Bedouin, Kufra in Libya

Joshua Project has identified the Bedouin, Kufra only in Libya







Largest Religion

Main Language


Profile Source: Bethany World Prayer Center

Introduction / History

The traditional homeland of the Bedouin is the Arabian Desert; some groups, however, have migrated into northern Africa. Today more than 22,000 Kufra Bedouin live in Libya. While a few of them live along the Libyan coast, most live in a region known as the Wahat al-Kufra, which lies just inside the northern edge of the Sahara Desert.

The Bedouin fall into two basic social classes. One class is known as the "true" Bedouin, and they live as nomadic shepherds. The other group has embraced farming and is known as the fellahin. The fellahin lead a more settled life on the edge of the desert. In contrast, the "true" Bedouin have been known for raiding any caravans that cross their paths while journeying across barren deserts. They move into the desert during the rainy winter seasons and back to the desert's edge during the hot, dry summers. The Kufra Bedouin are nomads who move seasonally from place to place. They speak Badawi (Bedouin Arabic).

What are Their Lives Like?

The Bedouin have a relatively harsh existence. Being nomads, they have no permanent homes, but live in portable, black tents made from woven goat hair. The tents are divided by a decorative partition called gata. Half of the tent is for the women, children, cooking utensils, and storage. The other half contains a fireplace and is used for entertaining. The women do most of the work, while the men socialize and make plans for the group.

Dairy products are the main food source for the Bedouin. Milk from camels and goats is made into yogurt and a type of butter called ghee. Most of their meals consist of a bowl of milk, yogurt, or rice covered with ghee. Round loaves of unleavened bread are also served when available. Dates, which can be found in desert oases, are eaten for dessert. Meat is only served on special occasions such as marriage feasts, ceremonial events, or when guests are present.

To endure the extreme heat of the desert, the Bedouin wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. It is very loose-fitting, allowing for the circulation of air. It is designed to cover the entire body except the head, hands, and feet.

Although the Bedouin once considered it degrading to have manual labor jobs, this has changed somewhat in recent years. Due to the need for better health conditions, more money, and better living conditions, some have accepted wage-paying jobs. However, most of them still despise this type of work.

What are Their Beliefs?

Almost all of the Bedouin in Libya are Sunni Muslims of the Malakite school. Islam is based on the teachings of the prophet, Mohammed. The Koran ("holy book" of Islam) was supposedly given to Mohammed by the angel Gabriel.


Islam has greatly influenced the lives of the Bedouin. For example, to preserve their people, the Bedouin are only allowed to marry those inside their own group. Also, the society is patrilineal, which means that inheritances are passed down through the males.

What are Their Needs?

"In most interpretations of Shariah, conversion by Muslims to other religions is forbidden and is termed apostasy. Muslim theology equates apostasy to treason, and in most interpretations of shariah, the penalty for apostasy is death." Evangelization efforts among the Bedouin are challenging due to the harsh and unsettled nature of their lifestyle. There is a great need for a strong Christian witness among the Kufra Bedouin.

Prayer Points

* Pray that God will raise up faithful intercessors who will stand in the gap for the Kufra Bedouin.
* Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the four known Kufra Bedouin believers living in Libya.
* Ask the Holy Spirit to open the hearts of the Kufra Bedouin towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
* Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Kufra Bedouin.


People Name General Bedouin, Kufra
People Name in Country Bedouin, Kufra
Population in Libya 27,100
Progress Scale 1.1
Least-Reached Yes
Indigenous Yes
Alternate Names Kufra Bedouin
Affinity Bloc Arab World
People Cluster Bedouin, Saharan
People Name General Bedouin, Kufra
Ethnic Code CMT30
Country Libya
Continent Africa
Region Middle East and North Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Location in Country Especially north half
Arabic, Libyan Spoken 27,000
Arabic, Libyan Spoken 27,000
Category Resource
Audio Recordings Arabic Bibles Online
General Four Spiritual Laws
Scripture Bible-in-Your-Language
Largest Religion Islam
0.00%    ( Evangelical  0.00% )
Ethnic Religions
Other / Small
Christian Segments
Other Christian
Roman Catholic
Map Source: Bethany World Prayer Center
Profile Source:
Data Sources: Data is compiled from various sources. Read more
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