For several months The Voice of the Martyrs has been following the story of a Jordanian widow, Siham Qandah. On April 10 a report was received from Middle East Concern with two developments for which we urge you to pray.
Qandah has been informed that the local court has begun proceedings to enforce the ruling that she be imprisoned unless she gives up custody of her two children, Rawan (15) and Fadi (13). However, she has also been offered assistance by the office of a Prince in challenging the custody due to his apparent fraudulent use of the benefits received. Her brother, Abdullah al-Muhtadi, has allegedly been using the family's benefits for purposes other than the care of her children.
In 1994, Qandah's husband died. When she tried to claim her widow's pension, she was informed that he had converted to Islam in 1991. As a result, the children were to be considered Muslims and pension benefits could only be paid to a Muslim guardian. In order to receive and administer the benefits, Qandah asked her brother to become the children's legal guardian. He agreed and for three years functioned in this role, although he only occasionally gave the money to the family. In 1998, al-Muhtadi began legal proceedings to take the children from his sister's custody. Two separate courts have since ruled in his favour, including the Supreme Court in 2002.
There are no further avenues available for Qandah in the courts. Pray that this intervention by the Prince will be successful in allowing her to keep her children. Pray for a delay in the court proceedings.
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