SOMALIA: Young Christian Woman Recovering from Assault

Source: Morning Star News, Voice of the Martyrs AU

On 28 May, Christian woman Sofia Ahmed, 22, was beaten in her home on the outskirts of Hagar (also spelled Xagar) by four male members of her Muslim family for putting her faith in Christ, resulting in a broken nose and significant loss of blood.

Ahmed accepted Christ on 25 March after learning the Gospel from a Christian leader. No longer attending Friday mosque prayers, her uncle, Sharif Hussein, visited her and began to question her about her absence. Hussein visited her several more times, emboldening Ahmed to share about Christ. When he appeared to show interest, she suggested to him that he also put his faith in Christ. Hussein departed without responding.

On 28 May, he returned with three other male relatives. Hussein asked her again if she had converted to Christianity, however Ahmed kept quiet. Immediately, they began attacking her. The relatives beat her with sticks and struck her nose with a sharp object. The attack drew the attention of neighbours who came in large numbers, seized the assailants and called police. Officers arrived and arrested the four men, but Ahmed’s Muslim parents intervened and persuaded police to release them, sources report.

“Family members later advocated for the release of the suspects, believing the actions were justified because of Ahmed’s decision to leave Islam and embrace Christianity,” the Christian leader said.

Ahmed was admitted to a hospital in southwestern Somalia, where she underwent two surgeries. She remains under medical care and may require several more weeks of hospital treatment.

Local underground Christians have committed to assisting her with their limited resources through upcoming challenges and are hopeful that justice through lawful processes will be achieved.

• Ask the Lord to minister His comfort and healing to Sofia Ahmed as she continues in her recovery. Pray that the Lord would use this devastating attack to draw her into a deeper relationship with Christ, her Saviour.

• Thank the Lord for the neighbours and officers who intervened in the attack. Thank the Lord also for the growing church in Somalia and the unity of Believers in this restricted nation.

• Pray that the Lord would open the eyes of Muslims in Somalia to see the truth of who Jesus is so that many would come to know Him as their Saviour and Lord.