Somali in United Kingdom

People Name:	Somali
Country:	United Kingdom
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	99,000
World Population:	26,948,600
Primary Language:	Somali
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.00 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Ministry Resources:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Somali
Affinity Bloc:	Horn of Africa Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The U.K. might have more Somalis than anywhere else in Europe. The first Somali immigrants were merchants and seamen who came in the 1800s. A few arrived in World War II with the Royal Navy and remained. In the last two decades of the twentieth century, many Somalis came to the U.K. and they make the most numbers of the present Somali population.

By the end of the last century, about 53 per cent of applications in Europe from Somali asylum seekers were made in the U.K. Many of them came from Ethiopia and other neighboring countries. Many were women and children as the men had been killed or remained in Somalia to fight in the civil war. Further migration of Somalis to the U.K. was from the Netherlands and also from Denmark and Sweden. Many wanted to be with families and friends.

Most Somalis in the U.K. live in London, others in Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Leicester, Sheffield, Liverpool and also in Cardiff (in Wales). Lesser numbers are in other cities and large towns in the U.K.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Among the Somalis in the U.K. are sports people like Mo Farah the double Olympic gold medalist at 5000 and 10000 meters in the 2012 Olympic games. There are film makers and local politicians among them. Some have their own businesses such as internet cafes, restaurants, hairdressing salons and travel agencies.

The main language of the Somalis in the U.K. is Somali. Some speak Arabic and English is spoken also. Though they are generally well educated, many are semi-skilled and unskilled workers. Most Somalis live in rented accommodation. In 2011, the Council of Somali organizations came into being to represent the community institutions living here. Khat chewing is enjoyed with many Somalis and is causing concern as it could cause health problems.

Most Somalis in the U.K. listen for news and information on the BBC Somali Service. They listen to it on satellite radio and on the internet.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Somali people are Sunni Muslims who believe that the supreme God, Allah, spoke through his prophet, Mohammed, and taught mankind how to live a righteous life through the Koran and the Hadith. To live a righteous life, you must utter the Shahada (a statement of faith), pray five times a day facing Mecca, fast from sunup to sundown during the month of Ramadan, give alms to the poor, and make a pilgrimage to Mecca if you have the means. Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, gambling, stealing, slandering, and making idols. They gather for corporate prayer on Friday afternoons at a mosque, their place of worship.

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.

Sunni religious practices are staid and simple. They believe that Allah has pre-determined our fates; they minimize free will.

In most of the Muslim world, people depend on the spirit world for their daily needs since they regard Allah as too distant. Allah may determine their eternal salvation, but the spirits determine how well we live in our daily lives. For that reason, they must appease the spirits. They often use charms and amulets to help them with spiritual forces.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the Somali people need to allow the loving Savior to direct their lives. They need his forgiveness for sin.

Prayer Points

Pray the Somalis would understand they do not have to live in slavery to spirits if they put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Pray for the Lord to intervene in their families, calling people to his side.
Pray for loving workers.
Pray for their hearts to be drawn to the Lord of lords.
Pray for a church planting movement to thrive in their communities.