(Connect with a livestream cast November 18, 2024 at 17:00 GMT to pray with Muslim background believers.)
International (MNN) — Here’s a term you may or may not be familiar with: MBB. It stands for Muslim Background Believer. Monday, November 18 is the global day of prayer for this growing number within the Body of Christ.
We reached out to Bishop Dr. Yassir Eric, who is himself a follower of Christ from a Muslim background. (Hear more of his story here.) Speaking on behalf of this Global Prayer Day, he shared insights into what MBBs experience and how the Church, God’s family, needs to stand together. Here is part of what he told us.
Who are Muslim-background believers, and what are their lives like?
“These are individuals raised in Muslim families who, through personal encounters with Jesus — sometimes in dreams, through miracles, or a powerful message — have made the bold decision to embrace the Christian faith,” he says.
(Photo courtesy of Alek Burley/Unsplash)
“But for MBBs, faith isn’t a matter of private belief alone. It’s a costly choice that can mean complete alienation from everything and everyone they’ve ever known.”
You are not alone is a key message meant to be sent by this Global Prayer Day for Muslim background believers. It’s a message which is often counter to their daily life experiences.
“Imagine being cut off from family, labeled as a traitor by society, and living in fear simply for following Jesus Christ. They live under intense social, spiritual, and emotional pressure, making it challenging for them to live their faith openly,” Bishop Dr. Yassir says.
“Islam has a complex social and religious system that considers those who leave it as apostates. When someone like ‘Ahmed,’ who was born into a devout Muslim family, decides to follow Jesus, he’s seen as violating family honor and religion. From a legal perspective, Islamic law often condemns him to imprisonment or even to death. The isolation that MBBs endure is profound — many live in hiding, cut off from all support.”
A lifeline for a brother or sister
Bishop Dr. Yassir calls this global day of prayer “a lifeline” for fellow Christians from Muslim backgrounds. Many experience loneliness even after escaping a hostile home life or country.
(Representative stock photo courtesy of Levi Meir Clancy/Unsplash)
“Even in some Christian circles, MBBs are misunderstood and not accepted because some churches may not fully understand their unique situation, or maybe they’re afraid,” he says.
“They long to be seen, accepted, and recognized within the Body of Christ — it’s what MBBs are yearning for. By praying for them, we stand in the gap, asking God to shield them, soften their communities’ hearts, and make a way where it seems impossible.”
We all know the encouragement of a kind word in season from fellow believers. Would you join in praying for these brothers and sisters today?
“Almost every MBB has faced rejection and fear in ways most people can hardly imagine. A word of encouragement, an act of kindness, or simply the knowledge that someone cares can restore hope and strengthen their faith.”
How should we pray?
Here are prayer points Bishop Dr. Yassir shared for Muslim background believers.
- “Pray for their spiritual growth so that they will see their identity firmly in Christ and be rooted in God’s love.”
- “Pray for them to know Jesus intimately and to have the strength to stand firm.”
(Photo by Guilherme Romano on Unsplash)
- “Pray for their families—especially the children, who often bear a heavy burden. Imagine a young boy in school who hears terrible things said about Christians, knowing his parents are Christians.”
- “Pray for young MBB women, who are especially vulnerable to forced marriages and abductions.”
- “Pray that MBBs would have safe places to worship and the freedom to build their own church communities.”
- “Pray for their recognition, for a place where they can express their faith openly and safely.”
For more details and ways to support Christians from a Muslim background, please visit Communio Messianica. Click to learn more about the Global Prayer Day for Muslim background believers.
Header image of a man in Dagestan is a representative stock image courtesy of Daria Kraplak via Unsplash.
