On a cluster of islands off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia live the Bahraini Arabs, the largest people group in Bahrain. They call it Dawlat al Bahran (State of Bahrain). The Arabic term, al-bahrayn means “two seas.” Bahrain includes over 30 islands in the heart of the Persian Gulf. Their total land mass is even smaller than that of Singapore.
Bahraini Arabs are related to the Arabs spread over the Middle East and North Africa, bound loosely together by a religious and cultural heritage. Arabs trace their ancestry back to Ishmael, the son of Abraham, and his wife's maid, Hagar. For centuries the Arabs lived as Bedouin tribesmen, like Abraham. During the seventh century, the prophet Mohammed drew many of the Arab tribes together by giving them a common religion, Islam. The great majority of Bahrain's people are Arabs.
Their Baharna dialect is from the Gulf cluster of Arabic languages. Many also speak English, since it is a key trade language throughout the world.
Most Bahrainis live in apartments or houses in towns on the northern part of the largest island, Bahrain. Since wood is scarce, they build homes of cement and lime brick. These houses are usually tall with wind towers to catch the breeze.
Even though the islands receive only 7.5 cm (3 inches) of rainfall a year, fresh underground springs along the northern coast of Bahrain provide ample drinking water. Farmers irrigate vegetables and melons from these springs. Families usually have one main meal daily, including many fresh vegetables, lamb, fish and rice.
Bahrainis enjoy a high standard of living due to oil revenues. The government provides free education, medical care and a superior electrical system. Most households have televisions, radios, cell phones and computers. A causeway links several of the islands to Saudi Arabia.
The Bahraini people are more cosmopolitan than other Arabs because Bahrain has been a trade center and port for centuries. Younger Bahrainis wear clothes reflecting Western influence. Bahrain's women have more opportunities and privileges than most Arabic women. Though the women often wear some kind of head covering, they don’t dress as conservatively as women in other Muslim countries in this region.
Bahraini Arab men and women often work in the tourist industry or in banking. Bahrain is an important banking center.
The majority of Bahraini Arabs follow Islam, the religion of their heritage and their culture. The ruling family and many townspeople are Sunni Muslims, while the northern villagers are Shia. Mainland Arabs criticize the Bahrainis for not being strict enough about traditional religious values. The women still prefer head coverings and long sleeves, but fewewear traditional veils. More women are employed, usually at respectable jobs in girl's schools, maternity clinics and banks.
More than most Arabs nations, Bahrain has grown increasingly open to Western influence. More than ever before the Bahraini Arabs are listening to new ideas and considering new perspectives on life. Nevertheless, their culture and Islamic religion are so closely bound together, that it is difficult for them to accept any other world view. They consider the moral values of Western Christians to be pagan.
Bahrain has capitalized on the petroleum industry since 1932. Bahrain is diversifying, building industry and becoming a banking center for the Middle East. Opportunities for foreign business mean opportunities for Christian business people to share the gospel.
Pray for the Lord to send dreams and visions to Bahraini Arabs that will draw them to the cross.
Pray that God will raise spiritual leaders among Arabian Christians who will be Christ bearers to the Bahrainis.
Pray that Bahraini businessmen will come to know Jesus and be used of God in this rapidly growing banking economy.
Pray for strong Christian fellowships to be birthed in the years ahead.
Scripture Prayers for the Arab, Bahraini in Bahrain.
https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/bahrainis
https://www.britannica.com/place/Bahrain
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
