Breakthrough is a monthly call to pray for the Arab world. In each edition we focus on a different country of the region, praying for breakthrough over a particular stronghold.

Welcome to Breakthrough. This month we focus our prayers on the country of Oman, which is one of the least responsive countries to the gospel. There are presently very few believers in and from this country – but this could be the time when the Holy Spirit breaks through!

We want to engage with those who are drawn to the Word of God and eager to study the Bible. Pray that this would happen!

The stronghold we have chosen this month is very specific to the Omani people. Read on to learn more about this nation and to pray for its people.

Country Focus: Oman

Key verse

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. (Jeremiah 33:3 EST)

Oman flagAbout

The Sultanate of Oman is the most eastern Arab nation. It sits on the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. It has 1,299 miles (2,092 km) of coastline on the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

Oman is a majority-Muslim country of around 4.7 million. Islam is practiced by all Omanis, who represent 60 percent of the population. Most Omanis follow the Ibadi branch of Islam, which predates the Sunni and Shia branches.

The Sultan of Oman is Sayyid Qaboos bin Said Al Said. He has been in power since ousting his father in 1970 and is credited with modernising the country. Now in his mid-seventies, Qaboos is reportedly suffering with terminal cancer. Since he has no heir, the question of who will succeed him concerns many Omanis.

Stronghold

Omani man
The stronghold we’ve chosen for Oman is Ibadism, a branch of Islam that is practiced predominantly by the people of this nation. Not much is known about Ibadism, even within the Islamic world, though it is neither Sunni nor Shia. It is a huge part of the Omani identity and a source of great pride. It’s a devout form of Islam that is very peaceful on the surface, which is exactly why it is a stronghold.

Omanis want to live a quiet life. They don’t want to be influenced and changed by outsiders the way other Muslims are. This makes them less open to finding out about Christ. Talk to an Omani about Jesus and he or she will probably, out of politeness, listen to what you have to say, but they may not really engage with you. Let’s pray that things would change!

Prayer points

  • Pray that the cultural stronghold of Ibadism would loosen its grip on the Omani people.
  • Pray that more Omanis would discover that Christianity is not a Western religion, but a faith that can be practiced by anyone from any nation and in any language and dialect.
  • Pray that it would become known that there are Omani believers, like the one in this Arabian Dawn video. Ask that this knowledge would embolden those who have been afraid to consider an alternative to Islam.
  • Pray for the small number of Omani believers to mature in faith and knowledge of the Word. May they be fruitful, particularly among their families and friends.
  • Pray for the salvation of Sultan Qaboos!
  • Finally, pray for our ministry to Omanis. Pray that a spiritual hunger would cause more of them to seek out the Word of God. We want to connect people who have a genuine interest in the gospel with workers local to them. Pray that we would be able to reach men and women who have a deep longing for the truth. May their hearts be stripped of fear and doubt as they make steps towards faith in Christ.

If you want to pray further, watch this PrayerCast video on Oman.

Thank you for your prayers!
The Arab World Media Team

Next month: Morocco