Photo: Flickr / ATMIS
In 2020, Abdulai Ramadan put his faith in Jesus Christ and has since belonged to a secret fellowship of believers in Somalia. His wife, however, is strongly opposed to his newfound faith, which she perceives as his rejection of their family and culture.
On December 25th, 2024, Abdulai invited three other Christians to his home for a Christmas celebration. While his wife refused to participate, the couple's four children – who range between the ages of three and eleven years old – willingly joined in the Christian festivities. During a heated argument later that evening, Abdulai's wife furiously demanded that her husband renounce his Christian faith. Ultimately, she sternly warned him not to hold any further Christian activities in their home.
On January 20th, while his wife was away visiting her parents, Abdulai's Christian friend visited his home. The two men had a short time of prayer and Bible study before they parted company. When Abdulai's wife returned that evening, one of the children told her about the visit, informing her that the believers had prayed and read the Bible together. Infuriated, the wife struck her husband on the head with a heavy metal item, leaving him unconscious.
Abdulai remained unconscious until morning, when he was found by his young children. Not able to use his phone nor speak, the wounded believer managed to get his children to call for help by phoning the pastor of his local fellowship. After the pastor arrived, Abdulai's wife returned with five of her relatives, spewing shouts and insults at the Christians. When neighbours began to gather due to the sudden commotion, the pastor was able to take the injured Christian man to the hospital.
At last report, Abdulai is receiving medical treatment, but he has lost all ability to speak. His opposing wife and her family are now demanding a divorce. Additionally, due to the nature of the attack and the community's response, there are concerns about the safety of Abdulai and those belonging to his Christian fellowship.
Somalia's constitution designates Islam as the state religion and, therefore, the propagation of any other faith is prohibited. Since the country's legal system is influenced by Sharia law, those who leave the Islamic faith could be subject to the death penalty. For more information on the severe persecution of Christians in Somalia, visit our country report.
- As Abdulai recovers from the assault, pray that he will experience complete healing – from both the brain injury and the resulting emotional trauma.
- May God provide greatly needed comfort to this dear brother in Christ as he faces the heartbreaking possibility of losing all contact with his wife, children and other family members.
- Intercede for the opposing members of his family – including his wife who inflicted the injury – praying that each one of them would experience a revelation of our Heavenly Father's sacrificial love, forgiveness, and plan of eternal salvation through His Son Jesus (John 3:16).
- In the meanwhile, ask the Lord to grant His protection, wisdom and strength to Abdulai and the members of this local Christian fellowship as they seek to carry out their faith in an antagonistic society.
Population
