Somalia (MNN) — Open Doors reports that Islamic extremists in Somalia
are beginning to enforce the brutal aspects of sharia law. In March, Somalia's cabinet voted to
implement it throughout their country.
They're responding to a recent case involving thieves who were punished
by amputation. The punishment was
carried out by members of al-Shabaab, an Arabic
word meaning "The Lads," who follow a strict version of Sharia law.
Al-Shabaad also took credit for the assasination of two
legislators, the country's security minister, a member of parliament, and 30
others. According to Compass Direct, it is clear Al-Shabaab has no
intention of backing down but every intention of extending its rule
politically and spiritually across Somalia.
The Open Doors team expressed concerns over the severity of the
punishment for petty crime, wondering what it would be for forsaking
Islam. The following story could likely
be that answer:
Islamic extremists beheaded two young boys in Somalia because their
Christian father refused to divulge information about a church leader; the
killers are searching Kenya's refugee camps to do the same to the boys' father.
Across the country, evangelism is frowned upon and in many areas,
prohibited. Somalia is almost
exclusively Sunni Muslim, with 0.05 percent of the population Christian. The persecution of Christians is severe in
most regions of Somalia, and many have fled to neighbouring countries.
Only a handful of Somalis are Christians,
practicing their faith in secret. Pray for the believers to persevere through the hardship they face.
