PRAY FOR QATAR
– For freedom of faith for Native Qataris.
– Praise God for churches and church leaders who openly serve expatriate communities.
– That God protects secret Christian converts in Qatar, that they are safe from harm or arrest.
WORLD WATCH LIST
Qatar
#44Christians in Qatar face huge obstacles to expressing and sharing their faith.
bottom“Jesus is worth every tear, every scar, every loss. He is my light, even in the shadows.”
– Saied*, Church leader, Arabian Peninsula
*Name changed for security purposes
Country
Profile
- Region
- Middle East
- Sources of persecution
- Islamic Oppression,
Clan oppression - Population
- 2,757,000
- Christian population
- 390,000
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani
- Score
- 67
What’s Life Like For Christians?
Whether native or migrant, Christians in Qatar can face huge obstacles to expressing and sharing their faith. Islam is the state religion, with Qatar’s policy and culture dictated by strict adherence to Wahhabi Islam and Sharia (Islamic law). This is an identity Qatar is keen to maintain while welcoming an ever-growing number of immigrants and migrant workers. This can make life very difficult for Qatari converts, not least because changing religion from Islam is not recognised by the authorities.
Conversion can cause serious legal issues around personal status and property. Added pressure can come from families and the local community. Migrant workers who leave the religion they grew up in can face hostility from colleagues similar to that in their home country. For those living and working in poor conditions, the challenges can be especially acute.
Foreigners face other difficulties, including insufficient church space at the official Religious Complex outside Doha. Even if space is found, churches must be careful how they engage with the wider community, since evangelising Muslims is strictly forbidden and can lead to prosecution. Migrants can also face pressure to convert to Islam.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Converts are at greatest risk of hostility: Qataris from their families and communities, and migrant workers from their own national or ethnic communities. Female converts from Islam can be especially vulnerable to persecution. This includes house arrest, physical abuse, forced medical treatment, exorcism, forced marriage, and so-called “honour killings”. If discovered to be Christians, men can face divorce, separation from their children, expulsion from their homes and other threats.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors supports the body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by raising prayer, distributing Scripture resources, providing discipleship, and training believers and pastors.
