“My story isn’t just one of trials; it’s a declaration of hope, of faith unyielding in the face of adversity, and of the boundless grace of Jesus Christ.”
—Saeid*
*Name changed for security purposes
Persecution in Oman depends significantly on where a follower of Jesus is from. For example, foreigners are largely able to worship freely providing they don’t share their faith. But any convert from Islam risks significant pressure to recant their faith from their family, the government, and the community. They can be expelled from their jobs and homes and face problems with child custody and inheritance. Foreign-born Muslims converting to Christianity are primarily controlled by the social environment they live in. Some may not face heavy persecution, while others become subject to significant pressure. Often, it is the social norms of their home countries that will apply.
The Omani government has continued to deport expatriate Christians accused of proselytising. In the recent past, Omani converts from Islam to Christianity, and several expatriate Christians, have been detained following such accusations.
In Oman’s conservative society, women live under strict male guardianship. Converts to Christianity face house arrest, isolation, denial of Christian resources, and abuse from their families. Male converts can be ostracised by their families and community, losing vital financial support, education, and job opportunities in Oman’s network-based society.
Omani converts from Islam are by far the most vulnerable. While most Omanis practise a tolerant form of Islam, any native of the country who wants to follow Jesus will find themselves at significant risk. No family will permit their daughter to marry a convert, and married men risk divorce and automatic loss of child custody as the law deems them unfit to be guardians. Many are expelled from their homes and left in extreme vulnerability.
– That Christians, especially new believers, will remain trusting and hopeful even as authorities try to squash their faith.
– Native Omani converts face severe restrictions. Ask God to protect them and safely insert them in a Christian community.
– That God sustains all believers in Oman and helps them wisely and courageously live out the gospel.
Open Doors supports believers on the Arabian Peninsula by organising prayer, distributing bible resources, and training believers and pastors. We reach out to believers and seekers, engaging them in discipleship and helping them form fellowships. All information on the programmes is kept secret to protect those involved.
