Somali in Libya


Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Somali first appeared in the Horn of Africa around 1200 and began expanding westward and southward about 150 years later. They converted to Islam around 1550, under the influence of Arab traders who had settled along the coast of present-day Somalia.

Somalis share a common language, adhere to a single faith, and share a cultural heritage that is an integral part of their nomadic lifestyle. There are four major Somali clan groups. The two largest are the Somaal and the Sab. The Somaal are primarily nomadic shepherds. The Sab usually settle in communities and live as farmers or craftsmen.

Several million Somalis now live scattered across eight countries in the northeastern part of Africa, commonly referred to as the "Horn of Africa," and in the Middle East, although their base is primarily in Somalia. They also live in several other countries, including Libya.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Somalis have tried to move to Europe via Libya. In some cases, they get stuck in Libya on the way. In Libya, they get stuck in detention centers where they are abused and tortured by guards. Some of them work in slave-like conditions.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Although Somali people are Sunni, the largest branch of Islam, numerous beliefs and traditions have been intermingled with their Islamic practices. The standard Islamic prayers are usually observed; however, Somali women have never worn the required veils. Somalis frequently turn to the wadaad (a religious expert) for blessings, charms and advice in worldly matters. The Somali people are Sunni, the largest branch of Islam. They try to obey the teachings of the Koran and the prophet Muhammad. They believe that by following the Five Pillars of Islam that they will attain heaven when they die. However, Allah, the supreme God of the universe, determines who enters paradise. Sunnis pray five times a day facing Mecca. They fast the month of Ramadan. They attend mosque services on Friday. If a Muslim has the means, he or she will make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in his or her lifetime. Muslims are also prohibited from drinking alcohol, eating pork, lying and stealing. The two main holidays for Sunni Muslims are Eid al Fitr, the breaking of the monthly fast and Eid al Adha, the celebration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah.


What Are Their Needs?

Somalis in Libya need God’s protection. They are very vulnerable to human smugglers, kidnappers, and extortioners.


Prayer Items

Pray for God to protect and deliver Somalis in Libya both physically and spiritually.
Pray for signs and wonders among them and for great breakthroughs with a rapid multiplication of disciples and house churches.
Pray for the authority of Christ to bind hindering spiritual forces to lead Somalis from darkness to light.
Pray for bold workers who are driven by the love of the Holy Spirit to go to them.
Pray for an unstoppable movement to Christ among Somalis.


Scripture Prayers for the Somali in Libya.


References

https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=Somali+in+Libya&mid=BEA82C5BE69FDD7944A4BEA82C5BE69FDD7944A4&FORM=VIRE
https://en.minbarlibya.org/2025/02/28/migrants-in-libya-your-destiny-can-change-at-any-moment/


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Somali
People Name in Country Somali
Pronunciation soh-MAH-lee
Alternate Names Issa; Ogaden; Sab; Shabelle; सोमाली
Population this Country 121,000
Population all Countries 28,321,000
Total Countries 33
Indigenous No
Progress Scale Progress Gauge
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
Pioneer Workers Needed 2
PeopleID3 14983
ROP3 Code 109392
Country Libya
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 4  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Libya
Region Africa, North and Middle East
Continent Africa
10/40 Window Yes
Persecution Rank 4  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)

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Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.50 %)
0.50 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
99.50 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Somali (121,000 speakers)
Language Code som   Ethnologue Listing
Written / Published Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 1
Primary Language Somali (121,000 speakers)
Language Code som   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 1
People Groups Speaking Somali

Primary Language:  Somali

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (1915-1935)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (1972-1976)
Bible-Complete Yes  (1979-2008)
FCBH NT (www.bible.is) Online
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
Audio Recordings DAVAR Partners recording, Old Testament DAVAR Partners International
Audio Recordings Recorded oral Bible Oral Bibles
Film / Video God's Story video God's Story
Film / Video Indigitube.tv Video / Animation Create International
Film / Video Jesus Film: view in Somali Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Magdalena video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Rock International: King of Glory Rock International
Film / Video Story of Jesus for Children Jesus Film Project
Film / Video Walking with Jesus video Jesus Film Project
Film / Video World Christian Videos World Christian Videos
General Bible for Children Bible for Children
General Biblical answers to your questions Got Questions Ministry
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Faith Comes By Hearing - Bible in text or audio or video Faith Comes by Hearing
General Scripture Earth Gospel resources links Scripture Earth
General Walk with the Prophets and meet the Messiah Al Massira
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
General Zume Resources Zume Project
General Zume Training Zume Project
Mobile App Android Bible app direct APK download SIL
Mobile App Android Bible app: Somali YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app as APK file Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App Download audio Bible app from Google Play Store Faith Comes by Hearing
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Somali YouVersion Bibles
Text / Printed Matter Download scripture in this language eBible.org
Text / Printed Matter tools for gospel conversations Cru
Text / Printed Matter Topical Scripture booklets and Bible studies World Missionary Press
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2025  MarosMatousek - Shutterstock  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.