Are there saudi arabia christians

In Saudi Arabia, it is strictly prohibited to publicly eat or drink during the holy month forcing Christians to quite literally fast, and avoid all restaurants during the day. This is extremely problematic because the marginalized group is compelled to suppress its own religious identity while simultaneously adopting another. Celebrations such and Easter and Christmas are banned and any form of celebration is strictly prohibited preventing them to establish or sustain any relationship with their religion.

I recall that, on those occasions, there was often extra security in the capital city, Riyadh, to ensure that no potential private celebrations would be taking place. Consequently, this leaves no room for private prayer services to be held. However, some still manage to host private services in their homes especially if they lived in a gated compound facilities where the religious police is not allowed to enter. Those who do live in compounds feel more secure and are reassured that their privacy will not be invaded, so they feel safe to hang up paintings of the Christ and Virgin Mary alongside several crucifixes and religious quotes throughout the house.

Even though, in , the kingdom passed a law where smuggling the Bible into the country was punishable by death, it is allowed to own a Bible if you ensure the authority that it is for personal use only. Because of the stigma surrounding groups of religious minorities who reside in the country, locals and other expats who were brought up in that strict Islamic community marginalize Christians. I remember a fellow student, a Syrian Christian, who invited the class to her home for dinner.

Although they were excused from the Islamic studies classes, schools did not offer alternative religious studies for Christians, because again, it was prohibited to teach any other religion aside from Islam as it is considered preaching against Allah. Nonetheless, some Christians did attend lectures about Islam, but what was astonishing was that the lecturers would then make it a point to insult and degrade Christianity driving many Christians towards the door.

On one occasion, we were driving on the road towards Madinah. As we approached a fork road, there were two banners. Provide for them a small network of Christians where they can receive encouragement and discipleship. Use the internet to strengthen and grow the church in Saudi Arabia. May women be given greater equality and freedom in Saudi society. Your support helps persecuted Christians continue to courageously follow Jesus.

Together, we can reach those where persecution hits hardest. Back to main list. Saudi Arabia. World Watch ranking: Leader King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud.

Main threats Islamic oppression Clan and ethnic antagonism. Could provide a day of persecution survival training for a persecuted believer. World Watch List Children's pack: prayer passport, stickers and map. World Watch List What if? A taste of our Top 10 film. Saudi Arabia Restricted. Back to List. Christian Persecution in Saudi Arabia. Mailto Facebook Twitter. Persecutor: Families, communities and the government severely persecute Christian converts from Islam and work to restrict evangelism and Bible distribution.

Prayer Requests: Pray that believers in prison will continue to find strength and encouragement. Share Prayer. Pray that Saudi students at U. Pray for families seeking asylum after being forced to flee their country.