Shackled: One Woman's Dramatic Triumph Over Persecution, Gender Abuse, and a Death Sentence

by Mariam Ibraheem, Eugene Bach Narrated by Zoleka Vundla

Overview

WINNER!!! Christian Book Award 2023 (audio)!!!

Sentenced to Death for Her Beliefs

Mariam Ibraheem was born in a refugee camp in Sudan. Her Muslim father died when she was six, and her mother raised her in the Christian faith. After a traumatic childhood, Mariam became a successful businessperson, married the man she loved, and had a beautiful baby boy.

But one day in 2013, her world was shattered when Sudan authorities insisted she was Muslim because of her father's background. She had broken the law by marrying a Christian man, and she must abandon both her marriage and her son and adopt Islam. Under intense pressure, Mariam repeatedly refused. Ultimately, a Sharia court sentenced her to 100 lashes-and death by hanging.

Shackled is the stunning true story of a courageous young mother who was willing to face death rather than deny her faith. Mariam Ibraheem took a stand on behalf of all women who are maltreated because of their gender and all people who suffer from religious persecution.

Follow Mariam's story from life under Islamic law, through imprisonment and childbirth while shackled, to her remarkable escape from death following an international outcry and advocacy that included diplomats, journalists, activists, and even Pope Francis.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Mariam Ibraheem was a steadfast witness for Christ in the midst of unbelievable hardships. I have been to Sudan and well know the forces she was up against. Shackled is a powerful memoir of a woman who refused to deny the name of Jesus. What would we do in similar circumstances?
—The Honorable Frank Wolf
Former U.S. representative from Virginia

Riveting. Challenging. A beautiful story of boots-on-the-ground Christianity and one woman’s determination to honor Jesus with her life, even when her own life was at stake. I found myself turning the pages to find out what happened next, yet also savoring the stark, beautiful story of faithfulness. A must-read for any Christ-follower who takes seriously Jesus’s command to take up our cross daily and follow Him.
—Mary DeMuth
Author, Thin Places: A Memoir

Incredible. Informative. Inspiring. These three words describe this epic true story of how one young woman overcame religious abuse, misogyny, and impossible odds to gain her freedom. A true page-turner and a must-read!
—Dr. Ben Young
Author, Survive the Day, Room for Doubt, and Why Mike’s Not a Christian
Pastoral staff, Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX

Mariam Ibraheem’s amazing story is testimony to her uncompromising faith in Jesus and God’s faithfulness to her that the world should hear. In the spring of 2014, when many of us were demonstrating outside the White House for the U.S. government to help her, we could not have imagined the unexpected way in which God would bring about Mariam’s freedom and use her for His glory as a voice for so many others.
—Faith J. H. McDonnell
Director of Advocacy, Katartismos Global (kgiglobal.org)
Coauthor, Girl Soldier: A Story of Hope for Northern Uganda’s Children

Mariam Ibraheem’s riveting story of courage, faith, and forgiveness while enduring unspeakable suffering will strengthen every Christian’s faith, courage, capacity to suffer, and willingness to forgive. While it can be painful to read, and while the reader might not agree with all of her observations, she is a compelling witness for so many who suffer religious persecution and whose pleas for help we must heed.
—Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York


Mariam Ibraheem and I met within weeks of her release from death row in a dark Sudanese prison. She smiled at me as she held baby Maya, and her first words were, “God is good all the time.” Strength and determination to overcome obstacles radiated from her beautiful brown eyes.

Mariam was born in a refugee camp in Sudan to a teenage mother who found herself rising above grave poverty, domestic violence, and the dangers of Islamic Sharia law. Much like her brave mother, Mariam overcame insurmountable obstacles, including the loss of her younger sister, the tragic death of her mother, and being on death row for her Christian faith. Each and every time, Mariam has risen above her circumstances through her faith in Jesus. She refuses to be intimidated into silence and has proclaimed her faith in front of prison guards, judges, and those seeking to take her life.

Shackled will inspire faith and determination in the midst of what seem to be impossible circumstances. Mariam’s life and friendship have forever changed my life to persevere and sustain hope in God. I know her story will change you, too.
—Naghmeh Panahi
Executive Director, Tahrir Alnisa Foundation

Mariam Ibraheem, from Sudan, is one of the outstanding heroes I’ve had the privilege to know in my advocacy for religious freedom. You, too, will be inspired by her powerful new book, Shackled. The title refers to her shocking experience of being forced to give birth in chains while in prison awaiting the hangman. Mariam’s rock-solid faith profoundly moved the world when reports surfaced that she serenely accepted a Sudanese Sharia court’s sentence of 100 lashes and death by hanging for refusing to renounce Jesus Christ. Rivetingly told in her own words, it is an uplifting story of unshakeable courage and faithfulness in the face of persecution, and ultimately a story of rescue and survival. Please read this book and pray about how you can help others still suffering persecution in many countries.
—Nina Shea
Director, Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom
Commissioner (1999–2012), US Commission on International Religious Freedom
 

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175419437
Publisher:	Whitaker House
Publication date:	03/08/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos