Arab in Cuba

Introduction / History

The Arabs made their presence known in the 600s when Mohammed and his armies stormed out of the Arabic Peninsula into the Middle East, North Africa and eventually into the Iberian Peninsula of Europe. Arabs went from being mostly desert nomads to becoming the most powerful empire in the West. Their momentum continued until they were repelled at the gates of Vienna, Austria in 1683.

As the Arabs expanded, local peoples became Arabized. This meant they spoke Arabic and identified with Arab culture. A significant characteristic of the Arab Empire was its close association with Islam. Most of these new Arabs became Islamized, though the traditional Christian churches remained in parts of the Middle East such as Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. In the early 21st century Arabic was still the fifth most spoken language worldwide.

Though most Arabic speakers are in North Africa, the Middle East, and especially in the Arabian Peninsula where the language started, there is a large Arab diaspora. In general, those from the Arabian Peninsula are almost entirely Muslim while those from the Levant have a Christian minority. The Levant includes Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Palestine. They speak Levantine Arabic. A disproportionate number of them flee their homelands because of Muslim Arab persecution. Such Arabs live in various parts of Europe such as Austria, Bulgaria and Luxembourg. They are represented in Africa in Ethiopia and Egypt.

In the Latin American countries of Chile, Ecuador, Cuba, El Salvador and Nicaragua, most earlier Arab immigrants were from traditional Christian backgrounds. Those in Cuba arrived as early as 1492. Others came between 1860-1920 from Lebanon, Syria and Palestine to escape the Ottoman Empire. More recently, some came from Syria to escape conscription.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Dance and music are popular in Cuba. One Arab woman has a studio where she teaches girls a fusion style dance style that incorporates Spanish flamenco and Arab dance styles. There is also fusion cuisine between Cuban and Arab dishes. The 17th-century Casa de los Arabes is a visible display of Arab art and architecture in Old Havana. Arabs have made their mark in Cuban culture. There is an Arab Union of Cuba, founded in 1979.

What Are Their Beliefs?

About two-thirds of the Arabs in Cuba are Christian, usually from a traditional background. They are largely marginal Christians or secularized.

What Are Their Needs?

Christ followers need to take the gospel to Arab Muslims in Cuba. They can be salt and light to these neighbors who rely on the law rather than the only savior.

Prayer Points

Pray that the Diaspora situation will provide Arab Muslims the chance to embrace the only savior.
Pray for Arab Christians will disciple others and teach them to do the same.
Pray for Arab family leaders to have dreams of the victorious and righteous Christ and share their experiences with many others.
Pray for spiritual hunger and a willingness to give all to Christ among the Arabs in Cuba.

Text Source:   Joshua Project