Afghan Refugees on being Christians in Afghanistan
"We have lost our homeland."
On August 15, 2021, Taliban fighters swept into Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, the last step to their
complete military control of the country. By the end of the month, American military forces had
withdrawn from Afghanistan, and the nation’s conversion into an Islamic emirate ruled by the Taliban
was made official.
It’s been nearly 18 months since that date and Open Doors wanted to bring you this first-hand look at what the situation is like for Christians living in Afghanistan, as well as for Afghans who made the painful decision to flee to Central Asia and live as refugees.
These are real quotes from real people who are from Afghanistan and surrounding areas. For security reasons, names are disguised throughout—but please pray with your sisters and brothers who risk everything to follow Jesus in and around Afghanistan.
It’s been nearly 18 months since that date and Open Doors wanted to bring you this first-hand look at what the situation is like for Christians living in Afghanistan, as well as for Afghans who made the painful decision to flee to Central Asia and live as refugees.
These are real quotes from real people who are from Afghanistan and surrounding areas. For security reasons, names are disguised throughout—but please pray with your sisters and brothers who risk everything to follow Jesus in and around Afghanistan.
Last year, Open Doors reported: “Christians are in grave danger. Anybody who is exposed, will be severely punished.” That was shortly after the Taliban took over in Afghanistan. What’s changed since then?
Hana, Open Doors partner in the region: Tens of thousands of people have fled the country; hundreds of people [who were] seen to have “collaborated” with the United States and the previous government were killed. The Christian community in particular was exposed to the Taliban. Many of our families had to flee on the night the Taliban arrived; others [fled when they heard] homes were being cleared out and friends and family members were being martyred.
“Ordinary people in Afghanistan live in great danger. When they get up in the morning, they can’t be sure if they’ll live to see the night. And when they go to bed at night, there is no certainty that they will live until morning. A lot of terrible things are happening there, [which ] we … learn about from our friends and relatives. They say that the Taliban often go [out] in the evenings; they break into houses and can just kill for any reason.”
—Abdulla, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
The Taliban swept into power with promises of moderation—for women, religious minorities, etc.
What’s the status of those promises?
Hana: The moderation is yet to appear to the people in Afghanistan. In fact, things are getting worse; on days when policies become moderate, they are changed to even more harsh policies in hours. [The Taliban] have lost the trust of all people, and many live a life of uncertainty.
“It’s been a year from last year[’s Taliban takeover] to now, as I can say with confidence that there hasn’t been a single day that I’ve been happy.”
—Sitara, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
“It is very difficult to live in Afghanistan now. Women don't have any human rights there. [They] have been forced to wear the hijab [head coverings]. And if a woman refuses to wear the hijab, she will either be killed or severely beaten.”
“It is very difficult to live in Afghanistan now. Women don't have any human rights there. [They] have been forced to wear the hijab [head coverings]. And if a woman refuses to wear the hijab, she will either be killed or severely beaten.”
What is daily life like for Christians in Afghanistan?
Hana: Afghanistan’s Christians are on the move, trying their best to avoid detection. Many families who faced persecution in the past see a continuation of this persecution; however, now there is no safety anywhere, for anyone. The schools were closed and are now only open for boys; many girls are very upset that they had to stop their education mid-stream. They are capable and intelligent—our Christian girls and boys are compassionate, and willing to serve people. However, the opportunity for the church to engage with the wider community for now is on hold.
“The Christian [in Afghanistan] is a ‘kafir’ [‘sinner’ or ‘infidel’]. If [it’s discovered] that some man is a Christian, they would kill [him] immediately. And not only the person, but also the whole family … would be killed.”
—Nilufar, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
During the Taliban takeover, Open Doors was able to confirm multiple reports that the Taliban had a list of Christians and it was going door-to-door, searching for believers. What was the result of that door-to-door action?
Hana: The door-to-door action involved groups of soldiers launching violent attacks on those on the list, and their families. Many have been killed as retribution for years of being out of power. Others have fled the violence and live in hiding. Christians who worked with the former regime and the West are under particular pressure. There is no sign of any forgiveness.
“In the morning, leaving home, people say goodbye to their parents and relatives because there is no certainty that they will return home and see their family again.”
—Abdulla, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
A believer from Afghanistan recently told us that her parents, still in Afghanistan, describe the country as “a prison” for women. Can you talk about the specific impact of the Taliban’s rule on women?
Hana: This is the return to the ways of [an extremist branch of] Islam that sees women as the “property” of men who have one purpose: to produce more soldiers for the fight or jihad. Therefore, for some it is a prison; others have been forced into marriage with Taliban fighters who abuse them for the purpose of raising a family. This strategy also ensures a long-term link with the community, and it is the best way to embed their ideology and fighters. The levels of fear rising in the community in Afghanistan ensures compliance, as anyone who disagrees with the regime are tracked [now] and killed later. The numbers of female activists killed in Afghanistan continues—now as state-sanctioned and -approved [actions].
“The women now live as in prison—[like] how it feels to be in a closed box. They can’t breathe. If a woman goes out, she doesn’t know what will happen with her in the next 10 minutes. Will she return home … or not?”
—Nilufar, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
“It is very difficult to live in Afghanistan now. Women don’t have any human rights there. [They] have been forced to wear the hijab [head coverings]. And if a woman refuses to wear the hijab, she will either be killed or severely beaten.”
—Shafika, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
“I have two nieces [still in Afghanistan]. They also have daughters. They can’t go outside. If they come out, they will be caught and killed.”
—Hadija, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
Where do you see God at work in Afghanistan?
Hana: God is continually at work in Afghanistan – because He has always worked in Afghanistan. Even though there are only a handful of believers, He has been faithful to them. He continues to answer their prayers, give them the strength to endure suffering and call them to Him at the time of His choosing. God continues to lead the visible and freer church like [yours in the West] to pray for them, so you can recognize yourself as being of one Body. God continues to open doors for those searching for Him.
Hana: God is continually at work in Afghanistan – because He has always worked in Afghanistan. Even though there are only a handful of believers, He has been faithful to them. He continues to answer their prayers, give them the strength to endure suffering and call them to Him at the time of His choosing. God continues to lead the visible and freer church like [yours in the West] to pray for them, so you can recognize yourself as being of one Body. God continues to open doors for those searching for Him.
“Please continue to pray; not only for us, but also for the Taliban. Of course, the Taliban are our enemies, but I ask you to pray for their salvation.”
“Please continue to pray; not only for us, but also for the Taliban. Of course, the Taliban are our enemies, but I ask you to pray for their salvation.”
Pray
How can people pray for believers there?
Hana: Pray for:
1. Security for all believers and seekers, for people to meet with Christ in dreams and visions, that Christ may direct them to a place of nurture and discipleship. Pray for our teams as they navigate minefields and dangerous parts of the country to reach our family in Christ.
2. Access to education and medical help: Apart from food and relief, the way out of an existence [where the church simply “survives”] is the access people can have to education and medical help.
3. For vision and prophesy in the church that will lead us to a thriving and growing church even in these circumstances.
4. For our team who continues to work under grave conditions. Pray for the men and women with their own families and children who are willing to put themselves at risk for the strengthening of the Church.
“Please continue to pray; not only for us, but also for the Taliban. Of course, the Taliban are our enemies, but I ask you to pray for their salvation.”
—Abdulla, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
“I would ask [people] to pray for the simplest of things. I am not asking for a big thing, but, for example, about the basic things: about education, work [and a] peaceful life.”
—Sitara, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
Hana: Pray for:
1. Security for all believers and seekers, for people to meet with Christ in dreams and visions, that Christ may direct them to a place of nurture and discipleship. Pray for our teams as they navigate minefields and dangerous parts of the country to reach our family in Christ.
2. Access to education and medical help: Apart from food and relief, the way out of an existence [where the church simply “survives”] is the access people can have to education and medical help.
3. For vision and prophesy in the church that will lead us to a thriving and growing church even in these circumstances.
4. For our team who continues to work under grave conditions. Pray for the men and women with their own families and children who are willing to put themselves at risk for the strengthening of the Church.
“Please continue to pray; not only for us, but also for the Taliban. Of course, the Taliban are our enemies, but I ask you to pray for their salvation.”
—Abdulla, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
“I would ask [people] to pray for the simplest of things. I am not asking for a big thing, but, for example, about the basic things: about education, work [and a] peaceful life.”
—Sitara, Afghan refugee in Central Asia
