There is something inside all of us that knows we are less than what we were meant to be. Perhaps that is part of the reason why our culture is constantly reaching toward that goal of bettering one's self. We have seen hundred's of self help books and tapes that promise you change in your life if you just follow their easy steps. We have also seen a shift toward focusing on goals, whether personally or professinally, and expending our time and energy into becoming a better person and acheiving everything we can. But no matter how much we 'do', we will never experience true change outside of Jesus Christ and the grace he offers us. This month we are looking at Kuwait and the changes that are occuring in that country. The election of four women to the National Assembly in 2009 was an immense change for the country of Kuwait and a great step forward. These women lobbied under the slogan of "change," and we eagerly await to see what changes are in store for Kuwait. We are also looking at the Five Pillars of Islam this month, and what is required of a Muslim to obtain salvation. As we pray for Kuwait this month, let us pray that the people of this country will come to know the only one who can bring true change into their lives, Jesus Christ.
_________________________________________________
Kuwait
General Info: Kuwait is slightly smaller than New Jersey and is located in the Middle East, bordering the Persian Gulf, between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The country’s population is 2,789,132, but 1,291,354 are non-nationals (Kuwaiti 45%, other Arab 35%, South Asian 9%, Iranian 4%, other 7%). Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken. The country has limited natural fresh water resources, but they possess some of world's largest and most sophisticated desalination facilities which provide much of the country’s water.
Government: Kuwait is a constitutional emirate. Britain oversaw foreign relations and defense for the ruling Kuwaiti Al-Sabah dynasty from 1899 until the country’s independence in 1961. Kuwait was attacked and overrun by Iraq on August 2, 1990. After several weeks of aerial bombardment, a US-led, UN coalition began a ground assault on February 23, 1991 that liberated Kuwait in four days. Kuwait spent more than $5 billion to repair oil infrastructure damaged during 1990-91. The Al-Sabah family has ruled since returning to power in 1991. Kuwait is the only gulf nation to have legislative elections, but the forming of political parties is in practice illegal while it is not forbidden by law. Even though the royal family continues to hold most of the power, in recent years the legislative has become increasingly assertive and have even forced the resignation of several cabinet ministers and imposed some legislation despite the objections of the royal family. The country also witnessed the historic election in May 2009 of four women to its National Assembly.
Economy: Despite being a small country, Kuwait possesses great wealth holding about 9% of the world’s oil reserves. Petroleum accounts for 95% of export revenues, and 95% of government income. Kuwait had a budget surplus for ten years due to high oil prices before finally having a deficit in 2009. Since the financial situation had been so positive, Kuwait had not really tried to diversify its economy. However, in 2009 the government passed an economic development plan that pledges to spend up to $140 billion in five years to diversify the economy away from oil, attract more investment, and boost private sector participation in the economy. About 60% of the labor force is non-Kuwaitis. Kuwait is also a destination country for men and women who migrate legally from South and Southeast Asia for domestic or low-skilled labor, but are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude by employers. Conditions include physical and sexual abuse, non-payment of wages, confinement to the home, and withholding of passports to restrict their freedom of movement. Kuwait is reportedly a transit point for South and East Asian workers recruited for low-skilled work in Iraq, and some of these workers are deceived as to the true location and nature of this work, and others are subjected to conditions of involuntary servitude in Iraq. Despite these problems, the Kuwaiti government has shown an inability to define trafficking and has demonstrated insufficient political will to address human trafficking adequately. Since most of the human trafficking involves domestic workers in private residences, the government is reluctant to prosecute Kuwaiti citizens. The government has not enacted legislation targeting human trafficking nor established a permanent shelter for victims of trafficking.
Religion: Muslim 85% (Sunni 70%, Shi'a 30%), Christian, Hindu, Parsi, and Other 15%
Islam is the state religion and Shari’a is the main source of legislation in the country, as well as significantly influencing personal matters. Christians, mostly expatriates, make up approximately five percent of the population. They are free to work and live in Kuwait and are generally permitted to worship freely within the physical confines of the Christian community. Since the Gulf War, some of the strict religious rules have been loosened, but there is still no true freedom of religion. For example, there are laws against blasphemy, apostasy, and evangelizing to Muslims. As well, public gatherings are restricted and only Muslims are permitted to become citizens. Those who claim to be Muslim are granted financial incentives, discouraging people from becoming Christians.
The Five Pillars
These pillars are paramount in Islam and are non-negotiable. Criticizing the pillars is perceived as heresy and blasphemy and is punishable in many Muslim countries by imprisonment or worse. The five pillars are: the Creed, Prayer, Almsgiving, Fasting, and Pilgrimage.
The Creed: “There is no god but Allah. Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” The Creed must be memorized in the original Arabic, and the words must be repeated daily to show allegiance to the strict monotheistic faith and its founder. By saying this statement the believer is aligning himself with the Prophets beliefs, and the absoluteness of the Quran.
Prayer: Prayer is considered the ultimate worship of a Muslim, but it is not a personal conversation between us and God. It is regulated by formal procedures and traditions. If one expects Allah to hear his prayer, ablution (cleansing) must be performed. Humility is also unquestioned. Muslims prostrate themselves in prayer as an act of submission. Corporate prayer is also elevated above individual prayer being 25 times greater.
Almsgiving/Zakat: It literally means “purification.” It cleanses the Muslim of greed and selfishness while equally distributing goods to the whole community. Muslims are obligated to give 2.5 % of their net income, after paying personal and family expenses, taxes, etc. Almsgiving is also an integral part of salvation.
Fasting: It is an annual lifelong requirement for every devote Muslim. Ramadan is set aside as a special time to worship and meet because Muhammad received his first revelation of the Quran. Fasting means from sunrise to sunset abstaining from sexual intercourse, eating, drinking, and smoking. Instead a Muslim should read the Quran and show worship in his self-restraint. Muslims not required to fast are: women who are pregnant or menstruating, the elderly, pre-pubescent youths, and the sick. Yet not participating without excuse is an unpardonable sin with eternal consequences.
Pilgrimage: Pilgrims go to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Only Muslims are allowed in Mecca and all are required to wear a white robe to show unity. The Ka’aba is the focal point of Mecca and according to Islamic tradition is the place where Abraham was commanded to sacrifice Ishmael. According to Muhammad, whoever performed this rite correctly would return as a “new born baby’ free of all sin.
Info compiled from CIA WorldFactBook “Kuwait”; VOMC “Kuwait”; Unveiling Islam by Ergun and Emir Caner
__________________________________________________
Kuwait City 2010
Kuwait Votes for Women and Change 2009
Women Push for Change
Interview Between President Obama and Emir Sabah
