Moor in Libya

People Name:	Moor
Country:	Libya
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	51,000
World Population:	4,706,700
Primary Language:	Hassaniyya
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.30 %
Evangelicals:	0.20 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab, Hassaniya
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The people known as Moors today are an offshoot of the Berber people, specifically a Hijazi Arab/Tuareg mixed tribe. When Arabs conquered North Africa in the 7th and 8th centuries, one of the first Berber people to convert where the Tuareg, who at that time dwelt on the African Red Sea coast. They helped the Arabs in their spread of Islam until they reached the Atlantic. From there the Moors and other Berber tribes conquered the Iberian Peninsula, Southern France and Italy and the island of Sicily. This kingdom was known as Al Andalusia or the Moroccan Empire. The Moors constructed cobblestone streets and multi-storied buildings. They built over 15 universities in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The Moors, Arabs and Jews were expelled from Iberia in 1492 after King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella defeated the last of the Moorish strongholds.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Moorish society is primarily nomadic and is organized into successive ranks of tribes, clans, sub-clans, and tent units. Several tribes form a tribal alliance. Their social structure resembles that of other Saharan and Arab tribal societies, with variations due to the West African environment and history. Over the years, many wars, bandit raids, and organized attacks took place in this region, causing the nomads to live in a constant state of insecurity. As a result, a complex social structure emerged. Today, the Moors have four basic class divisions based on heritage, race and occupation. The White Moors form the two upper classes, while the Black Moors make up the two lower classes. Like the Libyan majority, they are facing poverty and war. Constant warfare causes economies to weaken, and people go into survival mode. Since they often live in remote areas, the Moors are especially vulnerable to violent rebel groups.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Moors are virtually all Sunni Muslim and part of the Malikite sect. They have adopted Arab culture and speak Hassaniyya Arabic. Pre-Islamic North Africans were a matriarchal people who had female rulers and traced their lineage through women. Moors, Tuareg and Saharawi tribes on the other hand were patriarchal before the Arab conquest. The Moors acknowledge two main Islamic brotherhoods: the Qadiri and the Tajani. The Qadiri is the most widespread group and is characterized by many secret societies that are saturated with mysticism.

What Are Their Needs?

Right now Moors in the deserts of Libya are vulnerable to any well-armed rebel faction that choses to attack them. They need physical protection from the Lord.

Prayer Points

Pray for Moors to have their physical, economic and spiritual needs met by Jehovah Jireh, their provider. Pray for Holy Spirit anointed workers to go to the Moors. Pray for a spiritual hunger among Moorish leaders that will lead them to open the doors of their understanding to Jesus Christ. Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ in Libya, Mauritania and Spain.