What do you think?
Rate this book
Unveiled: The Bible, The Qur'an, and Women
To my earthly father, my only worth was through my death.
But God saw me so differently that, at first, I could barely comprehend it.
Esther Ahmad thought she knew the way to earn her Muslim father’s love. She raised her hand for the suicide mission, her martyrdom guaranteeing her family a place in heaven.
But God had a different mission for Esther—a journey out of Pakistan, from despair to hope, from shame to purity, and from Allah’s wrath to a Father’s love.
In Unveiled, Esther examines a world in which women have no rights, no worth, no voice, and she shows how the treatment of Muslim women is linked directly to Islamic teachings. With vivid personal stories, she lays out the lies of the Qur’an against the truth she found in the Bible. This is no academic comparison but a question of life or death: What is a woman worth?
But God saw me so differently that, at first, I could barely comprehend it.
Esther Ahmad thought she knew the way to earn her Muslim father’s love. She raised her hand for the suicide mission, her martyrdom guaranteeing her family a place in heaven.
But God had a different mission for Esther—a journey out of Pakistan, from despair to hope, from shame to purity, and from Allah’s wrath to a Father’s love.
In Unveiled, Esther examines a world in which women have no rights, no worth, no voice, and she shows how the treatment of Muslim women is linked directly to Islamic teachings. With vivid personal stories, she lays out the lies of the Qur’an against the truth she found in the Bible. This is no academic comparison but a question of life or death: What is a woman worth?
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 5, 2020
11 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 4, 2020
Reading this book is like sitting down with someone from another culture and learning about it. Gentle glances into Esther's restricted childhood in Pakistan, from her longing to be a good Muslim and her wish to gain her father's approval, to her realization that the only immediate entrance to heaven preached to Muslims is that of a martyr's end. A mere two days before her enrollment in jihad school, she has a vivid dream about the Christian Jesus.
I loved reading about how she came to trust Jesus and to believe in the Christian God. My heart broke for the thousands of girls trapped in situations like hers and for the incredible tragedy of the pictures she outlined...girls kept as sex slaves for their fathers and brothers, girls told they have no need for education, girls told their god has no use for them, men and women trapped in such a hopeless system of "good works" that they end up committing suicide in despair.
She outlines basic Muslim beliefs about women and how they are often applied to the populace. This includes comparing and contrasting Qur'an and Bible passages to show the major differences in the treatment of salvation (or lack thereof) and life purpose for each believer, and then narrows the focus to the treatment of women in particular.
One thing that really interested me was how she points out that there is no forgiveness offered to Muslims. You're either a good believer, racking up points to get out of hell sooner; a careless believer, who will stay longer in hell; a martyr, who goes straight to heaven along with his/her family; and an infidel who stays in hell. This reminded me of a nastier version of purgatory (which I strongly oppose on a theological basis) and I wondered if there were any historical ties to the two ideas.
It was great to see how she defended her beliefs by pointing out truths and issues in the Qur'an and how God gave her the words to make a good answer. I'll be wanting a hard copy of this for future reference.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
I loved reading about how she came to trust Jesus and to believe in the Christian God. My heart broke for the thousands of girls trapped in situations like hers and for the incredible tragedy of the pictures she outlined...girls kept as sex slaves for their fathers and brothers, girls told they have no need for education, girls told their god has no use for them, men and women trapped in such a hopeless system of "good works" that they end up committing suicide in despair.
She outlines basic Muslim beliefs about women and how they are often applied to the populace. This includes comparing and contrasting Qur'an and Bible passages to show the major differences in the treatment of salvation (or lack thereof) and life purpose for each believer, and then narrows the focus to the treatment of women in particular.
One thing that really interested me was how she points out that there is no forgiveness offered to Muslims. You're either a good believer, racking up points to get out of hell sooner; a careless believer, who will stay longer in hell; a martyr, who goes straight to heaven along with his/her family; and an infidel who stays in hell. This reminded me of a nastier version of purgatory (which I strongly oppose on a theological basis) and I wondered if there were any historical ties to the two ideas.
It was great to see how she defended her beliefs by pointing out truths and issues in the Qur'an and how God gave her the words to make a good answer. I'll be wanting a hard copy of this for future reference.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.
February 13, 2020
Do you want to learn more about the difference between the Qur'an and the Bible, between Islam and Christian faith, between Allah and God and between fear and freedom?
Then this book is a must read, especially for all those feminists who think the veil is a deliberate form of expressing one's faith out of one's own will or those self-declared liberals who believe that Islam is a religion of peace and the veil an expression of respect for females.
The author doesn't tell her story to increase prejudice and hatred towards Muslims, far from it. But her story will help you to understand the fundamental difference between these two religions. It will show you the amount of despair born from the need to please your god by your actions following the rules and the unsettling disregard of girls and women. And on the other hand the peace and freedom when you experience God's overflowing trustworthiness and love.
Then this book is a must read, especially for all those feminists who think the veil is a deliberate form of expressing one's faith out of one's own will or those self-declared liberals who believe that Islam is a religion of peace and the veil an expression of respect for females.
The author doesn't tell her story to increase prejudice and hatred towards Muslims, far from it. But her story will help you to understand the fundamental difference between these two religions. It will show you the amount of despair born from the need to please your god by your actions following the rules and the unsettling disregard of girls and women. And on the other hand the peace and freedom when you experience God's overflowing trustworthiness and love.
January 30, 2025
Immensely interesting, eye-opening and beautifully redemptive. Esther describes her life under Allah’s wrath which led her to determine to win both Allah’s and her father’s approval and acknowledgment through jihad. However, what happened between her jihadi choice and truth that turned her life upside down, was meeting Jesus Christ. And the difference was so crazily foreign she could barely grasp it. From dead letters to the living Word. From despair to hope. From silence to answered prayers. From Allah’s wrath to the Father’s love. This is Esther’s journey from the darkness into the light and love of the God who sees.
May 29, 2020
5 stars. WOW. What a testimony. Review to come.
November 19, 2024
you’re never going to hear me shut up about this book.
March 25, 2020
Rejected by her father and living in daily fear of a torturous future, Esther saw only one way to redeem her life – by death, preferably a violent death. It was the only thing would ensure her entry into a heaven of material pleasures. But – what if she wasn’t worthy? What if she was rejected even after the supreme sacrifice?
In this book, Esther Ahmad shows us the earthy and eternal despair that was her lot as the daughter of a strict Muslim father. It is more than a biography though. She also explains how Islamic teaching has naturally lead to these conditions for women.
It would be heartbreaking if that was the end of her story. She also shows us the love and hope that she found as a saved daughter of Jehovah. As she describes the disintegration of her Islamic beliefs from her studies of the Koran, she also shows us the glorious dawning of truth from her studies of the Bible. It is a beautiful story of an escape from fear and hate to one of trust and love.
It is organized more toward teaching about the fallacies of Islam’s view of women than toward her personal story. So it does not flow chronologically, rather each section uses her experiences to illustrate one particular doctrine.
It was riveting. I would recommend it to everyone. It is a wonderful presentation of God’s love for women.
I received this one as a free ARC through NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers. No favorable review was required. It is my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
In this book, Esther Ahmad shows us the earthy and eternal despair that was her lot as the daughter of a strict Muslim father. It is more than a biography though. She also explains how Islamic teaching has naturally lead to these conditions for women.
It would be heartbreaking if that was the end of her story. She also shows us the love and hope that she found as a saved daughter of Jehovah. As she describes the disintegration of her Islamic beliefs from her studies of the Koran, she also shows us the glorious dawning of truth from her studies of the Bible. It is a beautiful story of an escape from fear and hate to one of trust and love.
It is organized more toward teaching about the fallacies of Islam’s view of women than toward her personal story. So it does not flow chronologically, rather each section uses her experiences to illustrate one particular doctrine.
It was riveting. I would recommend it to everyone. It is a wonderful presentation of God’s love for women.
I received this one as a free ARC through NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers. No favorable review was required. It is my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
March 19, 2024
Coming from a culture, a religion, and a life where women are a problem that can’t be solved and worth absolutely nothing, Esther’s redemption story truly is beautiful. Her journey from despair and shame to freedom and hope is inspiring. It’s heartbreaking how billions of people across the world can believe in and be in bondage to so much darkness. Unveiled also gives a really good look into the Muslim culture and the difference between the Quran and the Bible. All in all, it's such a good good read!
April 28, 2024
I read this book so quick because I was enthralled by Esther’s testimony and story of rescue from Islam. Her love for Christ shines as she explains to readers the treatment of women in Islam and as described in the Qur’an. She describes how the Bible provides a way for women to be cherished daughters of the King, pure in His grace, full of hope, present, and loved by their Heavenly Father. I gained so much insight from this read and I’m glad I picked it up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2023
An excellent read about how religion shapes us! Esther's story of walking from the path of Islamic teachings into the teachings of the Christian tradition was eye opening and inspiring.
"God's love is a monsoon, so thick and strong and unyielding that it soaks everything in its path. God's love is a hurricane, parting the forests of weeds that have grown up around our hearts." ~ 176
"God's love is a monsoon, so thick and strong and unyielding that it soaks everything in its path. God's love is a hurricane, parting the forests of weeds that have grown up around our hearts." ~ 176
June 9, 2020
Unveiled
The Bible, The Qur'an, and Women
by Esther Ahmad; James Chester
Harvest House Publishers
Harvest House Publishers
Christian
Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 05 May 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Unveiled through Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley:
Esther Ahmad spent three first eighteen years of her life living the life of an Islamic Girl/Young Woman in Pakistan. She knew the way to earn her Fathers love, and that was to raise her hand for a suicide mission. In his view Esther’s Martyrdom would secure his place in Heaven.
God had other plans did Esther Ahmad though, she came to Christ, despite knowing her conversion meant the very real danger of being killed by her Father. In order to escape persecution from her family Esther fled Pakistan.
Unveiled is not only a Esther’s story of going from despair to hope, from shame to purity, it is a journey of faith against all odds. Unveiled also examines which women have no rights, no worth, no voice, and she shows how the treatment of Muslim women is linked directly to Islamic teachings. With vivid personal stories, she lays out the lies of the Qur’an against the truth she found in the Bible.
I found Unveiled to be a powerful testimony of one woman’s escape from Pakistan to America, in order to be safe from persecution.
I give Unveiled five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 11, 2020
I requested this book on a whim from NetGalley, I’m not sure what drew me to it, I think it was the cover, but I genuinely didn’t know what to expect.
What I got was a heart-rending story of true bravery. A woman who left her devoutly Muslim family after Jesus appeared to her in a dream to tell her he was ‘the way, the truth, and the life’.
At this point in the author’s life, she was just about to go off to commit Jihad, to die for the Muslim faith in order to guarantee her entry into heaven, and that of her parents too.
I have to say this book was eye opening in many ways, but I learnt a lot about the Quran and what it teaches about women. After the previous book I read, it was a stark contrast.
Growing up, the author knew that as a daughter, and especially as the third daughter, she was not wanted by her father. A culture that values men has no need for another daughter.
But as we hear other stories of girls that Ahmad knew, we realise that to be shunned by her father as a young girl was potentially a good thing, as others have suffered more at the hands of the men who were supposed to protect them.
I’ve never read the Quran or much about what it teaches, so I found the authors deep knowledge so helpful. She talks about how much she studied as a young girl, and that clearly shows. And being able to contrast the teachings of the Quran to the Bible makes this an extremely intriguing book.
For example when she talks about prayer:
I learnt that in Islam, “each prayer you pray earns you a certain number of points, and some earn more than others. There is no limit to the number of points you need, so you just have to keep on earning as many points as you can every day.”
But “today as a follower of Jesus, prayer is different. I feel joyful whenever I come into his presence to pray. As a Christian, I understand that I do not have to feel fear; instead I can feel peace. God is not wrathful if I do not offer morning prayer. I can pray any time.”
I read this book in one sitting, the style of writing was informative yet easy, almost as if I was being told the story over a coffee with a friend. But that easy style was backed up with quotes from both the Bible and Quran which clearly showed that the author knew what she was talking about.
I see that the author has another book, which I will definitely be trying to pick up. This was not an easy read, but one that I’m definitely thankful that I chose.
Posted on: https://emmaloui.se/2020/04/11/esther...
What I got was a heart-rending story of true bravery. A woman who left her devoutly Muslim family after Jesus appeared to her in a dream to tell her he was ‘the way, the truth, and the life’.
At this point in the author’s life, she was just about to go off to commit Jihad, to die for the Muslim faith in order to guarantee her entry into heaven, and that of her parents too.
I have to say this book was eye opening in many ways, but I learnt a lot about the Quran and what it teaches about women. After the previous book I read, it was a stark contrast.
Growing up, the author knew that as a daughter, and especially as the third daughter, she was not wanted by her father. A culture that values men has no need for another daughter.
“I grew to understand that in my father’s eyes, I was never going to be enough. Even when I volunteered to give my life in Jihad – guaranteeing him instant access to heaven in the process – he did not talk to me.”
But as we hear other stories of girls that Ahmad knew, we realise that to be shunned by her father as a young girl was potentially a good thing, as others have suffered more at the hands of the men who were supposed to protect them.
I’ve never read the Quran or much about what it teaches, so I found the authors deep knowledge so helpful. She talks about how much she studied as a young girl, and that clearly shows. And being able to contrast the teachings of the Quran to the Bible makes this an extremely intriguing book.
For example when she talks about prayer:
I learnt that in Islam, “each prayer you pray earns you a certain number of points, and some earn more than others. There is no limit to the number of points you need, so you just have to keep on earning as many points as you can every day.”
But “today as a follower of Jesus, prayer is different. I feel joyful whenever I come into his presence to pray. As a Christian, I understand that I do not have to feel fear; instead I can feel peace. God is not wrathful if I do not offer morning prayer. I can pray any time.”
I read this book in one sitting, the style of writing was informative yet easy, almost as if I was being told the story over a coffee with a friend. But that easy style was backed up with quotes from both the Bible and Quran which clearly showed that the author knew what she was talking about.
I see that the author has another book, which I will definitely be trying to pick up. This was not an easy read, but one that I’m definitely thankful that I chose.
Posted on: https://emmaloui.se/2020/04/11/esther...
January 2, 2021
“I was Moses, standing before the burning bush, begging God to use anyone but him. I was Jonah, standing on the edge of the ocean, wondering if he really could flee from God’s mission. I was Abraham, looking at the empty altar, knowing the only thing to sacrifice of value was the person he loved most. And I was Esther, listening to Mordecai, knowing that being born for such a time as this could mean losing everything in an instant.”
Meet Esther Ahmad, a former Muslim scholar and future jihadist, who experienced a life changing encounter with Jesus. “To be a good Muslim you have to believe in the Bible.” Thus began Esther’s quest to learn more about her faith. She was incredulous to discover that her Muslim religion was mistaken. However, “He makes Himself known in the midst of our mistakes.” Instead of anchoring her belief in Allah, Esther discovered her Abba, Father. “I was loved and I was forgiven. Those truths changed everything for me...Pain is still present, and suffering isn’t wiped away, but despair? There’s no need for that anymore...From the first drop of blood to the last, you know my life is for the Lord.”
“God wanted Abraham to ask, to get involved, and to care about the state of his fellow man. And that is precisely what God wants us all to do. We have been made to care for others, to stand up to injustice, to plead with God, and to trust in His love and mercy.” After having listened to her suspenseful and action packed debut memoir Defying Jihad, I was again convicted, challenged, and compelled by Esther Ahmad’s sequel Unveiled. If you are curious about Islam, Christianity, and how they relate to women, I defy you NOT to unveil your mind and pick up a copy of Esther Ahmad’s latest release today!
Meet Esther Ahmad, a former Muslim scholar and future jihadist, who experienced a life changing encounter with Jesus. “To be a good Muslim you have to believe in the Bible.” Thus began Esther’s quest to learn more about her faith. She was incredulous to discover that her Muslim religion was mistaken. However, “He makes Himself known in the midst of our mistakes.” Instead of anchoring her belief in Allah, Esther discovered her Abba, Father. “I was loved and I was forgiven. Those truths changed everything for me...Pain is still present, and suffering isn’t wiped away, but despair? There’s no need for that anymore...From the first drop of blood to the last, you know my life is for the Lord.”
“God wanted Abraham to ask, to get involved, and to care about the state of his fellow man. And that is precisely what God wants us all to do. We have been made to care for others, to stand up to injustice, to plead with God, and to trust in His love and mercy.” After having listened to her suspenseful and action packed debut memoir Defying Jihad, I was again convicted, challenged, and compelled by Esther Ahmad’s sequel Unveiled. If you are curious about Islam, Christianity, and how they relate to women, I defy you NOT to unveil your mind and pick up a copy of Esther Ahmad’s latest release today!
February 2, 2020
Esther Ahmad fled her home country of Pakistan due to life-threatening persecution for her Christian faith. In this book she documents her many experiences growing up as a Muslim and she gives the reader the differences that she has encountered between Islam and Christianity. She uses scriptures, reasoning and experience to spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ and to enlighten the reader of the many disturbing behaviours she grew up believing were “the right way.” This book was fascinating and at times challenging and disturbing to read, however, the testimony of Esther is one I would highly recommend.
January 2, 2026
Unveiled: The Bible, the Qur’an, and Women by Esther Ahmad is a powerful, unsettling, and deeply moving book—one that stayed with me long after I closed the final page.
Through her own testimony and the stories of countless other women, Esther Ahmad exposes the harsh realities many women face in parts of the Muslim world: forced obedience, child marriage, domestic violence, and a culture where women are treated as property rather than as human beings. These are not abstract ideas. They are lived experiences, and they are devastating to read.
As Ahmad explains throughout the book (paraphrased), a woman’s value is often measured by her obedience, not her humanity. Disobedience—even hesitation—can be met with violence. Some stories are almost unbearable: young girls married off as children, wives beaten for minor delays, and women stripped of dignity in both public and private life.
What struck me most was the contrast between Esther’s upbringing and the life she later experienced after leaving Islam. She describes being overwhelmed when her Christian husband does something as simple as making her breakfast—an act of love she had never witnessed growing up. That moment powerfully illustrates how radically different biblical love is from domination.
This contrast aligns directly with Scripture:
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
And:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
Esther’s story is one of courage and intellect. Her debating skills, education, and fearlessness quite literally saved her life. She reminds me of a bold, unafraid truth-teller—someone like Charlie Kirk, willing to challenge ideas even when doing so puts her in danger.
One of the most unforgettable sections of the book recounts the story of a young Christian girl who prays for the man who murdered her parents and is about to kill her. Before pulling the trigger, she kneels and asks God to forgive him. He is unable to fire the gun—and later becomes a Christian himself.
That moment echoes Christ’s own words:
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Luke 23:34 (KJV)
And:
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.”
Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
What makes Unveiled especially thought-provoking is the cultural paradox it highlights. In the West, many people defend Islam in the name of tolerance, while ignoring or denying how women and minorities are treated under strict interpretations of it. Meanwhile, Esther’s journey shows what freedom, dignity, and responsibility look like when faith is lived out through love rather than control.
Finishing this book at 1 a.m. on January 2, 2026, I felt shaken, inspired, and deeply reflective. Esther Ahmad is an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary story. I hope to hear her speak in person one day. Her voice matters.
This is not a comfortable book—but it is a necessary one.
“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
— John 8:32 (KJV)
Through her own testimony and the stories of countless other women, Esther Ahmad exposes the harsh realities many women face in parts of the Muslim world: forced obedience, child marriage, domestic violence, and a culture where women are treated as property rather than as human beings. These are not abstract ideas. They are lived experiences, and they are devastating to read.
As Ahmad explains throughout the book (paraphrased), a woman’s value is often measured by her obedience, not her humanity. Disobedience—even hesitation—can be met with violence. Some stories are almost unbearable: young girls married off as children, wives beaten for minor delays, and women stripped of dignity in both public and private life.
What struck me most was the contrast between Esther’s upbringing and the life she later experienced after leaving Islam. She describes being overwhelmed when her Christian husband does something as simple as making her breakfast—an act of love she had never witnessed growing up. That moment powerfully illustrates how radically different biblical love is from domination.
This contrast aligns directly with Scripture:
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.”
Ephesians 5:25 (KJV)
And:
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:28 (KJV)
Esther’s story is one of courage and intellect. Her debating skills, education, and fearlessness quite literally saved her life. She reminds me of a bold, unafraid truth-teller—someone like Charlie Kirk, willing to challenge ideas even when doing so puts her in danger.
One of the most unforgettable sections of the book recounts the story of a young Christian girl who prays for the man who murdered her parents and is about to kill her. Before pulling the trigger, she kneels and asks God to forgive him. He is unable to fire the gun—and later becomes a Christian himself.
That moment echoes Christ’s own words:
“Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”
Luke 23:34 (KJV)
And:
“Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you.”
Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
What makes Unveiled especially thought-provoking is the cultural paradox it highlights. In the West, many people defend Islam in the name of tolerance, while ignoring or denying how women and minorities are treated under strict interpretations of it. Meanwhile, Esther’s journey shows what freedom, dignity, and responsibility look like when faith is lived out through love rather than control.
Finishing this book at 1 a.m. on January 2, 2026, I felt shaken, inspired, and deeply reflective. Esther Ahmad is an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary story. I hope to hear her speak in person one day. Her voice matters.
This is not a comfortable book—but it is a necessary one.
“Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
— John 8:32 (KJV)
November 3, 2023
Number of pages: 192
Genre: Non-fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: From jihadist to Christian, Esther had an interesting journey. In Unveiled, she shares her discoveries of how Islam oppresses women, as compared to the freedom she found in Christ.
My thoughts: What an incredible story! Esther shares a bit of her journey from fanatic Muslim to strong Christian, but her full story can be found in her other book: Defying Jihad (disclaimer: I have not read this book so I do not know whether it is good or not). I found it interesting to learn what the Qur'an said about the role of women. I thought it was crazy that a man is not only permitted but encouraged to beat his wife if she does not submit to him! I know not all Muslims would necessarily go that far, but this is directly taught in their holy book.
I liked that Esther didn’t shy away from her struggles. She admitted she still struggles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy, even though deep down she knows Christ has redeemed her and loves her. She couldn't remove from her brain the traditions/expectations she grew up with, and the things she was taught as a child, even though in her heart she knew they were wrong. I think it’s very brave to share her struggles with others, and I hope she can find God's peace about her struggles.
I found Esther to be very respectful of Islam, while showing its major discrepancies, confusing doctrines and sexist teachings. She never says that this is how all Muslims act or think, however, she does show that it is found in the Qur'an and Hadith (tradition books that are almost as important to Islam as the Qur'an), and therefore part of Muslim beliefs. Where she was going to be a jihadist, she was also part of a more extreme Muslim group as well, so her experiences are not the same as many of the Muslims who moved to the west. However, you can’t say that the Qur'an promotes the loving treatment of women.
I think I might have preferred her first book which is more of a story, however she did recap a lot of her life in this book, just in less detail because it was to show a point about the treatment of women. I learned a lot from this book, and would definitely recommend.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://wordpress.com/post/karinaschr...
Genre: Non-fiction
Series: N/A
Age recommendation: 16+
Summary: From jihadist to Christian, Esther had an interesting journey. In Unveiled, she shares her discoveries of how Islam oppresses women, as compared to the freedom she found in Christ.
My thoughts: What an incredible story! Esther shares a bit of her journey from fanatic Muslim to strong Christian, but her full story can be found in her other book: Defying Jihad (disclaimer: I have not read this book so I do not know whether it is good or not). I found it interesting to learn what the Qur'an said about the role of women. I thought it was crazy that a man is not only permitted but encouraged to beat his wife if she does not submit to him! I know not all Muslims would necessarily go that far, but this is directly taught in their holy book.
I liked that Esther didn’t shy away from her struggles. She admitted she still struggles with feelings of guilt and inadequacy, even though deep down she knows Christ has redeemed her and loves her. She couldn't remove from her brain the traditions/expectations she grew up with, and the things she was taught as a child, even though in her heart she knew they were wrong. I think it’s very brave to share her struggles with others, and I hope she can find God's peace about her struggles.
I found Esther to be very respectful of Islam, while showing its major discrepancies, confusing doctrines and sexist teachings. She never says that this is how all Muslims act or think, however, she does show that it is found in the Qur'an and Hadith (tradition books that are almost as important to Islam as the Qur'an), and therefore part of Muslim beliefs. Where she was going to be a jihadist, she was also part of a more extreme Muslim group as well, so her experiences are not the same as many of the Muslims who moved to the west. However, you can’t say that the Qur'an promotes the loving treatment of women.
I think I might have preferred her first book which is more of a story, however she did recap a lot of her life in this book, just in less detail because it was to show a point about the treatment of women. I learned a lot from this book, and would definitely recommend.
My personal rating: 4/5 stars.
Link to blog: https://wordpress.com/post/karinaschr...
May 17, 2025
Review of Unveiled: The Bible, The Qur'an, and Women by Esther Ahmad
Esther Ahmad’s Unveiled is a compelling and courageous memoir that offers a deeply personal examination of faith, identity, and the role of women in religious traditions. Following her earlier memoir, Defying Jihad, Ahmad delves into her experiences growing up in Pakistan under a strict interpretation of Islam and her subsequent conversion to Christianity. Through vivid storytelling, she contrasts the teachings of the Qur'an and the Bible, particularly concerning women's worth and roles.
Ahmad's narrative is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She recounts her upbringing in a culture where she felt undervalued as a daughter, leading her to volunteer for a suicide mission in a desperate attempt to gain her father's approval. Her transformation begins with a dream of Jesus, prompting her to question her beliefs and seek a new path. The book is structured around her journey from viewing herself as property to embracing her identity as a cherished child of God, highlighting the stark differences she perceives between Islamic and Christian teachings on women .
One of the strengths of Unveiled is Ahmad's ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with theological reflections. She provides insights into Islamic practices, such as the concept of accruing points through prayer, and contrasts them with her experiences of Christian grace and freedom. Her discussions are accessible, making complex religious concepts understandable to a broad audience .
However, the book's approach to Islamic teachings may be seen as one-dimensional. While Ahmad's experiences are valid and deeply felt, the portrayal of Islam lacks nuance and doesn't fully engage with the diversity of interpretations within the Muslim world. For readers unfamiliar with Islamic theology, this could lead to generalized perceptions.
In conclusion, Unveiled is a powerful testament to personal transformation and the search for spiritual truth. Ahmad's story sheds light on the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies and the profound impact of faith on one's identity. While the book could benefit from a more balanced exploration of Islamic teachings, it remains a poignant and thought-provoking read.
Esther Ahmad’s Unveiled is a compelling and courageous memoir that offers a deeply personal examination of faith, identity, and the role of women in religious traditions. Following her earlier memoir, Defying Jihad, Ahmad delves into her experiences growing up in Pakistan under a strict interpretation of Islam and her subsequent conversion to Christianity. Through vivid storytelling, she contrasts the teachings of the Qur'an and the Bible, particularly concerning women's worth and roles.
Ahmad's narrative is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. She recounts her upbringing in a culture where she felt undervalued as a daughter, leading her to volunteer for a suicide mission in a desperate attempt to gain her father's approval. Her transformation begins with a dream of Jesus, prompting her to question her beliefs and seek a new path. The book is structured around her journey from viewing herself as property to embracing her identity as a cherished child of God, highlighting the stark differences she perceives between Islamic and Christian teachings on women .
One of the strengths of Unveiled is Ahmad's ability to intertwine personal anecdotes with theological reflections. She provides insights into Islamic practices, such as the concept of accruing points through prayer, and contrasts them with her experiences of Christian grace and freedom. Her discussions are accessible, making complex religious concepts understandable to a broad audience .
However, the book's approach to Islamic teachings may be seen as one-dimensional. While Ahmad's experiences are valid and deeply felt, the portrayal of Islam lacks nuance and doesn't fully engage with the diversity of interpretations within the Muslim world. For readers unfamiliar with Islamic theology, this could lead to generalized perceptions.
In conclusion, Unveiled is a powerful testament to personal transformation and the search for spiritual truth. Ahmad's story sheds light on the challenges faced by women in patriarchal societies and the profound impact of faith on one's identity. While the book could benefit from a more balanced exploration of Islamic teachings, it remains a poignant and thought-provoking read.
October 5, 2021
From what I have managed to read about Esther Ahmad and how she wished that her father a Muslim would show on how much he loves her. Unfortunately it was via suicide mission she thought that her father would show her his love. Luckily for Esther journey out of Pakistan God was leading her on another mission. Unfortunately for women and girls like Esther have no rights, respect or voice Esther explains what this Muslim life is like for them.
Even though I would have liked to fully read the book to have an understanding of what Muslim young girls and women went through and how they are treated by the men in their lives but unfortunately it didn’t hold my entire attention. Whereas I recommend Unveiled for fellow Christians who like to read about Muslim women and how they are treated and the religion and spirituality genre. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishing via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
#Unveiled #NetGalley
Review run date was set for 05 May 2020 for Netgalley, unfortunately life stood at a standstill as I finished the final semester and three subjects of my studies. On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 05 October 2021 going to write my review will be post on my blog, Facebook blog, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, kobo, googlebooks and iBooks.
My WordPress blog is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95...
Even though I would have liked to fully read the book to have an understanding of what Muslim young girls and women went through and how they are treated by the men in their lives but unfortunately it didn’t hold my entire attention. Whereas I recommend Unveiled for fellow Christians who like to read about Muslim women and how they are treated and the religion and spirituality genre. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harvest House Publishing via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.
#Unveiled #NetGalley
Review run date was set for 05 May 2020 for Netgalley, unfortunately life stood at a standstill as I finished the final semester and three subjects of my studies. On 28 March 2021 I was set to write the review and my health became an emotional roller coaster so here I am today 05 October 2021 going to write my review will be post on my blog, Facebook blog, Amazon.com.au, goodreads, kobo, googlebooks and iBooks.
My WordPress blog is http://bluefalkon95adorationofallgenr... My Facebook reader blog page link, is https://www.facebook.com/BlueFalkon95...
February 13, 2020
A jihadist wanna-be turned Jesus follower, Esther Ahmad tells the story of her journey to Jesus despite being raised in a devout Muslim Pakistani home. A very learned young woman, Ahmad tells of her dream of Jesus, how her search through the Scriptures proved over and over again the reality of a God who loves and pursues who is so different than the angry and vengeful god of the Qu'ran.
From the first lines, Ahmad drew me into her story, and I could hardly put down the book, wanting to know what would happen next. While she weaves her story together, she also pulls in deep heart issues that many Muslim women face and how Jesus met her in those places. Ahmad shows how she moved from something to something--from a piece of property to a cherished daughter, from silent rituals to intimate prayer, from dead letters to the living word, and so on.
Ahmad's story includes marriage to a Christian man, having a daughter, fleeing Pakistan to Malysia as refugees, and then finding asylum in the American south. Her story is inspiring, heart-wrenching, and encouraging. It's also a call to prayer for millions of other women like Ahmad who grow up and live in similar cultures to meet the God who sees, the God who knows, the God who loves. Such an encouraging and inspiring story!
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
From the first lines, Ahmad drew me into her story, and I could hardly put down the book, wanting to know what would happen next. While she weaves her story together, she also pulls in deep heart issues that many Muslim women face and how Jesus met her in those places. Ahmad shows how she moved from something to something--from a piece of property to a cherished daughter, from silent rituals to intimate prayer, from dead letters to the living word, and so on.
Ahmad's story includes marriage to a Christian man, having a daughter, fleeing Pakistan to Malysia as refugees, and then finding asylum in the American south. Her story is inspiring, heart-wrenching, and encouraging. It's also a call to prayer for millions of other women like Ahmad who grow up and live in similar cultures to meet the God who sees, the God who knows, the God who loves. Such an encouraging and inspiring story!
Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for this honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
November 28, 2022
"My experiences have taught me that Islam is a religion in which the exterior matters much more than the interior. Those two angels on my shoulders that my mother told me about, they cannot read your thoughts. They are only interested in your actions. Allah does not care so much whether you believe in him. What matters is that you obey. If you talk to any muslim long enough, eventually the words 'forbidden' and 'allowed' will be repeated far more than any others. Christianity on the other hand is all about the interior. It is why we talk about the heart so much and why we discuss things like being 'born again' and having a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is the interior where the true transformation takes place in the life of the Christian. And from that internal change, our external behavior then changes. The goal of every muslim is to get into heaven with as little torment as possible, not necessarily to be a better person here on earth. But for a Christian, heaven begins now. We start to be transformed the moment we accept Jesus as Savior...the harder you try to live up to a set of standards of external behavior, the more you see how impossible it is. As Paul reminds us in the book of Romans, each of us is locked in a constant battle against sin. And while Islam wants us to be as good, as pure, and as right as we can, Christianity tells us that we are not that good and not that pure, but that we are forgiven."
January 19, 2021
Another fantastic book by Esther Ahmad. The story telling in her books is amazing and inspiring. This book gives a window into her life of (at first, unknowingly) being trapped in Islamic religion and culture that brought her deep loneliness and despair. Then, highlighting God’s goodness and faithfulness to always reach and bring his love to seemingly impossible places.
Esther also expertly used this book as a tool to show the differences between how women are viewed and treated based on what the Quran says about women and what the Bible says about women.
She points out how Allah is taught to be distant and uninterested in humanity, women being the lowliest, stupidest and most useless.
While on the other hand God is always showing Himself, loving and reaching out to His people. Woman are special and precious in His sight. He doesn’t prefer certain people groups or love one gender more than the other, His love abounds to all.
5 stars
Esther also expertly used this book as a tool to show the differences between how women are viewed and treated based on what the Quran says about women and what the Bible says about women.
She points out how Allah is taught to be distant and uninterested in humanity, women being the lowliest, stupidest and most useless.
While on the other hand God is always showing Himself, loving and reaching out to His people. Woman are special and precious in His sight. He doesn’t prefer certain people groups or love one gender more than the other, His love abounds to all.
5 stars
May 9, 2020
i DNF this book because this is not what I expected, there is so much negativity in this book.
Their area a lot of things new to me like jihad thing which is happening in Pakistan. The thing is as a Muslim I know this thing never happened in my country and we may go anywhere we want, allowed to talk to anyone, can stay the late night, we allowed education too. So this representation is kinda too much for me. I think it's not about religion, it's about society's condition and the culture prevailing in that area.
Their area a lot of things new to me like jihad thing which is happening in Pakistan. The thing is as a Muslim I know this thing never happened in my country and we may go anywhere we want, allowed to talk to anyone, can stay the late night, we allowed education too. So this representation is kinda too much for me. I think it's not about religion, it's about society's condition and the culture prevailing in that area.
January 8, 2023
Although it’s a short book, it’s a powerful testimony, full of emotion and only made clear what a wonderful and loving God we have. I was just overwhelmed by all that these women have to face in their lives. My heart was broken for all of them and made me realize how blessed I am just by being born in the west. As Christians we should be praying for muslim girls and women’s to find hope, love and redemption in Christ, and that God help all the Christians risking their lives in muslim nations.
September 8, 2023
This is a beautiful story about the Living God who rescues and restores. While it is certainly helpful to learn how to talk to Muslims about Christianity, I’m even more grateful simply to behold God’s amazing grace unfold in the lives of the people Esther Ahmad mentioned. This story reinforces Peters description of this salvation, so that amazing that angels long to look into it. Jesus is unfathomably good.
October 21, 2025
This book is easy to read and I loved the way she wove stories and explained the thinking/worldview behind people’s actions. It is her own story yet the story of so many women living in the Islamic world. I lived for 15 years in a different Muslim country but most of the issues for women are the same. Until you know people really well it is hidden. She was very brave to write this book and very vulnerable.
April 23, 2020
What an eye opening look into Islam from one who was raised and well versed in the religion. Anyone interested in the contrast between Christianity and Islam would definitely find Esther's book fascinating. It's heartbreaking how women are treated in Islam and this book draws more awareness to their plight. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC all opinions are my own.
July 27, 2021
This book reminded me so much of when I read Betty Mahmoody’s book as well as her daughter’s book about their life in Iran. It makes me appreciate my freedoms as a Christian woman, but also makes me sad for the millions of muslim women who are in such bondage. I love how God is using Esther. And reading her books helps me to know how to love on muslims to win them to Christ as well.
November 2, 2024
Loved the book. Esther's story is remarkable. The thing that stuck with me is that once she turned to Jesus, there wasn't anything she couldn't do. She felt Him right beside her. She was even ready to face her death after she was found to have left Islam for Christianity. I didn't want to put this book down.
Read
December 3, 2024Unveiled: dehumanizing of Muslim women. Rape, murder from the men in the culture. Essentially women are slaves In the radical muslim culture. But the radical culture is popular. Just continued disregard for the life of women and inhumane treatment of them. A different species of animal you’re dealing with regarding these Islamic extremist men. Her eventual conversion to Christianity, how it saved her life, and the comparison to growing up Islamic.
Read
December 3, 2024Wow. What a powerful story of God’s infinite love and mercy. It felt wrong to give this book a rating, as it is a deeply personal testimony, but nevertheless, it is filled with abundant truth. Be prepared for heavy, graphic material, but also expect to come away with a newfound hope of the greatness of our God.
January 29, 2025
After reading her biography, I searched for more about her. This book she wrote is more of a topical comparison of Christianity and Islam. Super informative! She uses scripture from the Bible and the Quran as well as her life experience to shine the light on the truth. It is eye opening and very well written. More topics are covered than just women. I recommend this book to both men and women.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews