Conversion from Islam is illegal in Saudi Arabia under Islamic law.
bottom“The Church in the Arabian Peninsula is an emerging Church. The Holy Spirit is drawing people to Jesus as they have seen that Islam doesn’t work.”
– Latifah
Secret believers in Saudi Arabia have become bolder in recent times, sharing their Christian faith with others on the internet and Christian satellite TV channels. Those caught have faced serious repercussions.
Becoming a Christian in Saudi Arabia is incredibly risky. It’s illegal to leave the Islamic faith. New believers face intense opposition from their families and communities if they do. In a shame and honour culture, converting from Islam to Christianity is considered the worst thing a person can do. Converts face pressure, being disowned, locked away, beaten, or even killed to restore the family’s honour.
Because of this, most Saudi Christians tend to follow their faith quietly and secretly. They can even keep it hidden from their spouse or children for fear of extended family members or school staff discovering they have left Islam.
There are no legal church buildings or meetings. Most Christians living in Saudi Arabia are temporary workers from other countries who are forbidden from sharing their faith with local Saudis and restricted from gathering for worship. Breaking these rules can lead to their detainment and deportation.
Saudi women and girls have an extremely limited voice and are constantly monitored and surveilled by their family and local community.
Saudi women who become Christian risk physical violence, harassment, and forced marriage. Those already married risk divorce and losing custody of their children—a real source of fear. There’s also the ultimate threat of an honour killing for women who shame their family by professing a Christian faith. Men and boys face being beaten and forced out of their home.
– That believers will find a place to worship and grow in knowledge of the Lord.
– For immigrant Christians who meet secretly to receive God’s protection and wisdom.
– For God to bless all those who reach out to share the gospel in Saudi Arabia.
Open Doors supports the body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by organising prayer, distributing Scripture resources, and training believers and pastors.
