A mother and father in Somalia are living in hiding with their three children after both parents left Islam to follow Jesus, placing the entire family at serious risk.
The woman, identified as Fatuma Juma, is from the city of Kismayo in southern Somalia. She said she became a Christian after a personal experience of faith in November 2024. Because leaving Islam is considered a crime punishable by death in Somalia, she kept her belief secret at first.
Juma attended a small underground Christian meeting with her two daughters on 25 April last year. While listening to an audio message, she became deeply emotional and began crying. Her young daughters, worried by her behaviour, returned home and told their father, Ibrahim Mohammed.
Mohammed sent their teenage son to bring her home. When she did not return, he went to the meeting place himself and confronted her. Witnesses said Juma asked to speak and then prayed aloud, asking Jesus for forgiveness and declaring her new faith.
Her public prayer shocked her husband, who left the gathering visibly disturbed. Church leaders later urged those present to remain calm.
After this incident, Juma faced isolation and fear. Her husband stopped her from attending Christian meetings, forcing her to practise her faith in secret. Over time, she said the pressure became unbearable.
In August, Juma fled her home with the children and moved to an unknown location for safety. Mohammed remained behind but continued to contact her by phone. Several weeks later, he asked to rejoin his family and promised not to interfere with her Christian faith.
Juma agreed, and Mohammed joined them in hiding. One month later, on Christmas Day, he also decided to follow Christ.
However, the situation became even more dangerous. Mohammed had earlier informed relatives that his wife had left Islam, and now both parents are at risk of retaliation. Juma said it is not safe for them to return to Kismayo due to threats of violence.
The family is now seeking prayer and practical support. They need financial help to enrol their children in school and are searching for work while remaining in hiding.
Somalia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians. According to Christian advocacy group Open Doors, it ranks second on the 2026 World Watch List of countries where believers face the most severe persecution. Islam is the state religion, and Somali law does not allow the public practice or promotion of any other faith. Extremist group Al Shabaab enforces strict Islamic law and has carried out violent attacks against those who leave Islam.
Adapted from Morning Star News.
