With autobiographical authority and generous transparency, Abu Atallah and Kent A. Van Til co-author a narrative that compellingly invites Christ-followers to participate in the wonders God is working in the hearts of Muslims most everywhere.

From Cairo to Christ: How One Muslim’s Faith Journey Shows the Way for Others bridges cross-cultural and faith-based divides to convincingly establish the reachability of Muslims and the opportunities God gives Christ-followers to take them the good news of the gospel.

Abu Atallah’s personal story represents the paths untold numbers of Muslims walk on their journey to Jesus. Atallah begins his story in his home city of Cairo as the son of prosperous, conservative Muslims. His personal reflections upon family, friends and social context relate both positive and negative ways the religion of Islam impacted Atallah's life.

The reader quickly becomes aware of the many familial and communal dynamics arising from Islamic belief and practice, which this book’s authors introduce relevantly through story.

Atallah and Van Til insightfully identify the culture’s protagonist role in Islam’s overarching system, while carefully establishing that although culture often substantiates Islamic belief and practice, culture can be mistaken for Islamic belief. This insight is important for the Christian reader because in relationship with Muslims, it is vital to know the value they place on Islamic orthodox belief — and sometimes, even more so, how cultural values impact the Muslim’s faith practice and lifestyle.   

Abu Atallah shares his conversion experience early in the book. His personal friendships highlight the importance of Christian outreach, since relationships with true Christ-followers helped initiate Atallah's salvation.

Abu Atallah’s personal story represents the paths untold numbers of Muslims walk on their journey to Jesus.

What compellingly speaks into the context of Atallah's testimony is the considerable personal risk his Egyptian Christian friends took to lead him into Christ’s love. They are powerful examples to the Western reader who may befriend Muslims in settings that are not fraught with such dangers.

It makes one think: If these Christians can have a relationship that makes a disciple of Christ in a Cairo-type setting, what keeps me from establishing an evangelistic relationship with a Muslim in my context of religious liberty?

Atallah then shares the complexities of living his Christian faith amidst opposition and hostility. His conversion brought shame upon Atallah's family; it elicited threats from community members who could not understand his decision to follow Jesus. Atallah found solace among the Christian friends who faithfully stood with him through grievous suffering, and the church became his new community.

Atallah’s narrative kindly helps Christ-followers understand what it takes to enfold a former Muslim into the body of Christ. A Muslim’s conversion creates great tensions, but the Church can stand ready to receive and disciple Muslim converts into thriving, fruitful relationship with Jesus.

From Cairo to Christ also addresses the challenges and misunderstandings Muslims face when they immigrate to Europe and the United States. The authors cover caveats that inform the complicated nature of ministry to Muslims in restricted contexts as well as free ones.

Although some readers may take issue with the authors’ reflections on the State of Israel, the primary intent — which is to inspire, inform and compel Christians toward evangelistic outreach to Muslims — is certainly accomplished.

The call is clear that Muslim women and men are placing their faith in Christ as never before in the history of the Church and Islam. They are accepting Christ in hostile contexts, as well as free ones, but the opportunities God gives the free-world Church to share the truth Muslims seek are certainly unprecedented.

From Cairo to Christ inspires, informs and compels readers for the great privilege of relating Jesus to Muslims — in loving, living proclamation — wherever they are.

Book Reviewed

Abu Atallah and Kent A. Van Til, From Cairo to Christ: How One Muslim’s Faith Journey Shows the Way for Others (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2017).