Conversion from Islam is illegal, and pressure is intense for every Christian.
bottom"[At my university], all women must wear a hijab, regardless of religion. Even though my roommates know I’m a Christian. I’m forced to dress like them."
– Lina*
Converts from Islam face considerable pressure as conversion is punishable by law and everything will be done to bring converts back to their original faith. Non-traditional Christian communities cannot be registered as churches, but must be registered as companies, societies, or family centres. As such, they are treated as secular organisations and are required to submit their financial and operational reports to the government every year. The whole of society (Christians included) is affected by the continuing introduction of Sharia (Islamic law).
Young people are particularly affected by the mandatory religious education of children. Under changes announced in October 2023, children as young as three years old now have religious education incorporated into their general studies (The Star Malaysia, 25 October 2023), strengthening the teachings of the majority religion.
Converts from Islam face the most intense persecution and technically can be charged with the crime of apostasy under Sharia. Converts to Christianity face the most pressure for their faith. Women and girls are disowned and often isolated by their families when their conversion becomes known. They can be put under house arrest; unmarried women face the threat of forced marriage to a Muslim man. Married converts risk having their children taken away from them to ensure the children are raised as Muslims. Custody decisions are not gender specific, but the law bars anyone who has converted from Islam from being granted custody of a minor.
– Pray for believers in Brunei that they will be able to read and study God’s Word freely.
– Praise God that some churches can gather, even though their situation is dangerous.
– Pray that the monarchy in Brunei will be open to the truth of Jesus.
Open Doors raises prayer support for persecuted believers in Brunei.
