Arab, Libyan in Libya

Introduction / History

Libya, which lies along the southern edge of the Mediterranean in North Africa, is a country that is largely desert or semi-desert. A large majority of the population of the country are Libyan Arabs or Arabized Berbers. They were mainly a nomadic society with a heritage of Bedouin traditions. Family life is a strong value for Libyan Arab families, and they still associate themselves with a particular Bedouin tribe.

Libya became independent from Italy in December of 1951. The discovery of oil in the 1950s radically changed the people's way of life. Now most of the population, who once lived in tents, have settled down in towns and cities along the coast and live in apartment blocks or homes. Their old Bedouin way of life is fading.

From 1969-2011, Col. Muammar Gaddafi ruled Libya without opposition. He was killed in 2011 and Libya entered a state of war between militias. Peace has been elusive ever since.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Because of the rapid electrification of the country in the 1960s after oil was discovered and wealth increased, many Libyans have a television, video, and stereo. Around half of the population is under the age of 17. Young people often wear jeans and modern clothing, but some people still wear the traditional style of dress: for men, a white cotton suit with loose fitting trousers, a long white shirt, short black waistcoat, and white Muslim cap. Women dress modestly and may or may not wear a headscarf in public. Libyan women are among the most liberated in Arab countries.

Men enjoy soccer and talking over tea. Women and girls visit one another at home and enjoy family and religious celebrations where they still remain separate from the men who gather.

Most of Libya's food is imported. Favorite foods are cereals (barley, wheat), couscous, rice, noodles, lamb, chicken, olives and vegetables.

Polygamy is permitted, and men are limited to four wives. Families are patriarchal and the oldest male has the highest authority. The bayt, or tribal system group, includes three or four generations. Even in urban areas the extended family is extremely important.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Simon of Cyrene, who carried the cross of Jesus, was from Libya, and Cyrenian Jews carried the gospel back to Libya after Pentecost. Islam replaced Christianity in 624 A.D. Today there are few Christians in Libya. Libyan Arabs have no choice but Sunni Islam, a religion of works. They will continue to try to earn their way to salvation until they respond to the one who paid for their sins with the blood he shed the cross Simon of Cyrene once carried.

What Are Their Needs?

Libyans need peace and justice in their homeland. As it stands, they are at the mercy of armed men who try to gain power through force. As a result, this once prosperous nation is now a war zone.

Prayer Points

Pray for a just and lasting peace in Libya.
Pray for the Lord to give dreams and visions of the risen Christ to Libyan family leaders.
Pray that the few existing Libyan Arab believers would grow strong in the Lord, be protected, and have opportunities to be discipled and to disciple others.
Ask God to show his children good ways to take Bibles and Christian resources into Libya.

Text Source:   Joshua Project