Musa then incited his followers to go after Abanoub. One of the followers messaged Abanoub all kinds of instigating questions, with his goal of getting Abanoub to say something in violation of one of Egypt’s blasphemy laws.
After instigating Abanoub long enough on Facebook Messenger, Abanoub said a negative comment about Muhammed, which was enough to qualify for “contempt against Islam.” A screenshot was taken of what was said and posted on Facebook. The social media audience quickly became aggressive.
People found Abanoub’s private information and published it, including the names of his mother and sister, their phone numbers, addresses, places of work and more. The incident went viral and many were calling for Abanoub’s death.
On Friday, June 16, Abanoub was severely beaten by a group of Muslim men and then later arrested for contempt of the Islamic religion and insulting the prophet Muhammed.
“Abanoub did nothing to be imprisoned. His future is destroyed and his family has been displaced. He is unjustly imprisoned. His mother and sister are not doing well. All of his relatives are struggling and very sad about what happened. Please pray for Abanoub, his mother, his sister and all of us,” said one of Abanoub’s family members.
The Bible tells us we can find help in time of need. In Hebrews 4:15-16, it says, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have One who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us, therefore, approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Join us in praying for Abanoub, a persecuted Christian in Egypt.
Father God, we pray You would intervene in Abanoub’s situation and miraculously turn it around for him. We ask You would help his mother, sister and all of his family to be encouraged and trust in You. Give Abanoub and his family peace in the midst of these trials.
Bring justice in this situation and free Abanoub from prison. Let him fulfill the calling, destiny and purposes You have intended for his life. In Your name. Amen.
*Representative name and photo used to preserve security
About The Author
Tim Dustin is a staff writer for Global Christian Relief, a nonprofit Christian ministry that works to strengthen persecuted believers and raise awareness regarding Christian persecution. For more information, visit our website at GlobalChristianRelief.org.
