Muslim countries where Christians are persecuted
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Muslim-majority countries (where Islam is the predominant religion) feature prominently in reports on Christian persecution, often due to a combination of Islamic oppression (state-enforced Sharia laws, blasphemy/apostasy penalties), societal pressure (family/community rejection of converts), and violence from extremist groups (e.g., al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Fulani militants). According to Open Doors' World Watch List 2025, which ranks the 50 countries with the most extreme persecution of Christians based on violence, pressure in daily life, and restrictions, many of the top offenders are Muslim-majority nations in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa.Key Muslim-Majority Countries with Severe PersecutionHere are some of the highest-ranked ones (focusing on extreme or very high levels):
- Somalia (Rank 2) — Nearly 100% Muslim; al-Shabaab militants target Christians, especially converts, who are often killed on the spot. Christianity is seen as a betrayal of clan and Somali identity.
- Libya (Rank 3) — Post-collapse chaos allows militias to harass and detain Christians; converts face death threats, and proselytizing is forbidden.
- Eritrea (Rank 4) — Though not exclusively Islamic-driven, non-recognized Christian groups face imprisonment; Muslim-background converts experience intense family pressure.
- Yemen (Rank 5) — Houthi-controlled areas enforce strict Sharia; converts risk execution, and Christians face discrimination in aid and healthcare.
- Sudan (Rank 8) — Islamic laws and ongoing conflict target Christians; churches are attacked, and converts are ostracized or killed.
- Pakistan (Rank 7) — Blasphemy laws are weaponized against Christians; mob violence, forced marriages, and abductions of Christian girls are common.
- Iran (Rank 9) — The regime views Christian converts as threats to national security; arrests, imprisonment, and house church raids are routine.
- Afghanistan (Rank 10, previously higher) — Under Taliban rule, no public Christianity is allowed; converts face death from family or authorities.
- Nigeria (Rank 6 in some prior lists, high violence) — Northern Muslim-majority states see Fulani militant and Boko Haram attacks killing thousands of Christians annually; the deadliest country for Christians.
Other notable Muslim-majority countries on the list include:
- Syria
- Iraq
- Algeria
- Mali
- Morocco
- Bangladesh
- Tunisia
Broader ContextOpen Doors reports over 380 million Christians face high/extreme persecution globally in 2025, with Sub-Saharan Africa seeing rising jihadist violence. Sources like the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and State Department reports corroborate issues in countries like Iran, Pakistan, and Nigeria, citing government discrimination, failure to protect minorities, and non-state actor violence.Persecution varies: converts from Islam often face the worst (family rejection, death threats), while historical Christian communities may experience discrimination but less violence. Not all Muslim-majority countries persecute Christians severely (e.g., Jordan, Lebanon, or Indonesia have lower levels or dropped off recent lists due to improvements). Reports emphasize that while extremists drive much violence, state laws and societal norms in many places enable it.These findings come from independent monitoring by organizations like Open Doors (Christian NGO, audited externally) and USCIRF (U.S. government commission), focusing on documented incidents of violence, arrests, church closures, and discrimination.
Source Grok
Do Muslims in America face anything like this?
www.independent.co.uk
