PRAY FOR OMAN
– Please pray for God to protect the church communities.
– Ask God to give His wisdom and boldness to immigrant believers living out their faith.
– For Open Doors’ partners on the Arabian Peninsula to shine the light of Christ.
“Believers might be mocked, or the family will find other ways to shame the believers.”
– Daniel*, a believer from the Arabian Peninsula
Country
Profile
- Region
- Middle East
- Sources of persecution
- Islamic Oppression
- Population
- 4,714,000
- Christian population
- 187,000
- Religions
- Islam
- Leader
- Sultan Haytham bin Tariq Al Said
- Score
- 70
What’s Life Like For Christians?
While most Omanis practise a moderately conservative form of Islam, there is almost no tolerance for family members who convert to Christianity due to a strong clan mentality. Omani citizens who convert are put under pressure from family and society to recant their faith. They can be expelled from the family home, lose their jobs, and face problems over child custody and inheritance, leaving many to keep their faith hidden.
Immigrant Christian communities are tolerated, providing they avoid sharing their faith with Muslims, but their facilities are restricted. Christian meetings are monitored to record any political statements and determine if Omani nationals are attending. All religious organisations must be registered with the authorities. Immigrant Muslims converting to Christianity experience pressure similar to their home countries, as they often live within their own national or ethnic communities.
Who Is Most Vulnerable To Persecution?
Omani society is still very tribal. Levels of pressure on Christians tend to be higher in rural areas, where social and family control is generally greater. But even in cities such as the capital, Muscat, converts live under high pressure. Omani Christians face far more persecution and discrimination than immigrant believers.
What Does Open Doors Do To Help?
Open Doors supports the body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by organising prayer, distributing Scripture resources, and training believers and pastors.
