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The Cost: My Life on a Terrorist Hit List
Born into a prominent Shia Muslim family in Pakistan, Ali had it all—prestige, security, wealth, social status. The Cost is the extraordinary story of his dramatic encounter with Jesus that would change everything. That life-altering choice to follow Jesus would turn Ali from a typical teenager into a target of a terrorist organization based in his hometown—a target they would soon act on. The Cost is the riveting and remarkable journey of a young man who left everything behind to follow the one thing he knew to be true. Through excommunication from his home and family, near-death experience, a miraculous healing, and a cross-continental chase for his life, Ali’s faith sustained him while also compelling him to bring the gospel to Muslims—no matter the cost. This modern epic is a must-read for anyone who wants to be informed about the state of Christian-Muslim relations today, and inspired by just how much a single light in the darkness can make a difference.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2016
12 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 7, 2016
Imagine your life as a young teenager, belonging to a wealthy family with respect in your community. Then, you commit to following Jesus, and your life becomes a nightmare of fear. Not only are you disrespected by your former peers and close friends, but you are threatened and stabbed with a knife and told that unless you once again take up your former beliefs as a young Shia Muslim man, you will be killed. And this is just the beginning. This is exactly what happened to Ali. He was forced to leave his home, immediate family, and, ultimately his country after becoming a follower of Christ.
As Ali shares his journey, in this book, I could not help but think of the sacrifices many make on the basis of what they believe. It brought home to me the idea that persecution is very real, even in so-called modern times, just as it was for early Christians. Ali's story also makes me appreciate the plight of those fleeing oppressive regime, only to encounter rejections by Democratic countries based only on one's homeland being a country where Islam is practiced.
As Ali shares his journey, in this book, I could not help but think of the sacrifices many make on the basis of what they believe. It brought home to me the idea that persecution is very real, even in so-called modern times, just as it was for early Christians. Ali's story also makes me appreciate the plight of those fleeing oppressive regime, only to encounter rejections by Democratic countries based only on one's homeland being a country where Islam is practiced.
June 3, 2019
Overview: A young Shia Pakistani boy grows up in the upper class of Lahore, Pakistan surrounded by fervent religious family members who can trace their ancestry back to Ali, the founder of Shia Islam and Muhammed’s nephew. However, on a trip to visit his sick aunt who lives in Oxford, England, he discovers that she is Christian - a major surprise to him and he believes that he must convert her back to Islam. However, after attending a church service with her, he sees a vision of Jesus promising to protect him, he begins to slowly convert, despite not having a Bible. Once back in Pakistan, he continues to pray to Jesus, but keeps it a secret until he can’t keep it in anymore and tells his friends at school. His friends betray him and he is later attacked by strict Wahhabi Sunnis and stabbed. He once again sees a vision of Jesus, but must flee to save his life. He hides out with relatives in other cities, but is tracked and they are attacked and even one aunt is killed. Eventually, he escapes to go live with his aunt in England. He joins a church there and slowly begins to convert completely to Christianity but struggles with his identity, acceptance, his refugee process, and growing up.
Reflection: A wonderful true story that overflows with faith and God’s promises. The beauty of the story comes in the complexities of life and the challenges that Ali faces as both a young man growing up questioning his own faith, how to step out in faith with courage, cross-cultural challenges, and how God works all things for his good. The courage of this young man who gives up his family, home, status, and friends in a leap of faith to follow Jesus is just amazing.
Reflection: A wonderful true story that overflows with faith and God’s promises. The beauty of the story comes in the complexities of life and the challenges that Ali faces as both a young man growing up questioning his own faith, how to step out in faith with courage, cross-cultural challenges, and how God works all things for his good. The courage of this young man who gives up his family, home, status, and friends in a leap of faith to follow Jesus is just amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2017
Ali Husnain führt in seinem Heimatland Pakistan ein privilegiertes Leben. Er wächst im Wohlstand in einer hochgeachteten muslimischen Familie auf, deren Stammbaum bis zum Ursprung des Islam zurückreicht. Als Jugendlicher reist Ali mit seiner Schwester in den Sommerferien nach England, um seine kranke Tante zu besuchen. Der sechswöchige Aufenthalt soll Alis Leben für immer verändern. Er trifft die folgenschwere Entscheidung Christ zu werden und Jesus nachzufolgen. Zurück in Pakistan muss Ali von nun an um sein Leben fürchten. Nicht nur er, sondern auch seine Familie wird bedroht. Der einzige Ausweg ist alles, was er kennt und liebt, zurückzulassen und nach England zu fliehen. Aber auch dort ist Ali seines Lebens nicht sicher, nachdem gegen ihn eine Fatwa erlassen wird.
Der Preis meines Glaubens schildert auf eindrückliche Weise, was es bedeutet, dem Islam den Rücken zu kehren und sich Jesus zuzuwenden. Viele Christen in Deutschland vermögen es sich gar nicht vorzustellen, was ein Konvertit alles aufgeben muss und welche Gefahren er auf sich nimmt. Der Glauben an Jesus kommt mit einem hohen Preis. Das ist etwas, das Ali Husnain am eigenen Leib erfahren musste. Unverhohlen berichtet er von den Zweifeln, die das Christsein als ehemaliger Muslim mit sich bringen. Ali Husnains Glaubenszeugnis ist spannend zu lesen, es öffnet seinen Lesern aber auch die Augen für die Herausforderungen, denen sich unsere Glaubensgeschwister mit muslimischem Hintergrund stellen müssen.
Ein spannendes und lehrreiches Buch, das ich jedem Christen ans Herz legen kann!
Der Preis meines Glaubens schildert auf eindrückliche Weise, was es bedeutet, dem Islam den Rücken zu kehren und sich Jesus zuzuwenden. Viele Christen in Deutschland vermögen es sich gar nicht vorzustellen, was ein Konvertit alles aufgeben muss und welche Gefahren er auf sich nimmt. Der Glauben an Jesus kommt mit einem hohen Preis. Das ist etwas, das Ali Husnain am eigenen Leib erfahren musste. Unverhohlen berichtet er von den Zweifeln, die das Christsein als ehemaliger Muslim mit sich bringen. Ali Husnains Glaubenszeugnis ist spannend zu lesen, es öffnet seinen Lesern aber auch die Augen für die Herausforderungen, denen sich unsere Glaubensgeschwister mit muslimischem Hintergrund stellen müssen.
Ein spannendes und lehrreiches Buch, das ich jedem Christen ans Herz legen kann!
August 23, 2018
The author, Ali Husnain, a Pakistani Shi’a Muslim, had a good life and a promising future as a member of a respected family. That is until he had a vision and saw Jesus and made the mistake of saying something to his friends! Converting to Christianity or apostatizing to convert others is punishable by death and he was quickly attacked and stabbed with a knife and almost died. But he once again was visited by Jesus who said he would protect him. Suddenly he was on extremists hit list and that created danger to his family and relatives who were not pleased with his decision to follow Jesus. He then had to go into hiding in a series of locations in Pakistan and eventually England as the terrorists found where he was hiding even there. Many people would not go through what Ali did but his strength of character and belief helped him on his path. He is still in hiding today. This book provides an insider look at a strict religious culture, including positive and negative aspects and would be of interest for general readers on these topics.
August 1, 2021
The first third of the book was challenging. Without any personal Pakistani experiences in my life, I had to step back and accept I was reading this to hear the author's life experience, vastly different than mine.
Husnain's sacrifices and decisions seemed juvenile to me, and I say this with respect, explained above.
I do encourage readers to follow through with their plan and read the entire book. Husnain grows spiritually and mentally leaps and bounds. This is evident in the last two chapters.
The Cost wrapped up and I deemed worthy of my time and energy with "Islam taught me how to live, but it failed to teach me how to be alive." That was my aha moment where the first third of the book made sense.
I take the really important question with me forever. "If it's not anger that God feels toward you, what is it that he feels instead?"
Husnain's sacrifices and decisions seemed juvenile to me, and I say this with respect, explained above.
I do encourage readers to follow through with their plan and read the entire book. Husnain grows spiritually and mentally leaps and bounds. This is evident in the last two chapters.
The Cost wrapped up and I deemed worthy of my time and energy with "Islam taught me how to live, but it failed to teach me how to be alive." That was my aha moment where the first third of the book made sense.
I take the really important question with me forever. "If it's not anger that God feels toward you, what is it that he feels instead?"
December 30, 2021
This book was really eye opening. I didn't realize they lived under a "cast" system and Ali was born in the higher cast. I can't imagine how a boy could become a Christian and be tortured and lost everything and still survive. Very thought provoking and mind boggling. Showed the hand of God leading him and taking care of him, even when he wasn't totally realizing it or understanding it. A must read.
January 6, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I love that Ali didn’t present his story as one that was perfect, but shared the ups and downs. This is the kind of book all Christians should read as a reminder of what faith can lead to, what the community of believers looks like, and how to have faith in the desert.
January 17, 2018
Good book about a Muslim kid who comes to Christ in a miraculous way. If you don't know much about the culture of Islam or the cost for someone in a Muslim culture to follow Christ, this book will give excellent insight into both of those things! Good read!
August 30, 2019
The Christian journey of a young Pakistani man
The inspiring story is uplifting and encouraging as the author
details his harrowing experiences on leaving Islam to become a Christian.
“Or what shall a man give In exchange for his soul.”Mark 8:36-38 lives
The inspiring story is uplifting and encouraging as the author
details his harrowing experiences on leaving Islam to become a Christian.
“Or what shall a man give In exchange for his soul.”Mark 8:36-38 lives
July 18, 2021
I love memoirs! This one was definitely interesting. Honest. Well-written. Not preachy. Gives a beautiful and detailed description of the author's childhood, experiences, fears and hopes. Recommended.
January 23, 2025
I love reading these kinds of testimonies. Ali has a powerful testimony. My only complaint is the book does seem to end abruptly. I realize Ali's life is still on-going, but leaves like there is more or will be more to tell. I loved hearing about his faith journey and how Jesus drew him to Himself.
January 19, 2026
Easy read.
I can't imagine killing over religion and the fact that law enforcement endorses it. I understand its cultural but how does killing a HUMAN fit in the being what allah wants? How the family, not just ALi, was harassed, abused, terrorized!
I can't imagine killing over religion and the fact that law enforcement endorses it. I understand its cultural but how does killing a HUMAN fit in the being what allah wants? How the family, not just ALi, was harassed, abused, terrorized!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2017
Tremendous read about a young muslim lad who turn's to Christ....riveting.....
October 18, 2018
Interesting perspective, especially being told from someone from the Muslim faith and middle-eastern culture. It definitely put into perspective how brutal the Taliban can be even to "their own."
November 28, 2018
Super fast read and very good. A faith bolster!
November 30, 2019
4.5 stars
Some repetition but good quick read.
Some repetition but good quick read.
February 16, 2020
Rivetting story - couldn't put it down. Not enough actual Gospel though. A little Pentecostal at times.
May 21, 2020
Riveting and redeeming.
January 8, 2022
3.5
Very good memoir but the writing is not so great. Could have been a better book
Very good memoir but the writing is not so great. Could have been a better book
May 17, 2023
An important story, but could have been written in a better way.
August 30, 2023
Powerful story
August 25, 2024
Amazing Story
Great story of transformation! This young man is courageous even in admitting his weaknesses! The encounters he had with Jesus are incredible!
Great story of transformation! This young man is courageous even in admitting his weaknesses! The encounters he had with Jesus are incredible!
December 30, 2024
An interesting story about accepting Jesus and how it affects his life, and family. I am planning on reading his aunts story of her conversion.
February 27, 2021
We take advantage of the life we live and the freedoms we currently have. This is another testimony of the cost many pay so a crown will be given to them for the cross they chose to carry.
April 15, 2016
Imagine you're from a family of influence and riches. You're told that because you're from the lineage of a famous profit, that you're special, to be treated better than others. Your family is of a higher cast, and you're given riches and nearly whatever you want. This was how it was for Ali. A Shia Muslim raised in Pakistan, the oldest son, he was also held up due to this, given many privileges. He was a bit spoiled, and of course that type of life is going to likely fill a young boy with a bit of arrogance, which he freely talks about in this book.
Then at 15 you go visit your aunt in England, and everything changes! You find Jesus Christ! Then you go home, and when you tell of this, you're hunted down by other Muslims, and by law they are allowed to kill you! For rejecting your faith, Muslim law allows this, so he's in danger now. His family is also in danger because of this.
He must leave and start a new life in England. He's a young teenaged boy. To know more you'll have to read the book, but I can't imagine how difficult all of this had to be for a young teenaged boy who had to give up his home, his life as he knew it, basically giving up the identity he thought was his to follow Christ! But he did!
This story touched me deeply, because some of the reasons Ali left Islam, his religion from birth, are some of the reasons I left Islam to go back to Christianity when I returned to Jesus after being Muslim for nearly 7 years. So while I can't imagine what he went through having to give up so much for his faith, as I did not, I can so identify with the things he talks about in Islam that would lead me back to Jesus! I can write about it freely. Going to Islam, while I believe it caused my mom some pain, and my siblings likely thought I had lost my marbles, they all were supportive. They never stopped loving me, and even took me places with them wearing hijab. They didn't have to, but they did. Reading this made me realize just how truly blessed I was, how blessed I still am. Not even all Muslim converts in this country get treated this way by loved ones when they convert. But at least they need not fear getting killed for changing faiths. Yes they may disappoint family, but they are free to be what faith they choose. Ali didn't have this choice. I just can't imagine it!
For any Christian I would totally recommend this book! For me it made me think about my faith in God, and how we all are imperfect, but he loves us! And how I need to remember how much he loves us! We are all spoken to by him in the ways in which he feels he can reach us, but we should all be listening to him. I firmly believe he has a way of talking to us if we just listen. Even those of us that have been raised Christian, and are not being hunted! A book I won't soon forget!
Then at 15 you go visit your aunt in England, and everything changes! You find Jesus Christ! Then you go home, and when you tell of this, you're hunted down by other Muslims, and by law they are allowed to kill you! For rejecting your faith, Muslim law allows this, so he's in danger now. His family is also in danger because of this.
He must leave and start a new life in England. He's a young teenaged boy. To know more you'll have to read the book, but I can't imagine how difficult all of this had to be for a young teenaged boy who had to give up his home, his life as he knew it, basically giving up the identity he thought was his to follow Christ! But he did!
This story touched me deeply, because some of the reasons Ali left Islam, his religion from birth, are some of the reasons I left Islam to go back to Christianity when I returned to Jesus after being Muslim for nearly 7 years. So while I can't imagine what he went through having to give up so much for his faith, as I did not, I can so identify with the things he talks about in Islam that would lead me back to Jesus! I can write about it freely. Going to Islam, while I believe it caused my mom some pain, and my siblings likely thought I had lost my marbles, they all were supportive. They never stopped loving me, and even took me places with them wearing hijab. They didn't have to, but they did. Reading this made me realize just how truly blessed I was, how blessed I still am. Not even all Muslim converts in this country get treated this way by loved ones when they convert. But at least they need not fear getting killed for changing faiths. Yes they may disappoint family, but they are free to be what faith they choose. Ali didn't have this choice. I just can't imagine it!
For any Christian I would totally recommend this book! For me it made me think about my faith in God, and how we all are imperfect, but he loves us! And how I need to remember how much he loves us! We are all spoken to by him in the ways in which he feels he can reach us, but we should all be listening to him. I firmly believe he has a way of talking to us if we just listen. Even those of us that have been raised Christian, and are not being hunted! A book I won't soon forget!
April 14, 2023
In, The Cost: My Life on a Terrorist Hit List, Ali Husain shares his personal testimony of growing up in a prominent Muslim family and his dramatic encounter with Jesus Christ. As a young man, Ali had more privilege and freedom than most who live in Pakistan, but it was a trip to England that gave him a spiritual freedom that he had never known. A critically ill aunt, a church service, and a vision of Jesus were instrumental in Ali becoming a Christian. Yet, upon returning to Pakistan, he was forced to keep his conversion secret. However, he could only contain his excitement so long. Ali tells his friends of his transformational experience…only to have them betray him. One night, they ambush him and leave him for dead. It is only through divine intervention, according to Ali, that he survives. As a result, he is forced to live his life on the run as those who tried to kill him, still seek his life. Eventually, Ali is forced to move and now lives in England because of the persecution.
The Cost is a dramatic story of radical conversion. It’s a harrowing account full of fascinating twists and turns. The story is somewhat unevenly written and has an overreliance and an overemphasis on the charismatic and the supernatural. Therefore, I hesitate to recommend The Cost.
I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
The Cost is a dramatic story of radical conversion. It’s a harrowing account full of fascinating twists and turns. The story is somewhat unevenly written and has an overreliance and an overemphasis on the charismatic and the supernatural. Therefore, I hesitate to recommend The Cost.
I was given a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 24, 2016
The Cost My Life on a Terrorist Hit List by Ali Husnain is an amazing story. It is a true story of a young man who went to the UK to visit his family and became a Christian. He had an encounter with the Lord. He was stabbed and left to die because he talked about the Lord. He would have died if Jesus didn’t touch him and heal him.
All through this book you read about the things his family and friends went through because he belongs to the Lord now.
He had everything before he came to the Lord, but afterwards he lost all power, fame and fortune because he went back on the Muslim tradition.
He was put on a hit list and by the grace of God he survived and escaped several times. It is an amazing story that will really show you at what depths some Christians in other countries/cultures have to endure for following Jesus.
Highly recommended. This book is full of faith and action. Must read for all.
I received my free copy from Net Galley for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
All through this book you read about the things his family and friends went through because he belongs to the Lord now.
He had everything before he came to the Lord, but afterwards he lost all power, fame and fortune because he went back on the Muslim tradition.
He was put on a hit list and by the grace of God he survived and escaped several times. It is an amazing story that will really show you at what depths some Christians in other countries/cultures have to endure for following Jesus.
Highly recommended. This book is full of faith and action. Must read for all.
I received my free copy from Net Galley for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
Read
September 23, 2016You often see on the news or read in the papers about mass killings depending on your religion, especially if your Christian. This book gives you a personal account of a Shia Muslim who converted to Christianity in Pakistan.
Ali and his sister Zainab were sent for a vacation to England to visit their aunt Gulshan who years earlier had to flee for her life when she converted to Christianity. It was through his aunt that he found his faith in Jesus.
Once back in Pakistan he spoke openly of his new faith and from that moment on his life changed forever as he knew it. What he went through and his family who was also threatened by the Wahhabi once they learned he had denounced Islam was something you would think can't possibly still go on in this day and age. Only to find out it most definitely does.
His journey and faith in Jesus was amazing. What a terrifying time for such a young man. It also gives you some insight into what goes on to those seeking asylum. Not an easy process.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Ali and his sister Zainab were sent for a vacation to England to visit their aunt Gulshan who years earlier had to flee for her life when she converted to Christianity. It was through his aunt that he found his faith in Jesus.
Once back in Pakistan he spoke openly of his new faith and from that moment on his life changed forever as he knew it. What he went through and his family who was also threatened by the Wahhabi once they learned he had denounced Islam was something you would think can't possibly still go on in this day and age. Only to find out it most definitely does.
His journey and faith in Jesus was amazing. What a terrifying time for such a young man. It also gives you some insight into what goes on to those seeking asylum. Not an easy process.
I would definitely recommend this book.
December 4, 2016
A must read...
Reading this book has caused my heart for Muslims to grow exponentially. I will admit that God is whittling away at a prejudice that I have had in my heart since 9/11. Ali has reminded me in this book that the God of the universe loves them just as much as He loves all people (even though we all like to think God plays favorites). This book is a must read for any believer struggling with putting God at the center of their lives. This will convict you of not only your complacency as a believer - but embolden you too live your faith out to the fullest with all of its ups and downs. I applaud you Ali and pray for God's calling on your life, may we as believers be ever so bold in our endeavors.
Reading this book has caused my heart for Muslims to grow exponentially. I will admit that God is whittling away at a prejudice that I have had in my heart since 9/11. Ali has reminded me in this book that the God of the universe loves them just as much as He loves all people (even though we all like to think God plays favorites). This book is a must read for any believer struggling with putting God at the center of their lives. This will convict you of not only your complacency as a believer - but embolden you too live your faith out to the fullest with all of its ups and downs. I applaud you Ali and pray for God's calling on your life, may we as believers be ever so bold in our endeavors.
May 14, 2016
This book is like reading an exciting detective story. It is full of pathos and struggle as a young man believes on Christ, ends up almost killed, and having to live on the run. The book also shows the struggles of a Pakistani youth adjusting to life in another culture. The book is well worth anyone's reading. You will understand much of the heartbreak caused by terrorism today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews