Unveiled: The Bible, The Qur’an, and Women – A Journey of Faith and Identity
Sometimes, a book captures your attention for reasons you can’t entirely grasp. With Unveiled: The Bible, The Qur’an, and Women, by Esther Ahmad, it was the striking cover that beckoned me to explore its pages, though I had no inkling of the eye-opening journey that awaited me. My whim of requesting this book from NetGalley turned out to be a fortuitous decision, as I was swept into the heart-wrenching story of a woman whose bravery transcends cultural boundaries.
At the book’s outset, we meet Ahmad at a pivotal moment in her life—on the verge of committing Jihad, fervently believing this sacrifice would assure her entry into heaven and that of her family. Then, in a transformative dream, Jesus appears, urging her to seek the "way, the truth, and the life." This revelation ignites a tumultuous journey, and what unfolds is more than just a personal narrative; it’s a broader exploration of faith, identity, and the often unspoken struggles faced by women under the tenets of these two major religions.
Ahmad’s reflections on her upbringing deeply resonated with me. As the third daughter in her family, she experienced the stark disappointment of a father who placed little value on the female children he was given. Her profound statement, “I grew to understand that in my father’s eyes, I was never going to be enough," struck a chord. It reveals a universal truth about the longing for acceptance, a feeling many can relate to, regardless of cultural context. Yet, Ahmad contrasts her experience with harrowing stories of abuse endured by other girls, prompting us to recognize the varying degrees of societal oppression.
Her insights into the Quran’s teachings about women were enlightening, particularly for someone like me who has little familiarity with these texts. Ahmad’s deep understanding is evident as she juxtaposes Islamic practices with Christian beliefs. One notable juxtaposition comes when she discusses prayer, illuminating how, in her past Islamic experiences, prayer was transactional—a system of points earned through prescribed actions. In stark contrast, she beautifully conveys her newfound joy in prayer as a follower of Jesus, expressing a relief from fear and an embrace of peace.
The writing style felt like sitting down with a friend over coffee—informative yet incredibly accessible. Ahmad’s narrative flows seamlessly, punctuated with poignant quotes from both the Bible and the Quran, grounding her experiences in a broader theological context. Reading the book in one sitting wasn’t just easy; it was a deeply engaging experience that encourages reflection long after you close the book.
In closing, Unveiled isn’t merely a memoir; it’s a powerful exploration of faith, identity, and the complex role of women within two of the world’s great religions. I’d recommend this book to anyone curious about the intricacies of faith, the struggles of female identity, or seeking a captivating personal story about resilience and transformation. My journey through its pages has left me grateful for the chance to delve into such a rich, educational narrative. It’s a book that encourages both reflection and dialogue, and I look forward to exploring more of Esther Ahmad’s work in the future.
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