Muslims are taught to live a life of struggle – jihad – ending in sacrifice for their “god,” but Jesus Christ offers peace and rest, sacrificing Himself for our sins.

Mohamad Faridi of Iranian Christians International recently joined the Truth & Liberty livecast to discuss a number of issues, including leaving Islam and sharing the Gospel with Muslims.

Pursuing Jihad and Martyrdom

As a young man, Faridi tried to be a devout Muslim, joining the Iranian army with the hope of dying in battle so he might enter paradise (the Islamic concept of heaven). Several members of his family were martyrs for Islam, setting a course for Faridi to follow.

“The only thing that guarantees salvation, the eternal life, paradise, pleasing Allah completely, is laying your own life and shedding blood,” said Faridi. “Martyrdom is the only certain thing.”

Faridi also participated in bloody rituals where he was severely beaten and cut with a sword. Reaching the point of suicide, he reached out to a friend for advice. Faridi immediately recognized that a change had taken place in his friend, who he later discovered was a Christian.

Finding Rest in Jesus

His friend explained that Jesus was already beaten, bruised, and sacrificed for all mankind. He was nailed to the cross to pay for sin and if Faridi believed in Him, he would have eternal life.

“That was the best thing I ever heard in my life,” said Faridi. “Every lie that Islam told me, that I need to do to earn [eternal life] – I was beating myself, bruising myself, cutting myself, shedding my own blood, and eventually giving my life . . . [my friend] said it’s already finished in the person of Jesus Christ.”

Realizing the only sacrifice needed for sin had already been made (1 John 2:2), Faridi gave up everything to exchange the bondage of Islam for freedom in Jesus Christ.

“I fell on my knees, literally, and begged him, ‘What do I need to do?’” said Faridi. “He said, ‘Close your eyes, ask Jesus to forgive your sins and be the Lord of your life.’”

According to Faridi, the change in his life was immediate.

“I opened my eyes and for the first time in 23 years, I could see colors,” he said. “Something within me became alive to God.”

Faridi’s decision to become a Christian put his life in danger, and he sought refuge in the United States. He found Andrew Wommack’s teachings and later enrolled at Charis Bible College. Mohamed and his wife, Susan, are now reaching Persian-language peoples with the Gospel and equipping Christians to effectively minister to Muslims.

Learn More

Learn more about Mohamad Faridi and Iranian Christians International at the organization’s website. Also check out Faridi’s book Forsaking My Father’s Religion.

Watch the full episode at the Truth & Liberty website and visit our Research Center for great practical resources. Also learn how you can become a Truth & Liberty Coalition member and join us in standing for truth in the public square.