- Jul 27, 2009
- 19,389
- 13,354
- Country
- United States
- Gender
- Female
- Faith
- Messianic
- Marital Status
- Private
What does persecution look like in Mauritania?
Converts from Islam to Christianity face severe opposition from their families and surrounding communities. Public expressions of faith by non-Mauritanian Christians can be viewed as proselytising Muslims. This can lead to imprisonment and deportation. These realities make it largely impossible for anyone to live out their faith in public.The government has indicated it will enforce strict apostasy laws. Since 2018, these laws include the death penalty, with no possibility of leniency based on repentance – making execution mandatory for any Muslim convicted of leaving Islam or committing blasphemy, though no executions have yet taken place.
Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Some foreign-born Christians are allowed to worship in specific places but are not permitted to share their faith in any way. Indigenous converts from Islam are the most vulnerable to persecution, particularly in rural areas (though the risk is high even in the capital city). Most converts are forced to hide their faith as, in Mauritania’s nomadic society, loss of family and clan can make it difficult to survive.Meet "Yasmina"
What has changed this year?
Mauritania rose by two positions on this year’s World Watch List, and persecution increased slightly. Recent incidents have shown just how much pressure Christians live under in Mauritania. There has been ongoing social backlash following the publication of a baptism video. In another incident, people dug up the dead body of a believer who had converted from Islam. Mauritania continues to be an extremely difficult place to follow Jesus.What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Mauritania?
In cooperation with local partners and churches, Open Doors supports believers in North Africa through leadership and discipleship training, trauma counselling, prayer and livelihood assistance.How can you pray for Mauritania?
- Radical Islamic leaders have called Christians ‘infidels’ and ‘apostates’ – inciting public demonstrations against believers. Pray for the followers of Jesus who feel this pressure.
- It is illegal for Muslims in Mauritania to convert to Christianity. Pray this law will be overturned.
- The church in Mauritania is small but resilient. Ask God to encourage believers there and help them to grow in their faith and live out the Great Commission.
Lord, we pray for our brothers and sisters in Mauritania. We know it can be so difficult for them to follow You, so we ask that You keep them safe, give them comfort and help them to overcome the daily stress of simply living as a Christian. Give underground believers the chance to meet and worship with other Christians and sustain this small body of believers as they walk alongside You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.m
