On my trip to Costa Rica a few weeks ago I read a fascinating book that was recommended to me by my friend Eric. Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi gives some fascinating insights into what it is like to be raised as a devout Muslim. But the story doesn’t stop there…as Nabeel Qureshi tells his story he tells it with the heart of a seeker…not someone who is trying to bash people or be beligerent…but someone who is honestly searching for more than truth…for relationship with the one true God of the universe. As Nabeel searches he starts out as a staunch defender of Islam. He knows what he believes and he is on a mission to defend his faith. The more he defends the more holes he finds. The more holes he finds, the more questions he asks, counsel he seeks and study he does. After finding contradictions and holes in Islam he questions whether or not he has the right conception of God and of Jesus Christ. So he seeks harder. God begins to reveal things to him in various ways that bring confirmation that Jesus is the way, truth and life. It is hard for him to accept. The repurcussions of conversion are potentially devastating but he has to know the truth and he has to know that he is following God no matter where that takes him.
The book is a fascinating read. It is inspiring to read about someone who takes faith so seriously. It really made me want to take my faith more seriously and have a greater appreciation for both my faith and for the God who has made all of that possible through Jesus Christ. With all that is going on in the world and as much as Islam is in the news, this is a must read book.
