Alawites Origins

It is generally thought that the Alawites (formerly called Nusairians) trace their origins to the religious teacher Muhammad Ibn Nusair (died around 883). His teaching led to a new sect and a consequent splitting from Ismailism, a Shiite cult of Islam. The sect was later called Alawite - named after Ali, Muhammad's much admired cousin and son-in-law (Caliph from 656-661). Their faith has retained many non-Islamic, early oriental beliefs.

Alawite doctrines have not been written down, but rather they are handed down as secrets by the religious leaders. The Alawite faith is a secret religion even today. Alawites do not have mosques, only devotional rooms. They disapprove of the Islamic religious duties (praying five times, fasting during Ramadan etc), but under persecution they sometimes practise them to protect themselves.

Alawites Possibilities

Under the French mandate rule (1920-46), the Alawites were given significant positions in society to counterbalance the powerful Sunnites. Many became officers in the Syrian army and gained influence in society. They adopted the national socialistic ideology of the Arab renewal (Arab Baath) and came to power in 1963 with the 'Baath Party'. Today's Syrian president, Bashar al-Asad, is Alawite, and has only formally converted to Sunni Islam. In the eyes of Sunni Muslims, who form the majority of the Syrian population, the Alawites are perceived as atheistically orientated.

Between 1856 and 1958, missionaries evangelised in the predominantly Alawite regions. Some individual Alawites came to believe in Jesus as their Lord and joined Protestant churches. However, no indigenous Alawite churches came into being. Some of the descendants of these Christians turned back to the religion of their ancestors under pressure from the majority; others - including many Syrian Christians - have emigrated from Syria during recent decades.

Outreach among Alawites needs to begin again, even though it is forbidden to evangelise in Syria. However, Alawites can listen to evangelistic radio programmes and receive Christian TV broadcasts by satellite. In Aleppo or Damascus, they can buy a Bible or Christian books. But rarely will they meet a native Christian who is able to explain the gospel to them.

Flag of Syria

Map of Syria

Prayer for Syria:

* Pray that there will be an awakening among the Alawites through the Spirit of God, so that they will search for the truth.

* Pray for the Alawites to turn to Christ through the testimony of Christians and through evangelistic literature and radio and satellite TV programmes.

* Pray for there to be a new freedom for the proclamation of the gospel, especially by foreigners, thus ending 45 years of prohibition.

Background on Syria (World Factbook)

Following the breakup of the Ottoman Empire during World War I, France administered Syria until its independence in 1946. The country lacked political stability, however, and experienced a series of military coups during its first decades. Syria united with Egypt in February 1958 to form the United Arab Republic, but in September 1961 the two entities separated and the Syrian Arab Republic was reestablished. In November 1970, Hafiz al-ASAD, a member of the Socialist Ba'th Party and the minority Alawite sect, seized power in a bloodless coup and brought political stability to the country. In the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, Syria lost the Golan Heights to Israel, and over the past decade Syria and Israel have held occasional peace talks over its return. Following the death of President al-ASAD in July 2000, Bashar al-ASAD was elected as president. Influenced by major uprisings that began elsewhere in the region, antigovernment protests broke out in the southern province of Da'ra in March 2011 and spread to other Syrian cities. Protesters called for the repeal of the restrictive Emergency Law allowing arrests without charge, the legalization of political parties, and the removal of corrupt local officials. The government responded with a mix of force and concessions, including the repeal of the Emergency Law, but as of mid-July 2011 had not succeeded in quelling protests.

Economy of Syria

The Government of Syria has implemented modest economic reforms in the past few years, including cutting lending interest rates, opening private banks, consolidating some of the multiple exchange rates, and raising prices on some subsidized items, most notably, gasoline and cement. Nevertheless, the economy remains highly controlled by the government. Long-run economic constraints include declining oil production, high unemployment, rising budget deficits, and increasing pressure on water supplies caused by heavy use in agriculture, rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and water pollution.

Statistics on Syria

Population: 22,517,750 (July 2011 est.) World rank #52

Life Expectancy at Birth: 74.69 years. World rank #94

Ethnic groups: Arab 90.3%, Kurds, Armenians, and other 9.7%

Religions: Sunni Muslim 74%, Alawite, Druze, and other Muslim sects 16%, Christian (various sects) 10%, Jewish (tiny communities in Damascus, Al Qamishli, and Aleppo)

Languages: Arabic (official); Kurdish, Armenian, Aramaic, Circassian widely understood; French, English somewhat understood

Literacy: 79.6% -- Male: 86%, Female: 73.6%

School Life Expectancy: 11 years

Marketplace in Syria (Damascus) - Video

Sights and Sounds of Syria

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Diversity in Syria

The people of Syria are a diverse people. Just as the carpets in the ancient market are full of different colours, textures and designs – each with a story behind the pattern, Syria has many different people groups, each one with its own distinct characteristics and history known by God.

Islam has a long history in Syria, with Damascus as a former capital of the Umayyad caliphs (AD 661-750) bordering with the Byzantine Empire. The Christians of that time were weakened in their faith and gave in to the constant mistreatment and temptation.

Christians in Syria

Praise God for the precious few believers who live in Syria! Most are from a culturally Christian background, from peoples who kept their faith, even though greatly weakened. They have a passion for Jesus but are strongly restricted in proclaiming their faith by the Muslim majority. They face historical and cultural barriers and possible imprisonment for evangelistic efforts. The very few Muslims who have believed in the Messiah face persecution from family and government and the difficulties of isolation.

One predominately Muslim people group is responding to Jesus. The Kurds have reached an identity crisis. After a long history of persecution by their Muslim neighbours, they have been given freedom by the “Christian” West. Several are believing in Christ and even meeting in their own Kurdish fellowships.

The Scars

Syria has had some very hard years of oppression and corruption under the reign of dictator Hafez Alasad. However, his son, Bashaar, has a different style. He is opening up the country inside and outside, both economically and politically. But, he is not alone in the government and it is not easy to turn a big ship. The scars of oppression are very noticeable in the people, who are often suspicious and fearful.

Flag of Syria

Map of Syria

Syrians love to make visitors feel welcome. Hospitality and respect for guests is one of their highest priorities. They are a friendly and hard working people. May the love of Christ touch this people to make them beautiful as they should be.

Prayer Starters for Syria

• Please pray that the Good News of Jesus would again be heard all over Syria.
• Pray that Muslims may come to faith and start meeting and encouraging each other.
• Praise the Lord that Muslim Kurds are turning to Jesus. May God continue to draw more Kurds to himself and deepen their faith.
• Pray that God would raise up local evangelists from Christian and Muslim backgrounds to reach out.
• Pray for the government, that the Party and Islamic authorities would reign so that believers may live peaceful and quiet lives (1 Tim 2:1-3).

Video: Sights and Sounds of Syria (1:46)

Palmyra, Syria from Stijn te Hennepe on Vimeo.

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The second largest city in Syria, Aleppo, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, along with the capital, Damascus. With populations of around 4 million and 6 million respectively, about half the country’s population live in these two cities.

Aleppo takes its name (Halab in Arabic) from the word for milk. The legend is told that Abraham and his flocks camped near the city during a time of great need, and he fed the city’s inhabitants with the abundant milk that God caused to flow from his livestock. Today, the Muslims of Aleppo still live in great need for pure spiritual milk and God’s miraculous provision through his servants.

Muslims in Aleppo:

The people of Aleppo are predominantly Sunni Muslim and have a reputation for being conservative and devout. This is both a challenge and an opportunity; many are content and complacent in their religion, yet some are earnestly seeking God. Some Muslims, especially the young and educated, are growing dissatisfied with Islam but are drawn towards materialism, secularism and even atheism as the only alternatives they know. Very few Muslims in the city have ever heard a clear presentation of the Good News.

The local believers:

Alongside the Muslims lives one of the most diverse Christian populations in the Middle East. Many different flavors of Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant are represented within Aleppo’s Christian minority. Although there are peaceful relations between Christians and Muslims, it is largely a peace based on living separately and avoiding the topic of religion. Praise God that some believers are actively explaining their faith with anyone who will listen, including Muslims. Unfortunately the Muslims of Aleppo have largely been neglected in the proclamation of the Good News for centuries.

Flag of Syria

Map of Syria

Prayer starters:

* Pray for peace and stability between conservative and less religious Muslims.

* Pray for Muslims dissatisfied with Islam to be drawn towards Christ.

* Pray for the different Syrian believers; for love, unity and a passion to explain their faith in Jesus to all.

* Pray for at least one extended family of Muslims in Aleppo to follow Jesus and share the Good News with their Muslim relatives, friends and neighbours.

The Middle East : Moving into the Technological Age

The Middle East is a region of great contrasts. There is immense suffering in Iraq, Gaza, Israel, the West Bank, Lebanon, the slums of Cairo and in impoverished desert areas. At the same time the wealth of various Gulf countries cannot be ignored. Yet even in the modern surroundings of Dubai, Qatar and Bahrain striking injustice abounds. Poor Indian, Pakistani and Filipino guest workers in Gulf countries do not always have happy lives. Some would even compare their existence to slavery. Yet all, rich and poor alike, are made in God’s image. All need to discover true life through the Messiah, the Lamb of God (John 10:10-11).

Video: Sights and Sounds of Aleppo, Syria [4:13]

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Damascus, the capital of Syria, is one of the world's oldest cities: many claim it is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. During the Muslim Umayyad dynasty (661-750AD), Damascus became the capital of the whole Muslim world. The Umayyad caliphs of Damascus ruled over a territory reaching from Spain to India.

Beliefs in Damascus, Syria

Muslims in Damascus generally think that the Bible has been changed, that Jesus was not crucified, and that Christians believe in three gods (the Father, Jesus and Mary). Many of Damascus' Muslims have never really met a true believer. There is a general misunderstanding of sin, and many Muslims think they are very righteous. Pray that spiritual blindness would be removed.

No Compromise in Damascus, Syria

While 5 per cent of Syria's total population call themselves Christians, only a small number have an active dynamic relationship with Christ. Unfortunately, many 'Christians' are totally nominal, and often do more harm to the cause of Christ than good. The Muslim stereotype of a Christian is a polytheist who drinks a lot of alcohol, has loose morals, and eats pork (a disgusting and ritually unclean animal to Muslims). As a result, 'becoming a Christian' s seen as a compromise, shameful and sinful. Pray for wisdom for those who proclaim the Gospel, that it may be done in a way that it really sounds like good news.

There are few Syrian Christians who are actively seeking to proclaim Christ to Muslims. Some use an 'argumentative' approach which seldom works very well. Pray that Christians would proclaim the Gospel with gentleness and wisdom while manifesting Christ's presence. May many come to true faith in the city where Paul was converted.

For more information, go to following non-Christian website:

http://almashriq.hiof.no/syria/900/910/919/damas/

Flag of Syria

Map of Syria

Pray for the Muslims in Syria:

* Pray for the publishing and distribution of relevant evangelistic materials, and for the provision of finances to fund these materials.

* Pray for minority groups, such as the Alawites, Druze, Shiites, and Yazidis, to be reached with the Gospel.

* Syria has been in an economic slump for about six years. Pray for the poor, that God would provide for their needs, and also open doors for them to hear the Good News.

* There have been many reforms under the new President, Dr Bashar al-Assad. Pray that there would be further modernization and true religious freedom. (Currently, those who are born into Muslim families may not legally change their religion.)

* Many churches are afraid of Muslim-background believers and do not want them to come into their churches, fearing that they are spies or that they want to marry a Christian girl. This is a difficult problem which does not have simple answers. The Apostle Paul had a somewhat similar experience (Acts 9:10-16). Pray for Muslims who trust Christ to be able to find fellowship with others of similar background within their cultural context.

* There are few Muslim-background believers in Christ. Pray that each one could remain firmly in their cultural context, and would be used to win their friends and family.

Video: 5 minutes of Syria (Sights and Sounds) [5:09]

5 minutes of Syria from Ruslan Fedotow on Vimeo.

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The Kurds are the largest ethnic group without a land

The Kurds are the largest ethnic group in the world without their own homeland and the fourth largest block of people in the Middle East. For more than 4,000 years the Kurds have inhabited the Zagros Mountains, the Mesopotamian Plains, Taurus Mountains and Mt Ararat. This rugged mountainous region has provided a sanctuary from oppression and is their heartland, the single most important natural feature of Kurdistan. Kurdistan is not found on most maps but comprises the area of eastern Turkey, eastern Syria, northern Iraq, north-west Iran and southern Azerbaijan.

Exact estimates of the Kurdish population is difficult and contentious, in some countries it is politically beneficial to minimize their numbers, while many Kurdish political groups feel it necessary to exaggerate their numbers. In Turkey, Kurds are not counted as Kurds in population census yet they comprise almost 30% of the total population.

The Kurds are a people with no friends

Converted to Islam in 7th century, the Kurds are essentially Sunni Muslims yet they adhere to a diversity of tribal and family structures and local religious practices. History traces the Kurds as descendants of Indo-European tribes who settled in the mountainous regions of where they are found today. They are thought to be the direct descendants of the Medes and have retained their identity throughout the Ottoman and Persian empires. The Kurds are a significant people group in the Middle East and their aspirations for national identity will continue to be strongly expressed.

Traditionally a pastoral and nomadic people, yet today, most Kurds live in cities and large villages. However, Kurdistan remains a land rich in agricultural and natural resources.

A people faced with continual conflict from within and from without. In recent years many lives have been lost through these uprising and invasions and they often refer to themselves as a people with no friends. Enemies on all sides, hated and despised by their own fellow Muslims. These people need to know of a God who loves them so much, that he has sent His only Son as an atonement for their sins.

Prayer Guide for the Kurds

* Pray for these people to receive a revelation of the healing power of the Cross, and the grace and mercy of a God who loves them.

* Pray for the children and youth of this generation to want peace, and to be willing to make every effort to restore their lands.

* Pray for the Kurds, especially the leaders of each community to find Jesus and to be able to lead their families to know Him also.

* Ask God to raise up peacemakers, where there is hatred, may they bring peace. Pray for wise and just leaders to be raised up across all these communities and political fractions.

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