The Mind of Terror: A Former Muslim Sniper Explores What Motivates ISIS and Other Extremist Groups

by Tass Saada, Dean Merrill (Primary Contributor)

What motivates Islamic terrorists? What's in the mind of terror?

News reports cover the tragic events — the bombings, the massacres, and the suicide attacks. Our newscasters take time to explain who the players are — from Hezbollah to the Iranian Quds, from ISIS to the Palestinian National Authority. But what is behind these events that fuels atrocity after atrocity? Tass Saada provides the answer as he delves into the mind of terror, explaining what motivates extremist groups throughout the Middle East. A former Muslim and a onetime sniper with Yasser Arafat’s Fatah organization, Tass has had that mindset himself. But at age forty-two, he steered his life in a radical new direction. Tass not only describes the motivations and aspirations of those who live in the Middle East, he also outlines a peaceful solution. We can plant seeds of hope that will transform not only the Middle East but also our increasingly diverse neighborhoods at home.

Genres: Christian Living, Nonfiction, Faith, Islam

240 pages, Paperback

Published July 1, 2016

About the author

Tass Saada is a former Muslim and the founder of Hope for Ishmael, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to reconcile Arabs and Jews. Born in 1951 in the Gaza Strip, Saada grew up in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He worked under Yasser Arafat as a Fatah fighter and sniper. Years after immigrating to America, he became a Christian.

Reviews

[Belinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book for a book club. It is mostly not what I expected. Only about a third of the book is about what motivates a Muslim terrorist and what we can do to help stop these divisions that lead to violence. The rest of the book is preaching and talking about his school in Jericho.
This book was published in 2016 and so much has happened since then. I found the book out of date. Even just in the past 2 years the world has turned upside down. I want to know what he has to say about Gaza today. Does the building where his school was in Gaza still stand?

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tass Saaada was a terrorist. He was a sniper for Yasir Arafat's Fattah organization. Since those days he converted to Christianity, and founded a non-profit, Hope for Ismael, that works to bring reconciliation between Jews and Arabs, and now spends a bunch of the year ministering to children in the Middle East. He wrote Mind of Terror (with Dean Merrill) to describe what motivates terrorists, and how we ought to respond to it.

978-1-4964-1394-9Part one describes the terrorist mindset, and the root causes of terrorism This includes an examination of honor and shame in Mid-Eastern cultures and reasons why they hate the west. Saada says that among the reasons people become a terrorist include the violent loss of loved ones, the firm belief that another person's faith is corrupt, disgust at Western society's decadence, a desire for the return of your homeland, discrimination and maltreatment, and the US backing of modern Israel state. The reasons for terror are a mix of ideological commitments and personal experiences.

Part two surveys an evaluates the various responses Westerners make to terrorism in our world: worry, fighting back, naive political solutions, or just chalking it up to end times prophecy. Against these Saada points us, in part three, to the Jesus way. He explores God's plan for Isaac AND Ishmael, explores the mind of peace, and discusses how we can neutralize terrorism and share the love of Jesus with our Muslim neighbors. The closing chapters profile Christians who are working among Muslims.There are some really helpful things here about questioning our personal assumptions and being gracious to our Muslim neighbors.

Increasingly, our lives are lived between acts of terror: New York, Boston, Paris, Orlando, Nice. So much of the rhetoric discusses how we can combat the terrorists: stamp out ISIS, destroy their networks, mete out revenge. Saada brings the perspective and insight of one who has been involved with terrorism in the past. He understands the root causes and the futility of some of our responses. Yet he has been transformed by the grace of God through Jesus Christ and desires the same for those in his heritage. This book is neither a fear mongering book or Pollyanna. Terror is real and it destroys lives. But the solution to it is not politics, or war or benign neglect. It is the robust love of Jesus. This is a good book if you would like to understand more of the roots of terrorism and what a Christian response looks like. I give it four star.

Note: I received this book from the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Brittany Murray · Rating 1 out of 5]

So, I really hated this book. The one positive thing I do have to say is that the first third of this book is actually pretty good. The author presents terrorism and a terrorist's motivation in an interesting way and he was pretty fair to all religion in this section. Everything just goes downhill from there though.

As an ex-christian who converted to Islam I can say that almost everything he said about the Quran and the Islamic religion is completely false. This author cherry picked verses from the Quran that are talking about special circumstances and war and simply stated that oh look this must mean all Muslims are violent. I know that the author comes from a Muslim background but this book left me wondering if he was every a practicing Muslim or had ever actually read the Quran for himself because to put it simply, this book was absolute garbage.

The other thing I hated about this book was the constant proselytizing . The books title makes you think you are going to learn something about terrorism instead of just hearing about how Christians can better convert Muslims. Honestly he set this book up to seem like he was just trying to coach Christians on how to pretend to be friends with Muslims in order to teach them scripture. For me personally I never go around randomly preaching to others and don't make friends in order to convert them to my religion. Honestly this is a ridiculous notion and I would be super offended if you tried to be friends with me in order to preach. The author also makes it seem like most Muslims are just waiting for you to come tell them the gospel and that they will welcome your preaching openly. I can assure you that this is not the case for the majority of people. Of course some people will convert if you preach to them but most will find it offensive and intrusive. This book certainly does not help the stereotype that many people have about Christians that they are pushy people with no other motive than to convert you.

[Justin Thompson]

I give this book ZERO stars!! It was HOT GARBAGE!! I have never read a more misleading book. It belongs in the trash. I bought this book, thankfully second hand, with the idea that I was going to learn something about “THE MIND OF OF TERROR” like the title suggests and cover art presumes. The first 35 pages were ok, then the book took a hard left straight into converting muslims (or anyone for that matter) into christians! Now, I am not a religious man but I understand that it unfortunately shapes the minds of (too) many people in the world so I wanted to learn something about why anyone would choose this misguided path and the doctrines of these sick violent groups. Religion is the problem. I am a staunch atheist (notice how I didn’t use the word devout) and it seems even choosing to be faithless in MY life isn’t exactly the right thing to choose in order to be a moral person in this world. In this authors view the christian faith is all anyone needs. And of course he’s all cutsie and condescendingly “good” about the way he relays this drivvle. All religions are to blame for more death and torture in this world over any other agent of mortality. I am disgusted by this book. I wanted to learn something about what makes a terrorist tick. I did not want a bible sermon. Makes me wanna PUKE. Unfortunately I am my own worst enemy and read the entire book (although I said screw it to the bonus material at the end) because I always finish a book after I’ve picked it up in hopes that the author comes back to reality. But I tell ya, this book is going straight in the trash bin. I’m taking it out of circulation for the good of humanity. If I ever see this book again I’ll light it on fire and I wouldn’t P¡$$ on it to put it out. STAY AWAY from this book unless you’re weak minded or ok with having your intelligence insulted by religious bull$#¡t. Reading this book felt like some a$$#0le came to my door trying to sell me religion and don’t no body argue me on using the word “sell”, it’s ALL about that damn collection plate. If you don’t know that then you deserve the church. Don’t pray for me Tass Saada. Don’t. You. Dare.

[Dusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’d heard about Tass from my Mom. Tass was, at one point in his life, a sniper for Yasser Arafat’s group Fatah. After an encounter with Jesus, he became a Christian—though that is covered in more detail in a different book that’s now high on my reading list.

This book discusses the inside of a terrorist’s mindset from a former terrorist, then turns to admonishing and instructing Christians on ways to better interact with Muslims. Hearing from someone who has so deeply absorbed the command to “Love your enemy” was difficult for me in this time. His admonishments often hit home. While I’m not ready to agree with what he says about the land of Israel itself, I don’t think he’s wrong when he says that Christians are meant to be the peacemakers and the ones who love those who curse them, praying for those who persecute them. I’ve bumped his other book Once an Arafat Man up high on my list of things to read soon.

[Mahonri Rivera · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this book was well written and gets straight to the point of what the author believes are the problems plaguing Israel today. However, from the outside the book does not explain that it is mostly religious and the authors spiritual beliefs are plastered all over the book. I rated 3 stars because it is a very religious book and in my own believes religion is what is causing a big divide in the Middle East. The author believes Christianity can save Israel and make it a better place but I do not believe that and would have liked the book to take a more philosophical approach instead of the religious approach it took. However, the author does make some good points and I am glad I got to read it, definitely taught me things about Israel I did not previously know.

[Rachel G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book to me as we were discussing the war in Gaza. I put off listening to it because the reality of the war, particularly its toll on civilians, has been so devastating to hear about. Avoidance has been my coping method. But I finally pushed play and ended up really appreciating the message of this book. It gave me much to think about.
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Tass Saada’s life story is a fascinating one (I’m currently reading his memoir right now) and he uses his background and experience to shed light on the rising levels of terrorism worldwide. It should be noted that this book was published in 2016, so although it does not directly address the current war in Gaza, it is still very relevant.
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He writes, “The terrorism and violence in today’s world is the Arab way of screaming, “What about us? Don’t we count for anybody’s attention or respect?” I am not justifying these actions in the least. There are far better ways to resolve problems. But when you think about it, after forty centuries this population is still trying to get recognition. Ishmael got pushed out of the camp of his father Abraham and his descendants today are still trying to get back in.”
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My favorite quote:
“Jesus is not a partisan in this argument, favoring one side against another. He is the answer the entire world craves, whether they realize it or not. That is why He is called the Prince of Peace.”
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May there be peace.

[Van Hoang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book and well-written, but not exactly what I was expecting. While you can't mention terrorism and what's going on with ISIS without delving deep into religion, most of this book was focused on how Christianity is the end-all solution to the problems going on. As a Christian myself, I agree with this standpoint, but as someone looking for a book on...well, the mind of terror, the topic fell short of what I was expecting. It's still a good and worthy read though.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book! It really opens the western mind to how Muslims think. Tass was not derogatory toward any culture (Jewish, Christian, or Muslim). It was definitely worth my time to read it!

[Nancy A Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

THought-provoking and a call to action

Explains reasons behind people becoming terrorists and show we can resist this effectively with the love of God. A good read for anyone of any faith.

[Benjamin Shurance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in preparation for an interpretation job, and while it isn't a book I would have picked up otherwise, I really appreciated its emphasis on peacemaking and compassionate mission.

[Kristi Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on why Muslims become terrorists and how to stop them. It is told by a former sniper for Arafat's Palestinian group who became a Christian.

I learned more about how the Muslim thinks and some insight into how to combat terrorism. Muslims are motivated by honor and a tribal mentality. If you dishonor them, you will be marked for death. That is the only way to save face.

Mr. Saada is now a devout Christian. He heads a school in Jericho which teaches all children of all faiths. His most interesting insight is in his interpretation of the Bible and how Arabs are included as part of the Children of Abraham in the end times prophecy.

The biggest thing I came away with from this book was that if you include Muslims in your area as friends and ask them about their faith respectfully and share your own, we will have a better chance at ending the tensions between the religions. In other words, education, love and inclusion are the answers to terror, not hate, misinformation and exclusion.

Treat people how you would want to be treated and they will in kind.

[Pam Ecrement · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hour by hour we are bombarded with news about outbreaks of terror in our own country and around the world. For many of us, it makes no sense and tests our theology as well.

Opening the pages of The Mind of Terror by Tass Saada goes beyond the headlines into the Middle East through the eyes and heart of a onetime sniper with Yasser Arafat’s Fatah government who at 42, experiences a transformed life through the power of the gospel.

Few individuals can likely give such a unique view as Tass Saada. Born to a Muslim family in 1951 in the Gaza Strip, he grew up in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Tass meets Osama bin Laden in his father’s auto body repair shop at the age of nine and later as a teen fights with al-Fatah, Yasser Arafat’s militia. But God had a different plan for Tass’s life.

After immigrating to the United States, he becomes a Christian in Kansas City, Missouri. Sharing with his family in Qatar what has happened results in an onslaught of rejection and threats by his family who remind him he has brought dishonor to them all.

When terrorists slam planes into the New York towers on 9/11, Tass comes under scrutiny from the FBI because of his background. After carefully checking out his story, the agency acknowledges Tass is okay. Even so, it is clear the world has changed greatly as terrorism explodes across the world in the years following.



After giving facts and an overview of the list of the ten richest terrorist organizations, their geographic location, and their money sources, Tass begins by introducing his readers to the key principle we need to understand if we are to delve into the minds of those who adhere to terror. The principle is that of “honor” and “shame”.

[Del Owyoung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative, eye-opening, compassionate

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Mind of Terror" describes possible motives for terrorist activity, how people may respond, and how Christians can respond. The author (Tass Saada) was once a sniper for a terrorist group, so he knows firsthand what motivates terrorism. He provided a balanced, realistic view of people's motives and was sympathetic to certain reactions as being understandable even though they aren't desirable since they don't lead to a solution.

The author described the leading terrorist groups (which are not all Muslim) and the diversity of beliefs among Muslims. He explained how honor/shame cultures work and a variety of reasons why someone might become a terrorist. He looked at a number of ways that people respond to terrorism and explained why these reactions don't lead to peace.

He looked at verses in the Bible that Christians may not be aware of regarding Abraham, Ishmael, and Isaac. Then he described a better way to respond and gave examples of people living out this better way. He looked at what motivates people to peace, how to earn the right to be heard, and what you can do (even if terrorists seem outside of your influence). I'd highly recommend this book.

I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.

[R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tass Saada's book, The Mind of Terror, is the first book I've read in a very long time that has re-shaped my thinking on any topic at a fundamental level.

Though I still believe (and Saada confirms) that the teachings of Islam are, at their core, incompatible with peace, I now understand why military action - although necessary from time to time - will never have the effect needed to bring about true long-term change.

Though written from a Christian perspective for a Christian audience, The Mind of Terror can serve anyone looking for a more comprehensive understanding of why Muslims see the world the way they do, what motivates them, and how we can find peace.

The language of the book is personal and experiential, rather than academic, making its content accessible, even to those with limited vocabulary or who are unaccustomed to reading social and political commentaries.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was utterly fascinating and intriguing, trying to get into the idea behind terrorist and why they do what they do. I feel like this book really gives one a good glimpse at what motivates those people to do the things that they do. Especially in light of recent terrorist attacks this book is so important and enlightening.
Written by a former Muslim who was a sniper and converted to Christianity at 42 this book provides some very valuable insight. I like how the author addresses the problems and yet also talks about solutions and ways to help them come out this mindset.
I have read many books on Islam and this book has to be one of the best out there. Well written and filled will such great information this is an important book to read.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on understanding the minds behind the terrorists, exposing why they do what they do and offering insight on solutions for how to help them overcome that mindset.
Written by a former Muslim sniper who converted to Christianity in his early 40's, Tass Saada helps the reader to see what motivates extremists and how one can respond to them. I found this book incredibly interesting and informative, with his having come from that mindset himself. I have felt rather confused and shocked by ISIS and why they are wrecking such havoc and spreading hatred. This book helped to clear up that confusion.
One of the things I liked best about this book is that it is filled with information. I highly recommend it!
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

- What did you like about the book and why? The truth and answers that most people are trying so hard to find are included in an honest and straightforward way. It is hard for me to cover topics like this and especially feature this type of book or read it in my home, but information in power in a world like this.

- What did you not like about the book and why? It is so controversial of a topic that I fear most will never pick up the book.

- What did you learn? So much more then what is given to the public. The book is great for closed minded people and people who act only out of ignorance.

- To whom would you recommend this book and why? Anyone mostly older in age as it would be hard for younger kids to read this and it is not made for youth.


Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.

[Andrew Wolgemuth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful perspective on the current prominent international terror organizations, the key issues that motivate them, and what Christians can do in the pursuit of peace.

(note: I work for the agency that represents the author and this book)

[Poteto Potato · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goed boek, maar vol met feiten wat mij irriteerde en te lang duurde. Ik miste de persoonlijke feiten. Het laatste stuk vond strok mij meer. Dit mede door de persoonlijke kant en blik op zijn organisatie.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good background on historical relations between Christians, Jews, and Muslims in the Middle East. It helps gain some insight into what drives one to choose to become a terrorist. Also presented materials on cultural differences. I had expected to read more about the author's life and how he went from being a terrorist to converting to Christianity. Apparently that is in his earlier book. I didn't know about a general interest by many Muslims about Jesus and the Christian religion.