I'm a Christian believer, and open to the idea of the miraculous. There is something about the book that seems as if what were underlying truths and events have been embellished or romanticized. They didn't need to be. A less dramatized telling would seem more authentic and be more thrilling--a life transformed, a new life dedicated to good work, to peace in the name of Christ. Some of the claims are frankly hard to take at face-value, and all of those are beyond the reach of any kind of validation. At one point he seems to describe the Trinity in modalist terms. Some of his exegesis might be a bit of a stretch, but worthy of discussion. ( )

A wonderful true story by a former Muslim terrorist who became a Christian, about his life and his self-described journey from hate to love.

The author's heart for reconciliation between Muslims, Jews, and Christians in and beyond the Middle East is very evident, and his wisdom, insight, and unique perspective are informative and enlightening. The author has a very gripping and engaging life story - both his exploits as a young Palestinian Fatah fighter who was close to Yasser Arafat, and the miraculous events of his conversion and reconciliation with his family. Themes of grace, redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation are greatly displayed throughout, and the book made me cry at least once, which is rare for me in books.

I definitely recommend this book along with several other amazing autobiographies I've read about similar conversions. 4.5 stars.

Content warning: This book contains violence, blood, and descriptions of battle and killing. It's not gratuitous or overly detailed, but it's realistic, vivid, and recounts real events, and it may bother some readers. ( )

Good salvation testimony- but the title and cover is perhaps a little deceptive, as the subject left the Middle East at an early age, and only the first few chapters actually spoke of his life 'As an Arafat man' ( )

On the face of it this seems to be a miraculous story of redemption--a Muslim Palestinian refuge Fatah fighter becomes a Christian and his life is dramatically changed. Well that is what happens and his conversion seems genuine, proven by the test of time.

However, I was disturbed by the details of the many murders he committed and the fact that he didn't face justice (prison) for them. I realise it was a war situation but some of these people were shot in cold blood. The Bible offers forgiveness through Jesus but I believe there are still earthly consequences for our actions and that he should at least have made attempts to face the punishment for his crimes by owning up to them specifically. The author apologises to his Jewish brothers after he is saved but are words enough in this situation?

The author seems to be very much led by subjective experiences. His conversion itself seems a little strange. He is with his rich Christian friend who begins reading from the first chapter of John. He is then lifted into the air by an invisible force and thrown onto his knees. This is the apparent moment of conversion. He cries out to God to forgive Him suddenly realising that Jesus is God. God does draw us to Him but would He force someone onto their knees resulting in them being confused about what has happened afterwards? Conversion is a work of grace in the heart not an act of violence.

From that moment on he follows what he believes is the Spirit but which results in some seemingly reckless decisions. He believes God is telling him to finance a project the result of which will work in his favour. But he later determines that he is instead to counter-sign the purchase of a property on behalf of someone else, basically standing as surety. He then sets off in a van on an individual crusade to warn people of the dangers of Islam leaving his wife for lengthy periods without company. This having been repeatedly unfaithful to her prior to his conversion to Christianity. He references visions that are apparently sent by God at various points along the way to guide him. But what about the Bible, that should be our main point of reference for guidance.....He also documents the visions and dreams of a number of his Muslim brothers who have actually seen Jesus in their dreams. He suggests that God has to work in that way in areas where the Bible is banned.

I am concerned as well that he twists Scripture in relation to events in the Middle East concerning the ongoing Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I am not going to get into an theological debate (I hope) about this matter. Suffice it to say that Ishmael was the product of a sinful union between Hagar and Abraham. God was gracious and determined to have compassion on Hagar and to bless Ishmael. But Ishmael was blessed and not chosen. Isaac was the chosen son that fulfilled God's plan and purpose for the future of Israel. The author even goes as far to suggest that the Bible should read Abraham, Ishmael and Jacob instead of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He believes that God's plan was still for Ishmael as the first born son to receive as much of the blessing as Isaac. It is easy to see why the author has allowed himself to interpret things in this way but we cannot just change Scripture to make it more in line with our own desires.

He astonishingly claims towards the end of the book that not only did he know Yasser Arafat from a young age but that he had meetings with him after he had converted. He claims that he shared the Gospel with Arafat and that the aged leader had tears in his eyes. But maybe he goes a step too far by claiming that Arafat was converted to Christianity prior to his death after praying the "Sinner's Prayer" with an Evangelical Pastor. The author implies that it was his initial intervention that set up the opportunity for this prayer....Google suggests that RT Kendall was the Pastor. Despite these suggestions Arafat in his will asked to be buried near to a mosque, not you might think the actions of a newly converted Christian, but God alone knows the heart. I have already documented my concerns about the 'Sinner's Prayer' in a blog so I will spare you the details but this is another example of the dangers and false assurance it can offer.

The author rightly claims that the only peace for the Middle East is found in Jesus. But he seems to believe that he has the answer to the problems in the Middle East and that this peace can be achieved prior to Jesus' return.

Once again I'm surprised by the many 5 star reviews. Whilst I'm sure his conversion was in the end genuine, I find some of the content concerning and would hope for discernment to be exercised when reading this book. ( )

Powerful account of a life transformed by Jesus Christ!