An ex-Muslim couple is determined to serve God despite the risk of retaliation.
Ibrahim Mohammad and Fatuma Juma, both residents of Kisayo, Somalia, have fled their homes along with their children after receiving salvation, due to the fear of reprisal from the Muslim community.
Fatuma shared with Morning Star News that she was the first of the family to receive Christ. She said that she had a personal encounter with Jesus two years ago, in November 2024, which shifted her belief from Islam to Christianity. However, such a decision is a criminal offence in Somalia, punishable by death. Therefore, she kept her newfound faith hidden until the next year.
On April 25, the mother of three attended an underground fellowship meeting with her 7-year-old and 9-year-old daughters. As she was listening to an audio message, Fatuma said that she started to cry uncontrollably. Her children, concerned about their mother’s return home, informed their father, Ibrahim Mohammed Juma.
He then sent their 13-year-old son to take her back home. He reported that upon arrival at the meeting, his mother was “not herself.” He stated that his mother “looked confused and continued shedding tears until the fellowship ended.”
When his wife did not return home immediately, Mohammad went to the meeting and tried to force her to return home with him. Reports from witnesses state that she asked for permission to speak, then prayed aloud, saying, “Oh Lord Jesus, forgive my past sins. Since now I am born again, I will not disobey you from today.”
Since then her husband did not allow her to attend Christian fellowship, pushing her to practice her Christianity secretly. However, she was yearning for the liberty to openly worship Christ.
“My life had completely changed,” she stated. “I was tired of worshipping in secret.”
In August 2025,, Fatuma left her home with her three children and relocated to an undisclosed area. Her husband remained in the community but continued to speak to her by phone.
A few months later, Mohammed, distressed by the distance, asked her if he could join her and the children. He promised that if she allowed him to come to her, he would live peacefully with her and allow her to worship freely.
She said that she accepted his request and soon after, on Christmas Day, Mohammed gave his life to Christ. Prior to the move, he had told relatives that his wife had left Islam to become a Christian, however, with the both of them now converted, their family is at risk of retaliation. Juma said it is impossible to return to Kismayo due to threats and fear of violence.
The couple is now requesting prayers and assistance, saying that they need financial aid to enroll their children in school while they seek employment in hiding.
Islam has been established as the state religion of Somalia with more than 99% of the population identifying as Sunni Muslim, according to the U.S. State Department
The nation’s constitution prohibits the spreading of any other religion and mandates that laws align with sharia (Islamic law) ideology.
Somalia ranked No. 2 on Open Doors’ 2026 World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian; outranked only by Korea.