Arab, Marsh in Iraq

People Name:	Arab, Marsh
Country:	Iraq
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	47,000
World Population:	47,000
Primary Language:	Arabic, Mesopotamian Spoken
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	0.40 %
Evangelicals:	0.20 %
Scripture:	New Testament
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Arab, Levant
Affinity Bloc:	Arab World
Progress Level:

Introduction

Marsh Arabs are inhabitants of the Tigris-Euphrates marshlands in the south and east of Iraq and along the Iranian border. They include many different tribes and tribal confederations. Many were displaced when the wetlands were drained during and after the 1991 uprisings in Iraq. There has been considerable historic prejudice against these people, partly as they were considered to have Persian or other "mixed" origin. The majority of Marsh Arabs are Shia Muslims, but are said to also have some pre-Islamic and extra-Islamic beliefs.

Ministry Obstacles

Access to the marshes of Iraq is difficult, both because of the water and because of the turmoil in Iraq.

Outreach Ideas

Gospel radio broadcasts would be strategic in this region. Please pray for the availability of these broadcasts, and that the people will learn of them and listen with understanding.

Pray for the Followers of Christ

It's not certain there are followers of Jesus Christ among the Marsh Arabs. If there are, they are few in number. Please pray for any believers who may be there, and those who will soon become believers.

Pray for the Entire People Group

The marsh environment has meant that certain diseases, such as malaria, have been common. Farm fields and homes are vulnerable to periodic droughts and flooding. Please pray for protection from these dangers.