Arab, general in Italy

People Name:	Arab, general
Country:	Italy
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	1,206,000
World Population:	2,252,400
Primary Language:	Arabic, Libyan
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.30 %
Evangelicals:	0.06 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab World, general
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

Italy has had a lot of contact with North Africans since the Roman Empire controlled that part of the African continent until the 400s. After the Advent of Islam there were Islamic armies raiding and eventually conquering Sicily and portions of southern Italy. The Italians were not able to resist for hundreds of years. There were a couple of decades in the early 20th century when Italy held Libya as a colony, which partially explains why so many North Africans are from that country. North African migrants in Italy include Algerians and Tunisians, but the largest number comes from Morocco. They come hoping to find jobs that are lacking in their part of the world.

What Are Their Lives Like?

For most of the Diaspora Arabs, there have been a greater variety of job opportunities. This has greatly aided their poor living conditions. However, it has also weakened their traditional family ties. There is greater freedom for women to leave the home, fewer arranged marriages, and less social pressure to conform to traditional religious practices.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Close to 100 percent of the Arabs who enter Italy are Sunni Muslims. They are taught from an early age that Islam holds all of life's answers. Though Jesus is an important prophet to them, they believe that Mohammed is the final prophet, and his teachings are by far the most important. How does one overcome teachings that come from their parents and those with the highest status in their communities?

What Are Their Needs?

The first need for Arabs who are trying to make Italy their permanent home is how to find a job. Followers of Christ who want to make him known to North Africans in Italy can help them with job skills, or even how to establish their own micro businesses.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Arabs in Italy will find and embrace Jesus Christ with all their hearts.
Pray for Arabic speaking Christ followers to take the savior to others who speak Arabic.
Pray for Arab disciples to make more disciples in Italy.