A married Christian couple living in Gezira State, Sudan, is on trial for adultery after the wife's family filed charges against them. The case relates to the legitimacy of their religious conversions, along with a law that prohibits a Muslim woman from being married to a non-Muslim man.
The issue began in 2018 when Hamoda Teya Kaffi converted from Islam to Christianity. His wife, Nada Hamad Koko, who was a Muslim at the time, filed for a divorce because of his new Christian faith. Since Hamoda became a Christian, the court ruled to annul the marriage on the grounds that it was illegitimate. Nada then moved back to her Muslim family's home, taking their two young children with her.
In July 2020, however, Nada also made the decision to become a follower of Christ. Since she was no longer a Muslim, it was legally permissible for her to be married to a Christian man. Therefore, in August 2021, the couple was reunited. In response, Nada's family filed a criminal case against the Christian couple. The prosecutor claims that her conversion to Christianity was not valid and, therefore, their current marriage is unlawful. If convicted, the couple would be considered guilty of adultery by the Sudanese court.
If the roles had been reversed, the validity of the couple's marriage would not be in question, for it is legal for a Muslim man to be married to a Christian woman. For more information on the difficulties facing Sudanese Christians, go to our country report.
Prayerfully ask the Lord to provide Hamoda and Nada peace and guidance as they navigate how to wisely deal with the injustices imposed upon them through the legal issues; and, at the same time, respond in a Christ-like manner to the opposition of their extended family members. Pray that this Christian couple will also receive the Lord's wisdom and instruction as they endeavour to raise their children in a nation that's extremely hostile to the Gospel message. May all those in Sudan who are willing to turn to Christ and remain faithful to Him – even in the midst of strife and opposition – experience His grace and strength so they can be vibrant witnesses in their communities.
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