The Maba of Chad
Maba
Population: 300,000
Location: Mostly Eastern Chad and some in Sudan. The Maba are one of the largest non-Arab people groups in Chad. They are the dominant tribe of the Wadai mountains. The Wadai region is hot and dry most of the year, characterized by broad flat grasslands and plateaus.
History: Long ago the Maba overthrew the Christian Tunjur dynasty in Wadai and formed the backbone of the Islamic Wadai Empire, which dominated Eastern Chad in the 1800s. In modern Maba society, chiefs and members of the royal class still possess a high degree of prestige and power, although the French abolished the sultanate in 1912.
Culture: Although they are Muslims, people live in fear, using amulets and charms to ward off evil and sickness. They are primarily farmers, growing millet and wheat, as well as raising horses, goats, sheep, and chickens. The Sultan serves as head of state of the region and rules through governors and district chiefs. The Queen Mother is highly esteemed and has great influence.
Religion: Folk Islam
Latest Prayer Updates:
Touched by the gospel
Pray for ‘B’ who has been listening to the gospel and apparently appreciating it. Pray that this will touch him.
Receive forgiveness
Pray for an openness in our community as we as a team and as Christians interact with people here. Pray for an openness to hearing the gospel and that their eyes will be opened, and they can turn from darkness to light. Pray that God would break the power and chains of satan and they would turn from being under the power of satan to God so that they can receive forgiveness for their sins and find their place among those who are being sanctified by their faith. (Acts 26:18)
