Oldest Islamic City of Northwest Africa
| · Population: 120,000
The city of Kairouan has existed for about 1,300 years. Founded as part of the expansion of the Islamic Empire, it boasts the oldest mosque in North Africa, with the oldest standing minaret in the world - a tribute to the city's original purpose: to be a base for the spread of Islam across the region.
The famous "Grand Mosque," is a significant destination for tourists. Elsewhere, the Zaouia Sidi Sahab, tomb of the barber who allegedly cut the Prophet Mohammed's hair, has gained a reputation as a being a place to pray for healing and for obtaining various blessings. If an appeal for favour seems to be granted, the recipient is obligated to bring a “gift” – usually food for the poor, in thanks for the answered prayer.
For many North Africans, Kairouan is considered the fourth holiest city of Islam. Its school trains religious leaders (Imams) for all of Tunisia. The city is known for the quiet conservatism, women stay in their homes more than in other parts of the country. Kairouan lacks the bustle of many Tunisian cities, with little industry to boost the economy. Young people long to leave for the West in search of employment.
An entrenched fatalism seems even to cling to new believers. The few people who have heard and responded to the Gospel in Kairouan, often struggle with personal issues, some manifest little evidence of spiritual growth, perhaps due in part, to the hidden spiritual influences over the city.
Map of Tunisia
Tunisia Map
Prayer Starters
* Some believers in Kairouan are convinced that God has asked them to raise a banner of praise over this city, just as he called the worshippers to lead the march around Jericho. By His grace, they claim the promises of Isaiah 62 for their city. Pray through this text with Kairouan in mind.
More prayers for Tunisia can be found on the www.Pray4Tunisia.com site!
Pain near Kairouan
Rachid (pseudonym) has stopped hoping for a better job, or a better life. At one time, it seemed possible, but today, as he trudges along a dusty road, he is hoping for a free ride to the city.... and more sympathy from his friends. His wife and two sons are asleep; when they wake up, they will find little to eat. His son was sick last week and the doctor kept his identity papers when Rachid admitted he could not pay the bill. He will hitch-hike the 20 kms to Kairouan, hoping to borrow funds from friends there. Life is a depressing cycle. Rachid lives with his own family in one room of his father's house, as does an older married brother. That brother has a steady job and helps pay the family utility bills. Rachid's inability to contribute is a source of contention, especially with his unsympathetic stepmother, who has vetoed the use of a common kitchen.
Video: Tunisian Protests Spread to Algeria, Yemen [1:21]
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Isaiah 62
Zion’s Coming Salvation
1For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
and her salvation as a burning torch.
2The nations shall see your righteousness,
and all the kings your glory,
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the LORD will give.
3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4You shall no more be termed ,Forsaken,
and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her
and your land Married;
for the LORD delights in you,
and your land shall be married.
5For as a young man marries a young woman,
so shall your sons marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so shall your God rejoice over you.
6On your walls, O Jerusalem,
I have set watchmen;
all the day and all the night
they shall never be silent.
You who put the LORD in remembrance,
take no rest,
7and give him no rest
until he establishes Jerusalem
and makes it a praise in the earth.
8The LORD has sworn by his right hand
and by his mighty arm:
"I will not again give your grain
to be food for your enemies,
and foreigners shall not drink your wine
for which you have labored;
9but those who garner it shall eat it
and praise the LORD,
and those who gather it shall drink it
in the courts of my sanctuary."
10Go through, go through the gates;
prepare the way for the people;
build up, build up the highway;
clear it of stones;
lift up a signal over the peoples.
11Behold, the LORD has proclaimed
to the end of the earth:
Say to the daughter of Zion,
"Behold, your salvation comes;
behold, his reward is with him,
and his recompense before him."
12 And they shall be called The Holy People,
The Redeemed of the LORD;
and you shall be called Sought Out,
A City Not Forsaken.
What salvation, Lisa?
Israel, today, is the most racist society on earth with the most racist relegion ever existed. There is only one obvious way for Israel: oblivion. Nobody wants to emigrate to Israel, now. Nobody likes the Jewish people, and I am sure it's the same for GOD HIMSELF.
God loves everyone! Especially the Jewish people or else why would He ever be born into a Jewish family. God is patient with everyone, He loves everyone and He wants everybody to know Him and be saved, that's why even the ends of the world are being reached.
pray for the city of Kairouan, Tunisia:
* for the believers to be freed of the darkness that grips everyone else
* for the Muslim people to come to salvation in Isa AlMaish(Jesus Christ)
* for strtegtic church-planting in Kairouan
* for Muslim pilgrimages from North Africa to come to Christ
* for a spritiual breakthrough acorss Tunisia and North Africa
PRAYER CHALLENGE:
Kairouan, Tunisia was the place from which Islam spreed through all North Africa. Might there not be a reversal-pray for a revival in this Islamic "holy" city that will spreed through all Tunisia and North Africa!
Pray for Tunisia:
* pray for Kairouan, the city from where Islam spread to all North Africa!
* pray for Tunisian educated and youth-msotly material-minded
* pray for spritiual hungar in Tunisia
* pray for more workers for Tunisia
* pray for the encourgment of the small, but growing, Tunisian Church