This book is a wonderful conversion testimony of the late Nabeel Qureshi (1983-2017), who was a convert from Islam and later became a formidable Christian apologist. Interweaving a defense for the gospel, this book is not an autobiography, strictly speaking, but a narrative biography. As such, some of the conversations, admittedly, were modified to provide an accurate defense of the faith. However, the author’s testimony is entirely true and portrays the long and arduous process by which he came to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The book flows extremely well and reads like a well-composed novel.
There is one aspect of Qureshi’s testimony that is noteworthy. As he neared his decision to follow Christ, Nabeel prayed that God would assure him of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For him, leaving Islam meant leaving the warm and caring Muslim family life he deeply cherished—the book portrays the rich and colorful family life the Muslim convert leaves behind. Qureshi was intellectually convinced of Jesus as the Son of God and had many reasons to doubt Muhammad but sought assurance that this was not a mistake. So, he prayed, seeking a confirming sign from God. It is at this time that he had a dream, which his mother interpreted according to the Muslim dream interpretation book (by a Muslim Mystic and interpreter of dreams). The interpretation seemed to parallel his journey to Christianity and was a catalyst in his final decision to surrender his life to Jesus Christ.
At this juncture, the question comes up as to whether this was a vision from God in the likes of the Biblical visions of Joseph and Daniel. The answer is an unequivocal no. This was clearly not a vision from God. This did not convey a revelation from God that contained any message from God. Rather, this was a demonstration of God's providence. Only God can line up Nabeel's dream, his mother's interpretation, and the Muslim dream interpretations to give Nabeel assurance that he should abandon Islam. God providentially orchestrated all of the above to give Nabeel the subjective security he felt he needed. This was an example of God's sovereignty and providence at work to use anything and everything to draw His elect unto Himself.
Barring this one confusion, this book is highly recommended. Everyone who desires to gain an understanding of Islam and the life of a devout Muslim family should read this book. This book gives insight into a world that is entirely closed off from those who do not come from a Muslim background and equips readers to speak the gospel truth to Muslims with greater understanding of where they come from. Furthermore, this book is for every Muslim who is steeped in Islam and wishes to understand what Christianity is. May the Lord use this book to draw more and more to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.