How are Christians persecuted in Oman?
- Omani citizens who convert to Christianity are put under pressure from family and society to recant their faith. They can be expelled from the family home, lose their jobs, be divorced and face problems over child custody and inheritance, so many keep their faith hidden.
- Since they have little voice in Oman’s ultra-conservative society, women are not expected to have their own religious beliefs. As such, it is extremely difficult for women to convert from Islam to Christianity and any woman who decides to become a Christian is at risk of persecution.
- Female converts can be isolated from other Christians or even kept under house arrest. Unmarried converts may also be put under pressure to marry a Muslim to try to force them to return to Islam.
- Converts to Christianity cannot marry a Christian, as they can’t change their legally registered faith.
Why are Christians persecuted in Oman?
- 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.
- All religious organisations must be registered with the authorities. 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.
- 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 particularly vulnerable in Oman?
- 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 has changed in Oman in the past year?
- Although Oman has fallen one place on the World Watch List, the level of pressure increased slightly.
- All Christians continue to be closely monitored by the government, with government pressure increasingly limiting freedom of religion and belief.
How can I help Christians in Oman?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Oman. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors supports the body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by organising prayer, distributing Scripture resources, and training believers and pastors.
please pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your church in Oman, and for all the ways that You are revealing Your Son to the Omani people. Protect and strengthen Christians who hide their faith, and comfort believers who have suffered for choosing to follow You. Help Christians to find church communities where they can flourish, and bless immigrant believers with creativity in how they share the gospel with others, amen.
