Name: Berber of Morocco
Population: 2,912,000
Primary Religion: Islam (99.73%)
Status of Gospel: Unreached and unengaged; evangelicals (0.06%) and those who identify as Christian (0.07%)
There are a number of tribes in Morocco who some say have been there since the Stone Age. They were first mentioned by the ancient Egyptians. Though they all identify with the name of their own tribe, their Roman conquerors gave them the collective name of “Berber” or barbarian. They prefer the term “Imazighen” which means “free men.” They speak Central Atlas Tamazight.
The Imazighen Berbers primarily raise sheep and goats, although they also have other domestic animals. Most have a few mules and donkeys, which are used for transport. In the mountains, raising animals is economically more important than farming. The dominant feature of Imazighen Berber life is transhumance.
The Imazighen Berbers are virtually all Muslim; however, their religious practices are based more on traditions and the decisions of the community judges than on the Koran. Their societies are organized around two main systems: Islam and the tribe. However, there are many differences between urban and rural societies. In urban areas, orthodox Islam prevails; whereas, in rural societies, ancient beliefs and customs are intermingled with their Muslim faith.
Most of Imazighen Berbers have continued in their traditional worship of saints. One group of spiritual leaders called marabouts are considered “living saints.” They are believed to possess healing abilities and supernatural powers. Each of the villages reveres one or more of these “saints.”
Prayer Points
- Pray for God to anoint the Gospel as it goes forth via radio.
- Ask the Lord to encourage and protect Imazighen Berber believers in Morocco.
- Ask God to call forth prayer teams who will begin “breaking up the soil” through worship and intercession.
- Pray that strong local churches will plant more Imazighen Berber churches.