Shihuh in United Arab Emirates

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People Name: Shihuh
Country: United Arab Emirates
10/40 Window: Yes
Population: 19,000
World Population: 36,000
Primary Language: Arabic, Shihhi
Primary Religion: Islam
Christian Adherents: 0.00 %
Evangelicals: 0.00 %
Scripture: Translation Started
Online Audio NT: No
Jesus Film: No
Audio Recordings: Yes
People Cluster: Arab, Arabian
Affinity Bloc: Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Shihuh are probably descended from the original inhabitants of northern Oman, pushed into the mountains by successive Muslim and Portuguese invasions.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Shihuh are fishermen and herdsmen. The land in which they live is rocky and arid with very little vegetation. Their stone houses are called bayt al qufl, which means "cave house," since they are partly underground. Until about the early 1970s, the tribe was isolated from the outside world. They did not trust outsiders, and it was common for visitors at that time to have stones thrown at them by tribesmen. Nowadays, the Shihu are no longer hostile to outsiders, but neither are they particularly friendly.

What Are Their Beliefs?

These people are Sunni Muslims who also depend on the spirit world for their daily lives. Islam is an important part of their identity.

What Are Their Needs?

The Shihuh people need the infusion of the Holy Spirit in their families and communities. That is the way they can enjoy the abundant life Christ offers all who call on his name.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to speak to Shihuh elders through dreams and visions of the risen savior.
Pray for sufficient rainfall to provide for livestock and crops as a testimony of God's power and goodness.
Pray for hearts to begin to hunger for the forgiveness of sin found only in trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to thrust out Holy Spirit-directed workers to disciple the Shihuh people in the ways of Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project