The frankincense trade from the south of Oman has been an influential and lucrative business for 6000+ years. This precious resin has been used in the mummification of ancient Egyptian pharaohs (including King Tut), offered in Moses' tabernacle and Solomon's temple, gifted by the Magi of Persia to infant Jesus, and extravagantly burned by Nero in Rome--an entire's year harvest of incense at the funeral of his favorite mistress. 

Known in Arabic as luban (اللبان), the English word is derived from Old French 'franc encens', or 'pure incense'. Besides being burned for its sweet-smelling perfume, frankincense also has medicinal qualities. It can be chewed and swallowed directly, or soaked in water overnight and drunk. The ancients believed it to be a wonder-drug, curing everything from ulcers to asthma to skin wounds. Even today, frankincense is commonly ingested for stomach ailments, and pregnant women will chew it believing it will help produce an intelligent baby.

It is thought that the frankincense trade spurred the domestication of the camel, helped spread written language, and advanced shipbuilding and global trade. Several sites around Salalah in Southern Oman have been named as UNESCO world heritage sites, collectively known as the "Land of Frankincense''.

The burning of incense has long been a part of religious practice in the Middle East and beyond, from pagan temples and warding off of evil spirits, to the true worship of Yahweh. In the Bible, prayer and worship are likened to incense, wafting upwards to the heavens and being a sweet aroma to God. 

"My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to Me, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty. (Malachi 1:11)

We declare that Omanis are meant to pray to and worship the living, triune God! We bless this land to come into its birthright and inheritance, as a nation of worshippers and intercessors!

Worship with us!: Incense by The Belonging Co.  May the praise of God rise up like incense from the people 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:

Hubub, Izki district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 94

Wadi Samm, Izki district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 86

Al-Alim, Izki district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 83

Uwaysan Izki district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 82

Wadi Al-Hajar, Izki district, Ad-Dakhliyah region. Population: 74