| · 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]

Related Posts

• Miracles in Tunisia, North Africa (20)
  Islam and secularism both shape the minds and values of most Tunisians...
• Praying for Northwest Africa (8)
  While the situation is not as grave as in Iran or Saudi Arabia, Algeri...
• Sudan – rumors of war (11)
  Christians in Sudan and South Sudan have asked for prayer. There conti...
• Christian Witness Prohibited in Libya (8)
  About 96% of the Libyan population is Muslim and 3% Christian. The maj...
• Saved in Libya (4)
  Becoming a Christian believer in Libya is not easy. There is pressure ...

How Islam Arrived in Java

In the 16th century Islam was spread on the island of Java by traveling religious teachers. A group of nine men called the Wali Songo (The nine ambassadors of Islam) were important religious teachers who supposedly did powerful and unusual miraculous acts across the island. The histories of these men are not always clear but their tombs are often visited by local Muslims seeking supernatural help and blessing (especially the tombs of Sunan Kalijaga and Sunan Jafar Shodiq). It appears that the famous Chinese Muslim admiral Zheng He visited the island with his great fleet in 1405. It is possible the the name of the city of Semarang originated from the Chinese words "Sam Po Lang" meaning the city of Sam Po (Admiral Zheng He). The city has a significant Chinese population and a temple dedicated to Admiral Zheng He which is also considered a significant shrine by Muslims.

Semarang City

By its size and the number of its inhabitants, Semarang is the fifth largest city of Indonesia (At least 1.5 million inhabitants). It is situated on Java's northern coast just about halfway between the eastern and western extremities of the island. From the Candi hill in Semarang one can see striking panoramas in all directions: the port and the sea, the lowlands and green rice paddy fields, the city itself and several volcanic mountains in the distance. In the older part of the city, close to its ocean harbour, one can still find buildings dating back to the Dutch colonial era. Yet the heart of the city has moved to the area around the Simpang Lima Square which hosts a beautiful modern shopping centre, a huge mosque and cinema complexes. Events, activities and changes in Semarang affect the entire region.

Occultism among the Jawa

In and around Semarang live the Jawa Pesisir Lor people. They are only one of the hundreds of ethnic groups found in Indonesia but they are a very significant group because of their numbers and Islamic commitment. The Jawa Pesisir Lor number about 18,600,000 split into two main groups west and east of the coastal city of Semarang. Many Jawa Pesisir Lor view traditional Javanese culture as backward and are proud of what they consider to be their more modern world-view and stronger Islamic commitment. The vast majority of them are Sunni Muslims though there are also some Sufis among them. Unlike many other Javanese ethnic groups, they traditionally tend to prefer Islamic music to Javanese music and Qur'an readings to watching traditional shadow puppet plays. However the younger generations are being greatly influenced by the global youth culture. Occultism is still frequently practised by many Jawa Pesisir Lor, along with syncretistic elements of Hinduism and animism.

Flag of Indonesia

Map of Indonesia

Prayer Requests:

* It is a point of spiritual pride locally that Islam was first established in Java in this region. Pray that appropriate humbling would take place so that people could see the glory of the Lord Jesus and live in awe of Him, the true Lord of all the Earth.

* Pray for men and women of peace to open doors into the Islamic community in Semarang and among the Jawa Pesisir Lor people. While Indonesian Christians live among large populations of Muslims actually the two communities are largely separate and many Christians are fearful. Literally hundreds of church buildings have been burned and thousands of believers persecuted in Indonesia in recent years. Unfortunately Muslims often associate Christianity with the immoral behaviour of some nominal Christians. Pray that real believers would become more evident and find favour with the Muslims (Acts 2:42-47).

* Pray that more religious leaders and teachers will come to the Messiah, influencing their followers for the kingdom of God (Acts 6:7).

* Pray that the love and grace of our Lord Jesus the Messiah (Isa Al Masih) would become more and more evident tearing down the proud arguments falsely set up against the Lord and His followers (2 Cor. 10:4-5 and Matthew 10:16).

* Pray that believers will be protected from curses sent from dukuns (practitioners of black magic). Spiritual darkness is very present (Ephesians 6).

Related Posts

• The Madurese Muslim Peoples of Indonesia (3)
  As one of the 3rd largest peoples in Indonesia, the 13 million Madures...
• The Sundanese Muslims of Indonesia (2)
  Around 1,000BC, there was a large wave of immigrants from South China:...
• Kerinci of Indonesia (7)
  Islam is the majority religion of the Kerinci of Indonesia, but they s...
• Kangean People Indonesia (5)
  Our prayer is that as more information is known about the Kangean peop...
• Indonesia Muslims – insights into: (25)
  Despite its long and ancient history, Indonesia is young nation having...