Saudi Arabia

Persecution of Christians in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, occupies a unique and influential position in the Arab world. Located on the Arabian Peninsula, it is home to Islam’s two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina.

Only the Lord knows how many Christians are among the native population of Saudi Arabia. Officially, the government maintains that the entire population is Muslim; however, beneath this official narrative, a small but growing number of believers from Muslim backgrounds are following Christ in secret.

Conversion from Islam is both socially taboo and legally forbidden. Muslim-background Christians face immense challenges, living under the constant threat of harsh rejection, and perhaps even death at the hands of their own families and communities.

Religious freedom in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s legal system and social norms are deeply shaped by a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam, commonly known as Wahhabism. There is no legal right to religious freedom. Saudi Arabia’s Basic Law of Governance (1992) establishes the Quran and the sunnah (the record of the teaching and example of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam) as the country’s constitution.

It is a capital offence to leave Islam, although the sentence is not known to have been carried out in recent times. No non-Muslim public religious buildings are allowed, and public Christian worship is completely banned.

Under Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system, female converts face particularly severe persecution, including forced marriages and loss of child custody.

The only Christians openly visible in Saudi Arabia are migrant workers from countries such as the Philippines, India and various African nations. These migrant believers are permitted to worship in private, though gatherings are subject to government surveillance and restrictions.

Church growth in Saudi Arabia

Despite formidable barriers, God’s work in Saudi Arabia is quietly advancing. Satellite television broadcasts, online ministries, and personal relationships are opening doors for Saudis to encounter the Gospel. In a land once entirely closed to the message of Christ, the light of the Good News is beginning to shine with courage and hope.

Recent years have also seen a slight shift in official attitudes in Saudi Arabia, including greater public recognition of Christmas and Easter (although neither is a public holiday), a reduction in the powers of the religious police, and a removal of the ban on women driving.

In 2018 and again in 2023, Saudi Arabia permitted Christmas worship services for Egyptian and Eritrean Christians among the migrant workforce.

How you can pray

• Pray earnestly for Saudi believers from Muslim backgrounds who live with fear and isolation. Ask God to grant them strength, protection and encouragement in their walk of faith.
• Pray for migrant Christian workers in Saudi Arabia to be bold and wise witnesses, reflecting Christ’s love and light in their daily lives despite restrictions.
• Pray for the hearts of Saudis to be opened to the Gospel, that God would create more opportunities for sharing the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.