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Somalia: Christian Mother Forced Into Hiding After Husband’s Severe Beating for Leaving Islam

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A young newly Christian mother in northwest Somalia has had to leave her children and go into hiding after her husband violently attacked her for leaving Islam, Morning Star News (MSN) reports. Ruled by an oppressive extremist Islamic regime, Somalia ranks 2 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.

The mother of two children aged 4 and 6, thirty-year-old Fatuma (surname withheld for security reasons), put her faith in Christ during an underground church service in Somalia Mudug Region on October 15, MSN reports. When her husband came to hear of it on December 8, he beat her severely.

The situation was so severe that Fatuma was compelled to leave home, MSN reports. She has been given refuge by a Church leader in another region. Names and locations have been withheld to protect those involved.

“I miss my children, but I cannot go back to my husband because he will kill me,” Fatuma told MSN. “I live in great pain due to my fractured hand and serious scars which have disfigured my face, as well as a stressful life of being absent from my children.

“I have forgiven my husband and am praying for God to change his life. I am very hurt and need prayers to heal my broken heart,” Fatuma added.

In a 2024 website report about the situation facing Christian converts in Somalia, the Open Doors international Christian advocacy organization states: “Somali society is overwhelmingly conservative, and leaving Islam is regarded in many places as a betrayal of the Somali culture and clan. Christian converts face intense pressure from their family and local community, which can lead to harassment, intimidation and even death. Even being suspected of converting from Islam to Christianity can lead to life-threatening danger.”