Arab, Saudi - Najdi in Canada

People Name:	Arab, Saudi - Najdi
Country:	Canada
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	5,700
World Population:	18,511,400
Primary Language:	Arabic, Najdi
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.30 %
Evangelicals:	0.20 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab, Arabian
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Najdi is a dialect of Arabic spoken in the Najd region of central Saudi Arabia. Foreign control of Najdi during the colonial era was minimal at best.

Saudis pride themselves for being from the birthplace of Islam. Saudi Arabia is the home of Islam's two most sacred mosques. In the Islamic religion, Saudis stand out as the leaders. Muslims are required to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca, in Saudi Arabia.
Many Saudis have made their fortune in the petroleum industry, which is also strong in Canada. Canada has some of the best universities in the world, so Saudi students from wealthy families go there to study medicine or engineering.

Where Are they Located?

Since many Saudis are university students, one of the best places to find them is on university campuses. Others Najdi Saudis might be found where their oil industry is strong.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Saudis are among the wealthiest Arabs in the world. Most of them come to Canada either to attend Canadian universities or to work with the oil industry.

Saudi Arabia is under strict Sharia (Islamic) Law, so it is a shock to them to live in a place with freedom to make good and bad life decisions. For example, Saudi students must adjust to gender roles being different and seeing women who have a different standard of modesty.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Najdi Saudis are perhaps the most devout Sunni Muslims in the world. Najdi Saudis try to follow a form of Islam that is based on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed found in the Qur 'an and the Hadith. The Najd homeland is a bastion of the strict Wahhabi and Salafi sects of Sunni Islam. Though there are Christians in other parts of the Arabic speaking part of the world, there are almost none among Saudi nationals, including those living in Canada.

What Are Their Needs?

Unlike Saudi Arabia where embracing Christ carries a heavy penalty, there is religious freedom in Canada. Believers can share their love for the Savior with these Muslims who have been taught that the Qur 'an and the Hadith hold life's spiritual answers.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to raise up people who will faithfully share the ways of Jesus with Saudis in Canada in a discreet, loving manner.
Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit that will give Saudis a willingness to embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, depending on Him alone for salvation and forgiveness of sin.
Pray for a disciple-making movement among Najdi Saudis in Canada that will spread to Saudi Arabia.