Oman

What does persecution look like in Oman?

Persecution in Oman depends significantly on where a follower of Jesus is from. For example, foreigners are largely able to worship freely – as long as they don’t share their faith. But any converts from Islam can risk significant pressure from their family, the government and the surrounding community to recant their faith. 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 where they live. Some may not face heavy persecution, while others will be 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. Omani converts from Islam to Christianity and several expatriate Christians have been detained following such accusations in the recent past.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?

Omani converts from Islam are far and away 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.

Meet "Saeid"

 “My family remains unaware of my faith until this day, a painful secret I carry to protect them and myself.”

"Saeid" from the Arabian Peninsula

What has changed this year?

Despite Oman falling by six places from last year’s World Watch List, the reality of persecution in the country is unchanged. Many foreign-born Christians can freely walk with Jesus without heavy interference. But anyone leaving Islam to become a Christian faces significant pressure and sometimes real danger. Additionally, throughout the year, Christians accused of proselytizing were deported.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Oman?

Open Doors supports the body of Christ on the Arabian Peninsula by organising prayer, distributing bible resources, and training believers and pastors. We also reach out to believers and seekers, engaging them in discipleship and helping them to form fellowships. To protect those involved, we do not publish detailed information on these programmes.

How can you pray for Oman?

• While foreign Christians living in Oman are mostly able to practise their faith with little interference, native Omanis can face severe restrictions if they convert from Islam. Pray that God will protect these believers and help them to safely find a Christian community.
• Pray that Christians, especially new believers, will remain trusting and hopeful, even as authorities try to squash their faith via different methods of persecution, such as summoning converts for interrogation.
• Thank God for the Omani monarchy’s tolerance for foreign Christians. Pray these believers would be salt and light in their communities within Oman.
• Any Christian who shares their faith can face consequences. Ask God to sustain believers and to help them to wisely and courageously live out the gospel.