Earlier this month we prayed for various branches of the Oman government, including the Cabinet of Ministers, and the 2 houses of Parliament. For the next few days we will pray for key individuals who influence the direction of the nation.

Today, let’s pray for the Grand Mufti of Oman, Sheikh Ahmad bin Hamad Al-Khalili (Arabic: أحمد بن حمد الخليلي). The Grand Mufti is the head of regional muftis, (Islamic jurisconsults) of a state. The office originated in the Ottoman empire and was later adopted in a number of modern countries, including Oman. Al-Khalili is the head religious leader in Oman, and his tweets, pronouncements and ‘fatwas’ carry significant weight in the eyes of the people and the government.

Al-Khalili was born in Zanzibar (formerly part of Oman) in 1942. His tribal ancestors are from Bahla in the Dakhiliyah region, and he is a distant relative of one of the last Imams to rule the interior of Oman. In 1975 a young Sultan Qaboos appointed him as Grand Mufti by royal decree and he has served in this position for nearly 50 years. Although noted for his tolerance within the various sects of Islam, he is also known for inflammatory remarks against the West. You can watch translated excerpts of an interview with Al-Khalili here. Khalili is now 80 years old, and it is unclear who his successor will be. 

Let us pray for Sheikh Al-Khalili, and for his eventual successor:

• Open the heart of the Grand Mufti to hear and respond to the Gospel message.  (Acts 16:14)
• Help the Grand Mufti know that his office was granted to him by God. (Daniel 2:19-22)
• Help the Grand Mufti to accept wise counsel. (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22)
• Teach the Grand Mufti to trust in You. (Psalm 21:7)
• Protect the Grand Mufti from the influence of the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
• Pray that the Grand Mufti will find wisdom and direction in God’s word. (Proverbs 21:1)
• Deliver the Grand Mufti from opinions contrary to Your Word. (Psalm 119:105)
• Enable the Grand Mufti to make decisions according to God’s truth. (Proverbs 2:10-11)

Worship with us!: Echo (In Jesus’ Name) by Charity Gayle. We proclaim the authority of King Jesus over the religious leadership of Oman!  

Matthew 18:14 Focus—‘Your Father in heaven does not want one of these little ones to be lost.’ 

Please bring these towns and villages before the Father:

Ash-Shirayjah, Nizwa district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 93

Kahf al-Ahmar, Nizwa district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 93

Tawi al-Ghubayrah, Nizwa district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 87

Tawi al-Jazam, Nizwa district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 84

Al-Maraghah, Nizwa district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 83