Arab, Syrian in France

People Name:	Arab, Syrian
Country:	France
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	258,000
World Population:	19,464,500
Primary Language:	Arabic, Levantine
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	6.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.10 %
Scripture:	Portions
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab, Levant
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Levant Arabs originally settled all over the Arabian Peninsula and later migrated to North Africa. Today, several hundred thousand Levant Arabs live along the northern edges of the Arabian Desert. They are spread from Israel to Kuwait and as far east as Iran. "Levant" is a broad term that includes several groups of Arabs: the Jordanian, Palestinian, Iraqi, Chaldean, and Syrian Arabs. Most Levant Arabs speak an Arabic language called Arabiya, with varying local dialects. Others speak an Arabic language known as Mashriqi. Like other Arabic peoples, the Syrians have their own dialect. For that reason, we will call them Syrian Arabs.
The Syrian civil war has driven tens of thousands out of the country. Some have migrated to France.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Like most Arab peoples, the Syrians live in separate communities than the French population. They are usually in cities working menial jobs. A smaller number hold professional positions.
Syrian Arabs have their own cuisine. Social life is important to them. When they can, Syrian Arabs share a cup of coffee, preferably from a mug with no handles.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Syrian Arabs are Muslims. Islam is a religion of works that is based on five basic "pillars." (1) A Muslim must affirm that "there is no god but Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet." (2) He must pray five times a day while facing Mecca. (3) He must give generously. (4) He must fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim year. (5) He must try to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca in his lifetime.
There are also traditional Christians among the Syrian Arabs in France. Some put their faith in Christ while others are mostly concerned with traditions and rituals.

What Are Their Needs?

Syrian Arabs in France need the spiritual hunger it takes to embrace Christ no matter what the cost. This would mean standing against the spiritual cultures of France; secularism in the general public and Islam among other Syrians.

Prayer Points

Ask God to open the spiritual eyes of the Syrian Arabs in France as they hear about Isa al Masih.
Pray that the Lord sends Christian believers to build friendships with Syrian Arabs and tell them the good news about Jesus.
Pray the Lord raises up a Disciple Making Movement among the Syrian Arabs soon.
Pray that leaders in the Arab community of France would be willing to investigate the claims of Christ.