the early 1900s. At that time, many of the villagers were either forced or bribed into becoming Muslim. They adopted some of Islam's basic outward behaviors and rituals but did not "sell out" as many of the urban Hausa did. For that reason, many of Hausa today are only superficially Muslim. Eventually the Hausas and Fulani merged in West Africa, and the Hausa also became propagators of Islam.

What Are Their Needs?

The Hausa culture is strongly linked to Islam, which makes it difficult to reach this people group with the gospel. They have a full Bible and many evangelistic materials in their language, but few will give it a chance.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Hausa would come to know Jesus, the giver of living water.
Thank God for the Hausa Bible! Pray for God's word to penetrate even the stoniest heart.
Pray for Bible studies and church planting movements to start among the Hausa people in Italy.
Pray for loving and dedicated workers to reach them in Italy.

Text Source:   Joshua Project