Abstract:
The study attempts to investigate the concept of sedik el aziza / sedika el aziza
(genuine friendship) among the Sudanese Muslims at Malakia in Juba and its
missiological implications for Christian witness. Twenty selected Muslim informants
were the main sources of information for this study. Three main research questions
were designed to help carry out the study: firstly, what do you understand about sedik
el aziza / sedika el aziza as a Muslim in Malakia? This is to help the researcher to
understand the emic view on the concept as perceived by the Muslims. Secondly,
what impact do you think sedik el aziz / sedika el aziza relationships have on the
communal life of the Muslim in social life, economical life and political life? This is
to help the researcher to understand the impact on socio-economical and political life
of the Muslim. And thirdly, in what ways do you think sedik el aziz / sedika el aziza
relationships impact the religious decision making of a Muslim. The intent is to help
the researcher to understand the impact it has on a Muslim's decision making especial
in relation to conversion. Also, the researcher had some ethnographic observations on
Muslim relations in three places: restaurant, tea shop and some shops.
The results show that sedik el aziz / sedika el aziza is a cordial relationships
between two individuals or more and is derived from the Muslim concept of Ummah,
over and against the tribal or national identity. It is primarily based on true love;
actions of kindness, trust and confidence which involves the idea of honesty as well.
Socio-economically and politically, sedik el aziz / sedika el aziza impact both
Positively and negatively depending on the common interest. For instance in social
life, it impacts the behavior (or life style) and views either positively or negatively.
Economically, there is inter-dependency where the individual friends depend on each
other. Also, there is an element of economic empowerment when one is not
financially stable or of life skill training for those who are in need. However, at times
there is economic dependency, which has negative impact. Regarding politics, most
friends seem to come from the same political persuasion though, at times, some are
from different persuasions. But the key in the relationship is respect for each other.
Regarding the impact on religious decision making, the following were found:
knowing the interest of the un believing friend comes high. The life of iman (or faith)
or living an exemplary life as a Muslim is second in rating and associating with the
unbelieving friend might cause him/ her to decide for iman was also rated.
Based on these findings, it becomes necessary for the Sudanese Christians at
Malakia in Juba to consider these characteristics as significant in establishing,
promoting and maintaining meaningful relationships with their Muslim neighbours.
