Pray for Saudi Arabia

Deep within the arid deserts of Saudi Arabia lies the birthplace of Islam — one of the fastest-growing religions in the world. The cities of Mecca and Medina are sacred destinations, drawing Muslims from around the world. The Hajj pilgrimage brings millions to Mecca every year! The nation’s Islamic heritage, along with its tribal traditions and ancient trade routes, helps shape a cultural identity rooted in generosity, respect for elders, and family. Its people are known for warmly inviting strangers into their homes for a cup of tea or traditional coffee (*qahwa*). Instead of a constitution, the Qur’an and Sunnah are the ultimate legal authorities. The king has been working to modernize the nation through social and economic initiatives, including rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and transportation. Nearly half of the country’s population consists of migrants who come to work on these projects.

When it comes to human rights, Saudi Arabia is consistently ranked as one of the harshest and most restrictive nations on Earth. Freedom of speech and religion are tightly controlled by the government. Hundreds of people, including political activists, drug dealers, and religious advocates, are given the death penalty each year. Although there have been recent reforms for women, especially in the workforce, significant discrimination still exists. Women are under a strict male guardianship system, where they cannot make their own decisions about marriage, divorce, or child custody. As the nation faces international criticism for human rights violations, including the killing of a prominent journalist, it has poured billions into its entertainment and tourism industries. Many critics and journalists believe that, in part, this is a tactic to redirect news headlines away from its human rights atrocities.

Saudi Arabia is the epicenter of Islam. The majority of the population is Sunni Muslim, following a strict and literal interpretation of the Qur’an. Although Christians are allowed to practice their faith privately, strict religious regulations, including the use of only government-approved materials, severely limit their worship. Conversion from Islam is punishable by death. Worse still are the punishments and deportation for sharing the Christian faith in public, especially with other Muslims. For Muslim-background believers, converting to Christianity leaves them vulnerable to attacks by both the government and their families. Despite immense persecution, God is with His people. The underground Church is growing, fueled by Gospel content shared through the internet, satellite TV, and social media ministries. The influx of Christian migrants into the country is also strengthening the Church.