Convert arrested for marrying a Christian

Raheal Henen Mussa (22), an Egyptian convert to Christianity from Islam, was arrested on April 13 for violating Islamic law by marrying a non-Muslim, Sarwat George Ryia, according to an April 23 report from Compass Direct. Mussa was apprehended while on her way home from work and was detained in a station operated by the secret police until April 19, when her Muslim family came for her. Since Mussa was born into a Muslim home, she is considered a Muslim despite her conversion to Christianity three years ago. Consequently, she was unable to officially marry Ryia, a Coptic Christian. Mussa was able to escape from her family on April 21 and fled Cairo with her husband. At last report, the couple was in hiding.

Ask God to protect and strengthen this couple. Pray that the Egyptian government will recognize the religious freedom of its citizens.

To learn more about the persecution Christians face in Egypt, click here.

  • Country Information

    Population
    109,546,720 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Egyptian (99.7), other (0.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (90), Christianity (10)

    Leader
    President Abdelfattah Said El-Sisi (2014)

    Government type
    Presidential republic

    Legal system
    Mixed legal system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Egypt

    Pray on behalf of those who are facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith. Ask the Lord to provide for their spiritual and practical needs – further strengthening and emboldening them so they can effectively share the message of the Gospel with others in their communities. May the hearts of those who hear it be open and receptive to the wonderful truths contained in God’s Word.

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Egypt News

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    Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo
    Abdulbaqi Saeed Abdo
    Photo: ADF International

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    Three crosses on Coptic steeples are silhouetted against the sun on the horizon.
    Domes of a Coptic Church building in Egypt.
    Photo: Flickr / Andrew A. Shenouda (cc)

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    A water truck is working to douse a fire.
      

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    Two images of a room full of chairs. In the first, the chairs are neatly arranged. In the second, the chairs and interior of the building are burned.
    The temporary church building before and after the arson attack.
    Photo: Christian Solidarity Worldwide

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Egypt Videos

 
Egypt: Praying for Rania
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