Arabs

 

The work of ReachAcross started among the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula in 1951.

 

The Bible contains several references to the Arabs: The Queen of Sheba, mentioned in the stories of Solomon, was most probably from Arabia - maybe from the country we now know as Yemen. At the first feast of Pentecost, there were Arabs in Jerusalem. Paul spent three years in Arabia.

 

The Arabian Peninsula is marked by major climatic contrasts. In the south-west, we find mountains up to 3,760 metres above sea level. Yes, there is snow in Arabia! Not far from there, however, there are arid deserts as well as hot and humid coastal plains.

 

The cultural development mirrors these contrasts. In the mountainous south-west of the peninsula, in what is the historical 'Arabia Felix' ('Happy Arabia'), we find an advanced civilisation which knew urban and national development as early as the first millennium before Christ. This is quite different from the rest of Arabia, which is called 'Arabia Deserta'. Here the people used to live a nomadic pastoral life and trade from camel caravans. The Arab Bedouins living in this area are sub-divided into many rival clans and tribes.

 

Nowadays we find that the difference between 'Arabia Felix' and 'Arabia Deserta' is the opposite of what it used to be. The formerly highly developed regions in the south-west are now poor, whereas those in the centre and north of the peninsula - countries like Saudi Arabia - have become rich. The oil resources, which have been found and exploited, have rendered many Arabs incredibly wealthy.

 

The social structure of an Arab family is patriarchal. Not only is the inheritance passed on to the son, but public life as well is largely male dominated, while the women are confined to domestic life.

 

Nothing has shaped the Arab's life and thinking more than Islam, which had its origin in seventh century Arabia. Muhammad, the founder of Islam, who himself knew Bedouin and nomadic life, proclaimed radical monotheism. After initial resistance, he was believed and succeeded in unifying all the tribes of the peninsula. Islam, a powerful force, had evolved within Arabia and was soon to force its way out from there.

 

Within a century the Muslim Arab armies had reached France! Even though the time of their political and scientific supremacy was limited, these 'sons of the desert' have made a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people.

 

In this area where normal missionary work is not allowed, Christian 'tentmakers' are making an impact for the Gospel, as well as Christian TV and radio programmes. Since the middle of the last century there have been modern Arabic translations of the Bible.