The case of pregnant Sudanese woman, Meriam Yahia Ibrahim, was decided today when she told the judge that she refused to renounce her Christian faith.
She had until today, May 15, to renounce her Christian faith. If she did not renounce her Christian faith, the death sentence would be confirmed - and it was.
She is sentenced to 100 lashes and then executed by hanging for leaving Islam.
Firstly, she is found guilty of apostasy from Islam as she is Christian but from a Muslim background. The authorities regard her background as Muslim despite the fact that she was raised by her mother, who is Christian. Her father is Muslim, but her father left the family when she was six years old.
Secondly, she has been found guilty of fornication as she is married to a Christian. According to Islamic law, it is forbidden for a Muslim woman to marry a Christian, which is why Meriam's marriage is invalid in the eyes of the government.
The woman's 20-month-old son is therefore considered to have been born as a result of fornication, as is the child she is eight months pregnant with.
Her husband was born in what is now South Sudan and also has American citizenship. He asks for prayers for his wife.
Her young son is in prison with her and is not allowed by the authorities to be reunited with his father because the son is considered a Muslim in Sudan, even though both his parents profess to be Christian.
Ask for it:
- Meriam, her husband, their son and their unborn child will know the peace, presence and protection of Jesus;
- that the appeal of the judgment must succeed;
- Christians in Sudan will know the peace and presence of Jesus, the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit and that they may be equipped to live without fear;
- all officials involved in the case will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow him
Source: Danish European Mission's partners, Middle East Concern and Christian Solidarity Worldwide