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Saudi ArabiaRestricted
Christian Persecution in Saudi Arabia
Overview:
Islam originated in Saudi Arabia approximately 1,400 years ago, and the religion’s founder, Muhammad, declared that no other religion should exist on the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia is also home to the Islamic city of Mecca, where pilgrims journey to complete their Hajj, one of the religion’s five pillars. Because of its prominence in Islam, Saudi Arabia has long been foundational to both the Islamic faith and Islamic extremism. However, in recent years, the government led by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud has begun a process of modernizing the nation, creating a new openness to America and Western European tourists and businesses. The government’s reforms have included limits on the activity of its oppressive “religious police” and relaxed laws that have long restricted women’s freedom to work and travel. Many Saudis have come to know Christ through digital media, travel abroad and exposure to faithful Christians inside and outside the country. Some Saudis are disillusioned by Islam and are more open to the gospel than ever before. While many are working to reach locals with the gospel, many more workers are needed.
Major Religion:
Nearly all Saudi nationals are Sunni Muslims, with a small population of Shiites. Because of the many foreign workers in the country, 4 percent of the population is Christian.
Persecutor:
Families, communities and the government severely persecute Christian converts from Islam and work to restrict evangelism and Bible distribution.
What It Means To Follow Christ In Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s most restricted and difficult environments for Christians, especially those who convert from Islam. One church has been allowed for foreign Christian workers, but no other churches are permitted. Conversions from Islam are considered apostasy by law and are punishable by death. But Saudis who convert are more likely to be killed by family members than to be imprisoned or otherwise punished by the government.
Access To Bibles:
It is illegal for Saudis to possess a Bible. However, some Saudi seekers and converts are willing to take the risk of owning one, and many Saudis are accessing Scripture through the internet and other digital media. Give Bibles
VOM Work:
VOM covertly helps seekers and provides aid to Christian converts from Islam. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for the encouragement and faith of those who must worship in secret.
- Pray for Christian women, who often must worship in isolation and secrecy.
- Pray for the protection and growth of small local fellowships throughout the country.
- Pray that the asylum cases of persecuted Christians will be expedited.
- Pray for a Saudi believer who was forced to flee and leave his child behind.
- Pray for Yusef and his family as they seek asylum in a foreign country because of persecution.