On January 29, an Egyptian court refused to rule in a case filed by Mohammed Hegazy (25), a convert who is seeking legal recognition of his conversion from Islam to Christianity. The judges said that Hegazy had not followed the proper legal procedures and stated that, in any case, people cannot convert to "an older religion." "Monotheistic religions were sent by God in chronological order," the court said. "As a result, it is unusual to go from the latest religion to the one that preceded it.... The person who has such an attitude is straying from the right path and threatening the principles, values and precepts of Islam and of Egyptian traditions." Hegazy's decision to file the case in August was related to the birth of his daughter who was born on January 10. If Hegazy does not legally change his religious affiliation, current Egyptian law dictates that his daughter will have to inherit Islam and marry a Muslim man. Hegazy reportedly intends to take his case to Egypt's Supreme Court.
Pray for the Lord to give Hegazy wisdom and guidance as he plans to take his case to a higher court. Pray that he will find peace in knowing that true justice comes from the Lord (Proverbs 29:26).
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Egypt, go to the Egypt Country Report.
Legal system Mixed legal system based on Napoleonic civil and penal law, Islamic religious law, and vestiges of colonial-era laws
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Egypt
Pray on behalf of those who are facing economic and social challenges because of their Christian faith. Ask the Lord to provide for their spiritual and practical needs – further strengthening and emboldening them so they can effectively share the message of the Gospel with others in their communities. May the hearts of those who hear it be open and receptive to the wonderful truths contained in God’s Word.
On April 21st, legal proceedings began in the case against Saeid Abdulraziq, a Christian convert in Egypt. Although the believer has been accused under the country's anti-terrorism laws, advocates believe his arrest is primarily linked to his conversion to Christianity and subsequent involvement in faith-related activities. (To access a previously published report regarding Saeid's case, go to this report.)
Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq converted from Islam to Christianity in 2016, joining the Russian Orthodox Church. Immediately following his conversion, he began experiencing harassment and intimidation from his family members, the wider community, and local police. In an effort to find safety, Saeid sought asylum in Russia but was forced to return to Egypt in 2024.
Dr. Augustin Sam'an is a researcher specializing in Christian apologetics and comparative religions. The believer operates a YouTube channel through which he responds to anti-Christian narratives commonly circulating in Egypt. Earlier this month, Dr. Augustin was arrested and charged with "contempt of Islam" in connection with the content he had been sharing online. The Christian apologist was subsequently detained for 15 days pending the authorities' investigation.
On July 22nd, Egyptian authorities formally charged Saeid Mansour Abdulraziq (a convert from Islam to Christianity) with joining a terrorist organization, stirring unrest and spreading false information. Since converting to the Christian faith in 2016 and joining the Russian Orthodox Church, Saeid experienced persistent rejection from his family and community, as well as intimidation from local police. Despite these challenges, he regularly shared his newfound faith with those around him.