“My father kicked me out of the house. He said that I betrayed our culture, that I was no longer his daughter. It broke my heart.”
– Aizah, Morrocan Believer
Despite the growing Western influence on Moroccan society, 99% of the population are Muslim, and the country remains socially conservative. Converts will likely encounter severe pressure from their family and local community to recant their faith and must meet in house churches because they cannot get permission and official recognition to gather in public.
This hostility largely stems from Christianity being seen as a threat to the king and his authority, which is derived from the claim that the king is a direct descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Another reason could be the fear of radical Muslim groups; by appeasing them, the authorities want to prevent any unrest.
It is forbidden to “shake the faith of a Muslim,” meaning that Christians who talk about their faith risk arrest and criminal prosecution. Distribution of Christian resources in Arabic (including Bibles) is also restricted.
The rise in internet and social media usage means that many converts to Christianity are finding fellowship, despite being geographically isolated, and seekers are discovering about Jesus. This is often accompanied by dreams showing that, despite the authorities’ active attempts to control the spread of Christianity, the Holy Spirit will always find ways to reach people.
The Islamic population in rural areas is known to be conservative. Most incidents of persecution occur in the north-east of the country, the Atlas Mountains in the east, and the south-eastern desert region.
Although conversion is not a punishable offence legally, converts risk being arrested and interrogated by the government, with the country’s strong and well-informed security services making it very difficult for believers to express their faith.
– That Christians will be given opportunity and ingenuity as they share their faith.
– That believers from Muslim backgrounds will be empowered to stand firm.
– That Jesus will increasingly reveal Himself to people in Morocco through dreams.
Open Doors works with local partners and churches in North Africa to provide leadership and discipleship training, livelihood support, legal aid, trauma counselling, Bibles, and pastoral care.
