Tribes in Oman are comprised of various clans (fakhdh/fukhudh) who are bound together by common patrilineal descent and certain social/economic obligations to each other. The head of the tribe is usually a sheikh (respected elder). Amongst the Bedouin tribes, a rashid may lead an individual tribal branch. Tribal leaders are usually chosen by their fellow tribesmen, and considered to be ‘equal among equals.’ In the past, marriages were primarily from within the tribe, usually with a cousin, to build up the size and strength of the tribe. Tribes would exercise political and judicial authority through councils (majlis) and religious courts (al qada’ al shar’i), using diplomacy and consensus building to arrive at decisions. These tribal structures were absorbed into the structure of the national government (parliament and court systems).

Tribes would often form regional alliances for protection and economic advantage. Tribes had territorial land (dar/dira), which would affect their lifestyle and livelihood. Nomadic tribes (bedu) had territory in the desert (often with little water) for grazing their livestock. Tribes with territory which had water became more settled (hadhar) and grew crops in the mountains and oases. There is a strong code of honor within the tribe, reflecting the harshness of the natural environment and the values that are needed to survive in it.

Today, tribal leaders still exercise local influence in matters of family and kinship, and often mediate between and on behalf of tribe members. The tribe still serves as a source of social cohesion and identity, especially around life events such as birth, marriage, or death. However, there is now a strong (stronger?) sense of national citizenship and being ‘Omani,’ beyond being a member of one’s tribe.  (From 'Oman – State, Tribes and Revolution')

Righteous Father, You so loved the world that You gave Your one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have eternal life.

We declare that the earth will be filled with an awareness of Your glory, just as the waters fill the sea. Your Word tells us that there will be a great multitude of sheep and lambs that no one can count, from every nation, TRIBE, people and language, standing before Your throne and in front of the Lamb.  And they will cry out, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

We confess that every person, TRIBE, nation, people and language will acknowledge that You are God of the nations and Your Son, Jesus Christ, is the liberator for all people.

From A Prayer for the Nations of the World 

Worship with us!: Tribes by Every Nation Music. Every tribe of Oman will see Your glory, Jesus! 

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:

Thuqbat Hayl ad-Disi, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 98

Al-Hirayjah, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 94

Ath-Thiqab, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 91

Dar al-Bayda, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 91

Al-Musammah, Saham district, Al-Batinah North region. Population: 89