Naeem Fazal - Ex-Muslim: How One Daring Prayer to Jesus Changed a Life Forever

PRAISE FOR NAEEM FAZAL AND Ex-Muslim

Every chapter explodes with pure awesomeness. You will laugh. You will cry. And you will love Jesus more. I promise.

DERWIN L. GRAY, LEAD PASTOR, TRANSFORMATION

CHURCH; AUTHOR, LimitlessLifes

Naeems story is really a story of Gods passionate and relentless pursuit of people. Reading it will remind you that God is in your story, in your life, drawing you closer to him.

MARK BATTERSON, LEAD PASTOR, NATIONAL COMMUNITY

CHURCH; New York Times BESTSELLING AUTHOR, The Circle Maker

Every page of Naeems story is a reminder thatno matter whats going on in your lifeyou can discover and sustain a hope that transcends your current circumstances.

PETE WILSON, LEAD PASTOR, CROSS POINT

CHURCH; AUTHOR, PlanB AND LetHopeIn

My friend Naeem is a trophy of Gods grace. In this book, youll experience his remarkable story in a way that will illuminate the path of your spiritual journey as well.

STEVEN FURTICK, LEAD PASTOR, ELEVATION CHURCH;

NewYorkTimes BESTSELLING AUTHOR, SunStandStill

Ridiculously funny, witty, and certain to keep your attention. Naeems story is mind blowing, a real testimony to the power of God redeeming a new generation.

PETER HAAS, LEAD PASTOR, SUBSTANCE

CHURCH; AUTHOR, Pharisectomy

With crosscultural candor, unexpected humor, and his passionate love for Jesus, Naeem Fazal shares an inspiring epic adventure of faith in Ex-Muslim. His perspective not only provides insight into the Islamic culture, but also reveals the power of the Gospel to transcend any barrier, label, or expectation.

CHRIS HODGES, SENIOR PASTOR, CHURCH OF

THE HIGHLANDS; AUTHOR, FreshAir

Dont let Ex-Muslim fool you into thinking its just a personal story. It is beyond rich and layered in a much larger and deeper messageone the church so badly needs to hear.

ROBYN AFRIK, SPEAKER, AUTHOR, AND CEO OF AFRIK ADVANTAGE

Ex-Muslim will encourage you to rethink whether your relationship with God is cultural and performance-based, or is based on embracing the grace and kindness of God.

RICK BEZET, FOUNDER AND LEAD PASTOR, NEW LIFE

CHURCH IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS; AUTHOR, BE REAL

Naeems redemptive story is proof that God can do anything in our lives. No matter where we have been or our current circumstances, God can use us to make a difference in our world. This is a must-read!

CASEY GRAHAM, FOUNDER, THE ROCKET COMPANY

Naeem Fazal is one of the most dynamic, Christ-centered, voices of his generation; and after reading Ex-Muslim, youll know why.

DR. MARK DEYMAZ, FOUNDING PASTOR, MOSAIC

CHURCH OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS; AUTHOR,

BuildingaHealthyMulti-ethnic Church

Naeems life illustrates the strength and faithfulness of God and his story reflects Gods love and mercy.

PASTOR MICHAEL MORRIS (MOOSE), SEACOAST CHURCH

Naeems modern-day encounter with Jesus is like reading about the apostle Pauls run-in with Jesus over two thousand years ago. Youll be captivated from the first page.

KATHY HELOU, EXECUTIVE NATIONAL SALES

DIRECTOR, MARY KAY COSMETICS

The first time I heard Naeem tell his story, it startled me and spurred me on to greater faith in Jesus. Ex-Muslim will give you a loving push to let God do more than you could ask or imagine in your daily life.

JESSIE CONNOLLY, FOUNDER, NAPTIMEDIARIES.

COM; COFOUNDER, THE INFLUENCE NETWORK

This story will ignite passion, fervor, and exuberance with expectancy.

DR. SATISH RAIBORDE, INTERNATIONAL FAMILY CHURCH

2014 by Naeem Fazal

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All Scripture references, unless otherwise noted, are from THE ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION. 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Scripture references marked HCSB are from the HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE. 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Broadman and Holman Publishers. All rights reserved. Scripture references marked MSG are from TheMessage by Eugene H. Peterson. 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Scripture references marked NIRV are from Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL READERS VERSION. Copyright 1996, 1998 Biblica. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of Biblica. Scripture references marked NIV are from HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Scripture references marked NLT are from HolyBible, New Living Translation. 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. Scripture references marked NASB are from New America Standard Bible. The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Used by permission.

ISBN-13: 978-1-40020-6-087 (eBook)

The Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Datais on file with the Library of Congress.

ISBN-13: 978-1-40020-6-070

PrintedintheUnitedStatesofAmerica

14 15 16 17 18 RRD 6 5 4 3 2 1

To my parents, Balques Akhtar andMohammed Fazal Rahim Ali.

Thank you for courageously allowing me tobecome the person I was created to be.

CONTENTS

SOMETIMES I WISH I WASNT an Ex-Muslim. I love Muslims. I love their hospitality, their culture, and their authenticity. It saddens me that following Jesus sometimes creates distance between me and the people I feel closest to. I wish I could tell them that being Ex-Muslim in no way makes me Anti-Muslim. I simply met Jesus, and now I cannot deny him.

IVE HAD THE GREAT PRIVILEGE of knowing Naeem Fazal for nearly a decade. We have journeyed together on a great quest and through it have shared life and friendship together. I love Naeem as a brother and celebrate that his life has been transformed by the undeniable hand of God on his life.

Those of us at Mosaic in Los Angeles felt honored when Naeem asked to partner with us and launched a Mosaic in Charlotte. We were inspired by his story and knew that his was a story that would help many find their way to the God of the Scriptures.

Over the years I have had the opportunity to travel into, and share life with, the people of Pakistan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Turkey. I have loved the Middle East and have found kindred spirits everywhere I have gone. From each of these countries I have met Muslims who are gracious, kind, hospitable, and on sincere journeys of faith. There is much that we share together. There is great truth between us. The conflict of the Middle East is a tragic conflict among brothers. I am convinced Naeems story is a way toward peace. It is the way of Jesus that can bring healing to a troubled land.