I Dared to Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh (1-Apr-2003) Paperback

by Richard Schneider

How do I give myself to God completely? What happens when I do? I Dared to Call Him Father is a book for everyone who has ever asked these questions.It is the fascinating true story of Bilquis Sheikh, a prominent Muslim woman in South Asia who faced these questions at the crossroads of her life -- and found the astonishing answers. Her entire life turned upside down as a series of strange dreams launched her on a quest that would forever consume her heart, mind and soul.This 25th anniversary edition contains a new afterword by a Western friend of Bilquis and a new appendix on how the East enriches the West.

Genres: Christian, Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Faith, Islam, Biography Memoir

Paperback

First published November 30, 1977

Reviews

[R.J. Rodda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an encouragement this book is! It is the true story of a wealthy highborn Muslim lady who is living in seclusion from the world. It would seem impossible for her to find Christ, but she does, showing that God can reach anyone! I also love her whole-hearted determination to follow Christ and remain in His presence whatever the personal cost. Her desire to share the gospel in hostile circumstances is truly inspiring but also her willingness to sacrifice her comfort and convenience. She chooses to defy her family but show love to them and those of a lower caste than herself. Her focus on pleasing Christ makes her an example to all.

[Lulufrances · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful testimony really ignites and inspires faith.
God is awe-inspiring in what ways He works!

(Also loved the glimpses into Eastern culture!)

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was an easy, quick read, for me, though I didn't expect it to be. The writing flowed well and I couldn't stop turning the next page.

There were so many small things, all throughout, that made me laugh or grin! Like little pockets of sunshine breaking through an overcast sky.

I learned things! About Islamic culture, but also other things. Her absolute trust in Jesus/God was beautiful and inspiring, even knowing that she could lose absolutely everything for following Him- her grandson, family, home, garden, friends, life, honour -and knew of others who did. Knowing it would cut her family's hearts. But she kept on, refusing to give in to fear, refusing to do anything that may take honour away from God- and rectifying it when she failed.

Recommended!

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Bilquis Sheikh's story. I wish there was more.
Her encounter with Jesus and the development of her faith was beyond inspiring to me.
I want this kind of life of faith.
I am inspired to pursue the Lord like Bilquis did. Hallelujah!

[Rachel N · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful and first-hand account of one woman's conversion from Islam to Christianity. The author is very open about the process of her transformation, and the sacrifices she was required to make as a Pakistani woman of a prestigious family. Even though the writing is elementary and slow at times, it is a short read that will open your eyes to the COST required of a woman of the East who chooses to follow Jesus. It also demonstrates the impact Western missionaries can have in Islamic countries, as the author credits two Western couples living in Pakistan with leading her and teaching her about Christ.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the memoir of a lady from Pakistan who fell in love with Jesus.

This book is beautifully written -- a pleasure to read. It is an excellent example of how God pursues his children in love. As a friend of mine says, “God is a gentle man. He will never force himself in where he is not wanted.” This book demonstrates that clearly, and shows how God reaches out to each of us in a tender way.

Favorite quotes:
“Whenever I did not feel His nearness, I knew that I had grieved Him. I would search backwards until I spotted the time when I last knew His Presence. Then I would review every act, every word or thought until I discovered where I had gone astray.”

“The results are not your problem. All you have to worry about is obedience. Seek My Presence, not results.”

The only negative about this book: The author seems to ascribe to the theory of modalism, in regard to the Trinity.

I was a little irritated at the book cover. The book was given the "veiled Islamic girl" treatment.

[Sarah Vigue · Rating 4 out of 5]

So hope filling and easy to read

[Mark Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading autobiographies about conversions so that I can understand other religions (In this case Islam.); and I enjoy reading about the moments and decisions that lead to conversion. Bilquis experienced some spiritual oppression. This negative experience led her to the Koran and eventually the Bible. She began to read the Koran and Bible side-by-side. She had a dream about John the Baptist and perfume. She had never read about John the Baptist, yet the name was vivid and clear in her mind. I have read several books sharing the testimonies of converted Muslims. Many of the stories are the same, they experience dreams and visions. This is the earliest account that I have read; Bilquis had her dreams in 1966. Over time she became more persuaded by the Bible. Eventually she spoke with a Western missionary who shared the Gospel and prayed with her. She left without becoming a Christian. Soon later, while reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit led her to conversion. He used Revelation 3:20.

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

Bilquis shares the struggles she faced as a young Christian. She shares the abandonment she felt when her family rejected her. But, she also shares about the friendships and relationships she gained when she became a Christian. I felt convicted as I read about her sensitivity to sin, the Holy Spirit, and His leading. Her friend Synnove Mitchell writes about Bilquis, “She was concerned not only to give her visitors truths about God, but to bring them into the presence of Jesus, the Truth.” P. 185 It is clear to me, Bilquis only wanted to be in continual fellowship with God, and constantly in His presence. I cannot find the words to describe how impressed I am with her testimony. She was so sorry and repentent about her sin: selfishness, pride, arrogance, and unwillingness to forgive. Such sorrow over sin has become rare. Rare in my life.

I am inspired. I nearly made it through the book without crying. I was fine till Synnove shared facts about the funeral, specifically how they sang Bilquis’ favorite hymns. As I read I was particularly moved by the lyrics of one,

I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing men of sin, revealing Jesus through the Word, creating faith in Him. But I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed uno Him against that day. “I Know Whom I have Believed”

I have sung this song many times without crying, but not today.

I Dared to Call Him Father includes an Epilogue and two appendixes written by Bilquis’ friend Synnove Mitchell. In the first appendix Synnove explains how she first met Bilquis. In the second, she compares and contrasts the culture and attitude of the East with the West. It was interesting to read Synnove’s testimony. She felt spiritually desperate, out of touch with God, and was ready to leave India. She prayed and asked God to revive her passion. Bilquis, unannounced and unexpectedly arrived at Synnove’s door. Both ladies were an answer to the other’s prayer.

You may wonder about the title. When faced with the challenge of knowing which book to follow, the Quran or the Bible, Bilquis asked God “Which one is your book?” She writes, “Then a remarkable thing happened. Nothing like it had ever occurred in my life in quite this way. For I heard a voice inside my being, a voice that spoke to me as clearly as if I was repeating words in my inner mind. they were fresh, full of kindness, yet at the same time full of authority.” P. 49

"In which book do you meet me as your Father?" P. 49

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

God is mighty to save! This book is the amazing story of Bilquis, a Muslim high class Pakistani woman who met the Lord and whose life was transformed step by step. Much of what she learned at her early conversion years were from direct bible study and the dynamics of the presence of God around her. She feels this Presence go away when she does something wrong, then she backtracks on her actions, asks for forgiveness and then the Presence is restored.
She had some missionary families though that helped her navigate through some of her Christian experiences. Oh how grateful we should be for missionaries who have committed their lives to serving the lord in very hostile places! Eternity holds a bountiful rewards for every of their efforts.
I learned from this book that we should not be so focused on the results and feedback we get while we are serving the lord. Rather we should be focused on obeying God whether we get feedbacks or not.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 3 out of 5]

The moment when the author first "dared to call Him Father" was particularly moving. She and I have mirror image experiences of God's fatherhood. She grew up with a very loving and close relationship with her father, but approaching God as Father was an alien concept to her. I grew up calling God Father, but having a loving and close relationship with a father continues to be a barely more than abstract concept to me. Either way is challenging and requires His particular kindness to overcome.

But the rest of the book didn't particularly grab me. There was a bit too much touchy-feely woowoo stuff for my taste. But I'm hesitant to dismiss it simply on that account. Her approach to spiritual things might not have been theologically on the mark, but her obedience and fruitfulness make it clear that God honored her faith, so I've got no business dishonoring it.

I will, however, not hesitate to dishonor the dishonest cover design. The author was Pakistani, not Middle Eastern, so the behijabed Arab cover model is just a marketing ploy to attract readers in an era when the Middle East is a perpetually hot news item.

The reader was good, if a little overly dramatic in places. "O Lord" does not always need to be enounced as a passionate cry. Sometimes it's just an ordinary vocative address.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a fascinating read. In telling her story of conversion from Islam to Christianity, Sheikh reveals what it is to give everything - family, friends, wealth, reputation, and personal safety - to Jesus. Her descriptions of her joy and progress in the Christian faith are encouraging and inspiring. Oh, that all Christians (myself included) might share this woman’s commitment to Christ and to seeking his presence in their lives.

[Khari · Rating 3 out of 5]

What did I think of this book? Well, what I learned was that for all that I grew up in a non-Western culture, and still live in a non-Western culture, I'm extremely Western.

Let me explain.

I know that the supernatural is real. I've seen its effects. I've seen lives be shattered by shamans where there is no natural explanation for what happened. I've heard first hand accounts from people I have no reason to doubt of strange things happening in a way that is far too regular, far too prolonged, and occurred far too simultaneously with a triggering event to be merely coincidental. And yet, and yet, I still tend to hem and haw and try to find a logical explanation for it.

It's odd, isn't it? I have no problem with saying that God orchestrates things to happen in a certain way. I can look back on my life and see times that I have been directed to go somewhere to do something in order to bring about some convoluted plan that I never noticed or thought possible beforehand and yet everything fell perfectly into place as soon as I was there. And yet, and yet. I struggled with this book, because it seemed like Bilquis knew when God was directing her steps. It wasn't looking back and seeing an invisible hand moving you about, it was dreaming, looking at the present, and then moving into just the right place for a future event.

My logical soul rebels.

This might surprise you, after all, I believe in an omniscient, omnipresent, all powerful, invisible (unless he wants to be seen), spiritual (unless he wants to be physical) being. How come I have zero trouble believing in that, and such trouble believing that he might choose to use dreams to direct some people? It is indeed a conundrum.

It shouldn't be. The book that I hold to be true, the Bible, delineates times in both the New and Old Testament, where God communicated with people through dreams. It even says that in the future people will dream dreams and have prophecies. No problem with a distant future, but surely not now. Surely God doesn't move in this way now. And so, a conundrum. Why does this idea make me so uneasy? Probably because it can be abused so very easily and has been abused so very many times. I am wary of the idea that I should be guided by dreams, because how do I know if they are from God or from my own subconscious? I know the state of my own inner self, I don't want to follow anything thrown out by it, I would probably end up a blood-soaked tyrant. But, I suppose there is a pattern to follow here in this book, even if the dreams in it make me uncomfortable, because Bilquis didn't just accept the dreams, she questioned them, and she went in search of their meanings and found those meanings in the Bible. She wasn't adding to revelation, or putting her dreams above the word, they were a stepping off point.

And, after all, who am I to tell God how it is that he can reach people? Seems slightly arrogant of me to say 'thus and thus shall you reveal yourself and no other way.' And yet, even that can be taken too far, because neither is it true that all roads lead to God. I guess that's the reason I'm uncomfortable, there's no one size fits all hermeneutic for me to follow and judge if this particular person is right or not, I have to, gasp, evaluate each as an individual case.

I suppose that's the lesson God's trying to teach me through reading and struggling with this book, it's not by how someone comes to know the Lord that I am to judge whether or not they truly know him. It's by how they live their lives, the fruit of their actions. If someone is talking about their dreams leading them to Christ and praising God for those dreams and glorifying their creator about it constantly, probably a better chance that those dreams were real. If someone is constantly talking about their dreams and how awesome they are because they had those dreams, and not drawing the attention back to the giver of the dreams, probably not so much of a chance. At last, a guiding hermeneutic. It probably shouldn't have taken me that long to come up with one.

I also wonder if one of the reasons that Bilquis' walk with God is so different from my own is that we grew up in such a completely different world. I've swum in the waters of Christian thought since I was in the womb, you learn a lot simply by osmosis and hearing others talk about it, let alone the work you actually put into it by reading the Bible and, ha, books like this. But Bilquis didn't have any of that. In fact she had 60 odd years of being taught things directly opposed to the word. My conscience has been trained and molded to fire up with guilt upon mere contemplation of tongue lashing someone, but she grew up in a world where it's expected that you use your tongue to cow those who are of a lower social strata than yourself. Not only that, but she didn't have anyone around her who had walked the walk longer than she had to guide her through it, she had to figure it out on her own. Is it any wonder that God stepped in to give her a little help? Putting myself in her shoes makes me see how very overwhelming and surprising it would be to have to question everything you've ever been taught and thought was right.

I should put myself in her shoes more often. Just because I've been in the Christian milieu for my whole life doesn't mean I'm right about everything. I'm sure God has some pointed messages for me as well.

Actually, one of those pithy messages was contained in this book. I learned something from Bilquis. I learned that I am not responsible for the results of my words. By this I don't mean that the consequences of my words are not mine to bear, what I mean is that I am not the one responsible for bringing about a change in the heart of the person I am talking to. I am a very results driven person. I love data, I love tracking things, I like seeing actions pile up on top of actions to lead to desirable results, and it can be very discouraging for me to spend 8 years talking about God to someone and they aren't convinced. Or to spend 10 years praying for someone and nothing happens. It's enough to make you want to give up, but that's a faulty view, because that's viewing myself as the instrument of change. I'm not the one who changes someone's heart, that's God's job, my job is just to speak truth...even if it's meandering or full of my own struggles.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting, even challenging, read and makes for a fascinating addition to books like Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World?. Sheikh's experience is certainly not one I have heard from many Western Christians, and I admit that to some hesitation in embracing the theology in this book. It did, however, feel much more genuine than The Heavenly Man: The Remarkable True Story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun.

My overall takeaway is that this was short, well-written read that reminded me of how Jesus appeals to vulnerable of all cultures and nations.

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time, and recently, I was able to get it as an audiobook and listened to it while on a trip. What a fascinating story—but also a great reminder of Who God is and what He has done for us!

I think the biggest thing that struck me about this story was what an intimate relationship God wants to have with us. Of course, the way it looks changes from person to person, but I loved seeing how He dealt with Bilquis to draw her closer to Himself. She was very sensitive to His leading, and I think that may have saved her a lot of grief in the long run.

As far as the setting goes, I didn’t feel like I got to know Pakistan very well through this, although it’s obviously a beloved country to Bilquis. Due to the way she lived, almost as a hermit, that wasn’t such a big part of the story. At the same time, I think her lifestyle may have protected her to some extent, too, so there aren’t such violent things in her story as we may hear from other Christians in that country.

This wasn’t the most fascinating book I’ve ever read, but I’m glad I was able to take the time for it. It’s refreshing to hear other Christian’s stories, and I came away blessed by this read. Recommended!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Our amazing God

This book reminded me that God seeks the lost in ways that are often quite different than what we as westerners are use to hearing of. I remember seeing and hearing of His mysterious ways while living in Africa many years ago. This book reminds me that God wants everyone to know him as Father and has given His all that we may know him intimately. This book challenges me and creates a hunger in me to truly walk so close to Him that I know when I have taken even the slightest step away. Only by His Holy Spirit working in me can this be. I will need to open this book often in the coming months. It is so refreshing and challenging.

[Karenm · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, as I finished the book, I felt jealous. To be able to say that you feel the 'glory of God' on a regular basis...to be that sensitive to His spirit. I want that.

Look at all she gave up and was willing to give up. We Americans sure do have it easy. And perhaps with our easy faith, we miss something. Or we must really actively seek that something.


So instead of this book being 'eye opening' about Muslim culture, which the understanding of has become my personal goal, it became convicting of my own complacency.

[M.K. Laffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly fascinating, well-written, capturing story. This book instantly drew me in with it’s suspenseful plot and personable writing style, successfully holding my attention throughout the entire story. Many lessons were learned, hearts changed, and on the reader’s end I was given a greater appreciation of what it means to truly follow God.

[Kathy Fellure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I couldn't put it down and read it in one sitting.
So deeply moving and just as convicting. Highly recommend and not just for book club.
Willing to loan out my copy but suggest you order one for yourself to keep on your book shelf and/or pass on...

[Ashley Harp · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a conservative Christian, the story seems a little fake to me. I understand that Christ can work in all the ways she talked about, but for her feelings of Him being or not being with her to dictate her faith, raised some caution in my mind. I'm not saying it didn't happen or can't happen with others. It just read more like a fictional story than nonfiction.

[Claire Syers · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was simple, easy to read and left you with an utmost respect for the author and the things she has endured. Not particularly gripping, but this book gave a greater understanding of the difficulties faced by Christian's in Muslim countries, particularly when they are converts, and the severe persecution involved.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the story of a high-born middle-aged Pakistani Muslim woman who converted from Islam to Christianity in 1966. The story describes how she came to convert to Christianity and the consequences to herself and her extended Muslim family over the next six years.

The book provided a fascinating look into what life was like for Christians in Pakistan in 1966 to 1972. Pakistan is an Islam nation, but apparently the culture was fairly moderate until a change occurred in the government in 1976. Still, at the time Bilquis Sheikh converted, Christianity was for the poor who wanted food and clothing from the missionaries, not for the rich.

The book started with a series of startling supernatural things that happened to her that led her to start deeply studying the Koran and, later, the Bible. Then she took her grandson to a hospital, and a nun suggested she pray to God as her father. The idea was a shocking one, but she tried it...and got a response. She then asked God which holy book was the true one, and He responded by asking her which one referred to Him as father. After careful consideration of how converting to Christianity would affect her life and that of her extended family and after sneaking over to ask questions of two Christian missionaries, she becomes a Christian. When the news becomes public, her life was threatened and her own family shunned her. She also struggled with how to constantly stay in the presence of God.

Overall, the book was a well-written, engrossing, and powerful story. The author was very open about her faults and struggles, both before and after her conversion. I'd very highly recommend it to all Christians.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a true miracle. A wealthy muslim woman living in Pakistan is converted into a Christian through a series of exciting and unknown experiences. The Lord, Jesus Christ, taught her His way by using the Bible, revealing Himself in dreams, and putting other people into her life to get through to her. It's amazing to think that in a world so dangerous for her to be a practicing Christian, she still had the strength and courage to stand up for her faith, and to continue to walk in it. Making that choice was difficult though, she found herself being frightened from time to time, not only about the Muslims who were strongly against this conversion, but of her Muslim family who also looked down upon it and separated themselves from her. She however, chose to trust God instead of living in fear, and she sets a great example of following Jesus, even when the toughest of times seems to be demanding otherwise.
My favorite quality about this woman, is the fact that she was so sensitive to God's presence, and to not grieving Him. She learned that when she spoke roughly to her servants, told a "white" lie, or began to trust in man's methods and doubt God's protection, His presence would seem to fade. Whereas, when she trusted fully in the Lord, told the truth, and was kind to others, His presence was more powerful and softly there. She made God her company, she loved Him even when a cruel reality tried to force her to turn away... She made God her refuge. She is a remarkable woman, and this book is a story well worth reading.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The autobiography of a Pakistani woman who came to know Christ, with the consequence of losing all her Muslim family relationships, being ostracized in her home town, and having eventually to leave her country. Fascinating on many levels, especially how visions played a large part in her salvation, and how having a close, very intimate relationship with her Lord was the key to her growth and usefulness. Highly recommended!

[Sarah Groth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! So inspiring and convicting and just good! Read it!!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of a Muslim woman from Pakistan who falls in love with Jesus and becomes a Christian. It’s a beautiful testimony! She shares the Gospel with others even though it puts her at risk. She knows the Bible, and spent many hours comparing it to the Quran. Chapter 17 is written by a friend of hers from the USA which I found most interesting. This book brought tears to my eyes more than once. Her faith was unwavering and the reminder of thevway God works in our lives was inspiring.

[Sarah Chappell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have quite mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand it is an amazing story of a lady’s faith and conviction but on the other hand it is quite confusing. Especially the continual repetition of her “losing God’s presence” when she did something that disobeyed His will.
However through her testimony I have been encouraged to pray more to God (my father) about daily decisions, joys and struggles, so would recommend the book in this sense.

[Justin Tyme · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time connecting to Bilquis at the beginning because of her condescending attitude towards her servants, but her condescension came from her position as an aristocrat. I also started to question if the story was real because she used "Christianese" terms that a Pakistani wouldn't, but then I realized (1) that this book was written after she had for years recounted her story before churches and (2) that she had written this book to Christians. The best thing about this story was how she learned to listen to God's voice.

I got more out of a similar book: Nabeel Qureshi's Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity

[Dee Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible.com 6 hours and 20 min. Narrated by Lorne Raver (A)

In the late 1960' a Pakistani Muslim woman, well-educated and from a prominent family, finds herself divorced and lonely living back in her ancestral home and looking for answers. Through a series of dreams she starts to seek the meanings behind the dreams, and obtains a Bible after her search of the Koran fails to satify their meaning. Almost immediately the words of the Bible sheds light on answers she's seeking. This book tells the unusual story of how God calls one from darkness to light and brings His powerful redemption though the prophet Jesus, God's Son and Savior.. it is easy for Westerners to dismiss this woman's story because we have limited the way God works. God can achieve His plans to bring one of His children from darkness to light in any way He chooses. This is a powerful story of a woman's determination to live in the a close daily walk with her new Lord.

[cloudyskye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite amazing. True stories of Muslims finding Jesus always make me happy. And there is so much to learn from this one. Above all else, how to stay in God's presence at all times through childlike faith and obedience. There is also a good explanation of the differences between Eastern and Western thinking added by Bilquis's friend, a Norwegian missionary lady. 5 stars, no question.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great testimony! Amazing! I couldn't put it down! Enjoyed it! Very Encouraging. I have come to realize that When God works in you and changes you, He doesn't just touch you and change you but changes everything else & touches others around you! Everything God does is for His name sake... To bring Glory to Almighty God.