32Oman

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, so many 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.

Meet Yacoub

“My wife threw me out of our house as she didn’t want me to talk about Jesus.”

Yacoub (name changed), a man from the Arabian Peninsula who met Jesus through a series of dreams.

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.