Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi Summary

Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus is a memoir by Nabeel Qureshi chronicling his journey from devout Islamic faith to Christianity. The book explores his internal struggle between preserving family ties and embracing historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection, interwoven with theological debates, friendships, and supernatural visions that ultimately led to his conversion.

This book is ideal for Christians seeking to understand Islam, Muslims curious about Christianity, and anyone interested in interfaith dialogue. It also appeals to readers of apologetics, personal conversion narratives, or those navigating cultural and religious identity conflicts.

Yes, it won dual 2015 Christian Book Awards for "Best New Author" and "Best Nonfiction," blending rigorous scholarship with emotional storytelling. The expanded edition includes reflections on Qureshi’s cancer journey, debates about Islamic theology, and practical insights for faith discussions.

Qureshi highlights historical critiques of the Quran’s preservation, contradictions in Islamic traditions about Muhammad, and the reliability of New Testament accounts about Jesus’ divinity and resurrection. His friendship with a Christian debater (David Wood) and visions of Jesus also played pivotal roles.

The book examines core Islamic beliefs, such as the Quran’s perfection and Muhammad’s prophethood, contrasting them with Christian teachings. Qureshi critiques the chain of transmission (isnad) of Hadiths and argues that early Christian creeds predate Islam, undermining claims of textual corruption.

Qureshi describes three visions: a man in white affirming Jesus’ resurrection, a direct encounter with Jesus, and a final dream where he chooses to “walk the jihad” of Christianity. These experiences, interpreted as divine guidance, resolved his spiritual turmoil.

While Seeking Allah focuses on Qureshi’s personal journey, Answering Jihad analyzes Islamic terrorism’s theological roots. Both books aim to bridge Muslim-Christian understanding but differ in scope—one autobiographical, the other socio-political.

Some Muslim scholars argue Qureshi misrepresents Islamic teachings, particularly his critique of Hadith reliability and Muhammad’s character. Others note his Ahmadi Muslim upbringing (considered heretical by mainstream Muslims) may skew his portrayal of Islam.

His parents, deeply committed to Islam, initially responded with grief and disbelief. The book details their emotional confrontations and Qureshi’s struggle to reconcile his faith with familial loyalty, a tension many converts navigate.

The title reflects Qureshi’s dual quest: “seeking Allah” as a devout Muslim and “finding Jesus” through intellectual and spiritual exploration. It underscores his conclusion that truth transcends cultural heritage.

His training in empirical analysis at Eastern Virginia Medical School shapes his methodical examination of religious claims. He applies diagnostic rigor to evaluate historical evidence for Islam and Christianity.

Before dying of cancer at 34, Qureshi became a leading voice in Christian apologetics, debating at top universities and authoring bestsellers. His work continues inspiring interfaith dialogue and equipping believers to engage Muslim communities.