The Nubian peoples of Egypt

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The Egyptian Nubians consist of seven non-Arab Muslim tribes that originated in Nubia, a name given to the area between Aswan in southern Egypt and Dongola in northern Sudan. Much of that region was submerged under Lake Nasser after the Aswan High Dam was built in 1964; as a result, thousands of Nubians were relocated to an area known as New Nubia. Many also moved to big cities such as Cairo and Alexandria. The Arabs, who invaded much of North Africa in the seventh and 11th centuries, displaced some Nubian groups and absorbed others. As a result, nearly 350,000 Nubians are now “Arabized” - the Arab culture, language, and religion are influencing them.

Nubian Life

Although most of the Nubians are farmers, some have found jobs in cities as teachers, government workers, seamstresses, and retailers. They sometimes gather together in a community called the Nubian club. The literacy rate among Nubians is high in comparison to their rural Egyptian neighbours. Primary and secondary schools have been set up in New Nubia, and there are also teacher-training facilities in the area. In addition to education, radio and television help the Nubians to be linked with the rest of Egypt despite their remote geographical location.

Life for the Nubians centres on important ceremonies, such as birth, marriage, death, and the first haircut and circumcision for boys. However, their traditional animistic beliefs are still intermingled with Islamic practices. The traditional beliefs of the Nubians centre on the spirit of the river Nile, which they believe is influenced by angels, sheikhs (religious leaders), and other powerful beings. The sheikhs are sought daily for their advice in the areas of health, fertility, and marriage.

Nubian Hopes

The Nubians believe Islam provides hope for a better life after death. There are few known Christian Nubians, and most Nubians have not had an opportunity to hear the Gospel. The Nubians in Egypt only have portions of the Bible written in their language, and even these are not widely distributed. Intense prayer, increased evangelism efforts, and additional Christian resources are necessary to reach them. Prayer is the key to breaking the stronghold of Islam over their lives. Recently, several prayer teams from different nations have passed through the Nubian lands.

Prayer Guide for the Nubians in Egypt

* Pray that the Holy Spirit will soften the hearts of the Nubians to the Gospel message.

* Ask the Lord to send long-term labourers who are ready to minister the love of Jesus to the Nubians.

* Ask God to send linguists to translate the Word of God into the Nubian tribal languages.

* Pray that God will reveal Himself to the Nubians supernaturally.

* Pray for the evangelism ministries among the Nubians in Cairo and Alexandria.

* Ask the Lord to save key leaders among the Nubians who will boldly declare the Gospel (Acts 8:26-40).

Background and map for Egypt can be found at the bottom of the Alexandria, Egypt page.

Filed under: Africa, North by TDI | Email this story