[Video] A Million Turn to Christ in Iran Amid Mosque Closures

Iran is witnessing an extraordinary shift in the shadow of a crumbling regime. Over a million Muslims have embraced Christianity as 50,000 mosques shut their doors, marking a profound change in the heart of this Islamic nation.

The closures revealed by senior cleric Mohammad Abolghassem Doulabi in February highlighted a steep decline in mosque attendance. From a once-thriving network of 75,000 mosques, only 25,000 remain active. Meanwhile, Christianity is surging underground, fueled by widespread disillusionment with the nation’s current state.

Todd Nettleton of The Voice of the Martyrs explains this dramatic shift: “Iran is grappling with rampant drug addiction, deep-rooted corruption, and widespread poverty. For many Iranians, the promises of Islam have failed them. They’re searching for hope elsewhere.”

The Netherlands-based Gamaan Institute conducted a survey in December that paints a grim picture of Iran’s Islamic Republic: 80 percent of Iranians reject the current government, longing instead for a democratic system.

This search for hope has led many to Christ despite the severe risks involved. Conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal in Iran, with the government viewing it as a threat to national security. Nettleton describes a climate of fear where Bible studies and house churches are raided, with leaders arrested and imprisoned.

Despite the danger, the message of Christianity continues to spread, mainly through radio broadcasts and personal encounters. Don Shenk, director of The Tide ministry, says, “Iranians are awakening to the message of God’s love. It’s not just about Iran; similar movements are stirring across the Muslim world.”

Open Doors, an international ministry, underscores the precariousness of this shift. While traditional Christian communities like Armenians and Assyrians are tolerated, converts from Islam face harsh persecution. They are often imprisoned, tortured, or placed under surveillance, knowing that a second arrest could result in a lengthy prison sentence.

Yet, the movement grows. Shenk reports that dreams of Christ are common among many Muslims who convert. “These dreams don’t lead directly to conversion,” a blog on The Tide’s website notes, “but they often pave the way for a spiritual journey, breaking down barriers built by a lifetime in the Islamic faith.”