Key Facts

Population: 13,598,000
Primary Language: Hausa
Christians: 2.0%
Evangelicals: 1.6%
10/40 Window: Yes
Bible Translation: fully available (Hausa)

Background / History

They are the largest ethnic group in West Africa, with a large majority being Muslim.
Originally, they come from “Hausaland,” a region of around 121,000 square kilometers spanning across the borders of Niger and Nigeria. Between 1890 and 1960, Hausaland was divided into two sovereign states under French and British rule. After 1960, one became the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the other the Republic of Niger. French is the official language, but Hausa is the trade language.
Some mistakenly assumed that Boko Haram originates from the Hausa people because the term itself comes from the Hausa language. However, Boko Haram mainly comes from the Kanuri, Fulani, and other ethnic groups.

What is their daily life like?

Most of the Hausa live in rural villages in the countryside, with populations ranging from 2,000 to 12,000 people.
The Hausa are predominantly farmers, herders, or traders. Among the farmers and herders, two-thirds also pursue non-agricultural occupations.
Markets are a traditional part of Hausa society, holding both social and economic importance. Friends and relatives meet there to discuss village matters, while young, well-dressed single women walk through, looking around and hoping to be noticed.
Hausa Muslims are known for their hospitality towards strangers, which has become a source of national pride. In the Hausa language, there is a word (“bako”) that describes a “stranger” as both a “guest.”

What do they believe?

When Islam was introduced to the Hausa by Arab traders around 1500 AD, the rural villagers did not accept the new Muslim faith as readily as their urban counterparts. As a result, many rural Hausa today are only superficial Muslims, with their religious practices mixed with local traditions. They believe in a variety of spirits, both good and bad. Traditional rituals involve offering sacrifices to spirits and those possessed by them. Most rituals are performed by family members, but there are specialists who are called upon to heal diseases.

How can we pray for the Hausa in Niger? (Prayer for the whole people group)

The Hausa need long-term workers of God to live among them and share the love of Christ with them.

The small number of Muslim Hausa who have become followers of Jesus need God’s strength, courage, and protection.

Sources to follow…