New Book: Encountering the World of Post-Islam

Encountering the World of Post-Islam

By Ben Adam

2024. Regnum Books International (Imprint of the Oxford Centre for Mission Studies). 50 pages. ISBN 978-1-917059-12-1 (Paperback)

 Ben's book explains who post-Islam Muslims are. He describes a hidden post-Islam world where there are seekers, agnostics and atheists in abundance, some, very secretive, others audacious. In their journey beyond Islam many have had no direct contact with Christians and the author is keen to make sure that we are equipped to help such post-Islam Muslims encounter Christ.

 Rather than chapters Ben uses subject titles. A brief Preface and Introduction launch us into seven sections.

 (1)  What is Post-Islam and Why Does it Matter

(2)  The Rise of Post-Islam

(3)  The Biblical Idea of Ideological Struggle

(4)  Where and How Do We Find Post-Islam

(5)  How does Post-Islam Help (or Hinder) the Message of the Gospel

(6)  Discipling the World of Post-Islam 1: Spreading the Message

(7)  Discipling the World of Post-Islam 2:Teaching them to Obey Everything

 Let me begin with Ben’s definition of a post-Muslim, “One born or converted into Islam who no longer believes in its fundamental truth claims.” (Adam page 5) He unpacks the options and ends section (1) with the question, “How can post-Muslims come to know and follow Jesus?” (Adam page 6)

 Section (2) highlights possible reasons for the rise of post-Islam, including accessibility to online religious debate, higher educational attainment resulting in scepticism, dialogue that encourages critical comparison, and socio-political incentives. Such a newspaper headline as, “Khamenei believes that the future of the world is Islam” (iNewspaper 19 April 2024 page 9) illustrates a country whose government’s fundamentalism might generate opposition to Islam and encourage post-Islam. Registering asylum seekers from Muslim countries at a local drop-in, I have noted in recent years some prefer to answer the question, “Religion,” with the response, “None.” 

 Section (3) is a useful Biblical reflection on 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 and provides a theological framework for the discussion of where many of the post-Islamists find themselves, i.e. “in the strongholds that set themselves up against the knowledge of God.” (2 Cor.10:5) Ben writes, “Encountering the world of post-Islam means taking the opportunities offered by the breaking up of a hostile power.” (Adam page 14)

 In Section (4) Ben begins to signpost us to practical lessons to be learnt. One lesson is that we are not to assume another’s beliefs when it comes to post-Islam. Cultural post-Islam Muslims may never have set foot in a mosque let alone a Qur’anic school. Listen and learn. My experience with one borderline post-Muslim was that the person’s curiosity in agnosticism, fostered on the internet, had led the individual, simply, to want to know more about Jesus. Not once, over a period of quite a few years of reading the New Testament together, did the person ever seek an argument. There was a genuine desire to fill a knowledge vacuum.

 A second lesson is that post-Islam folk like to meet in safe spaces, a point that Ben repeats later. One place of encounter is on the internet, another, retail outlets, both familiar environments where generous hospitality can be expressed.

 In Section (5) we are introduced to the positive and negative aspects of ministering to post-Muslims. Some come with a guileless openness, others with a history of the supernatural, visions, dreams, and miracles associated with Jesus, and others with a considerable knowledge of the Christan scriptures. Others, observant of the failings of Western society, are sceptical about Christ’s ability to transform immoral behaviour. Others are happy with their new secular values and lifestyle.

 The final two Sections (6 and 7) are loaded with theological insights and practical suggestions. Ben comprehensively reinforces many of the points he has already made, e.g., listening, not making assumptions. It is not so much unlearning the traditional ways of evangelism, church planting and discipleship among Muslims but a critical reviewing, refining and augmenting our ministry tool chests. Here are a few ideas that Ben develops towards the end of his book. I offer them as appetisers.

 He proposes that we should:

• see ourselves in the role of a “teacher” (Adam page 33) rather than a “friend” to the post-Muslim,

• encourage the post-Muslim Christian to see the Christian community as a “third culture” which allows the person to relate to his/her Muslim family and secular society through the eyes of Christ – the church being between mosque and family (Adam page 39),

• focus on discovering and engaging with post-Muslims in safe spaces which are endemic in large, multi-cultural cities (Adam page 32),

•  envisage that “mavericks” may be the most effective post-Muslim evangelists (Adam page 32),

•  focus on following-up media contacts,

•  look for opportunities where there is antagonism with Arab-Islam (Adam page 36), i.e. contexts where the “strongholds” of Islam have broken down (Adam page 36),

•  consider that the closer the work is to the point of alienation and disappointment with Islam, the more likely post-Muslins are to respond to the gospel (Adam page 37),

•  remember that the goal for the church among post-Muslims is to create for them a new identity (Adam page 40) which may be best achieved through the multicultural church movement (Adam page 42),

•  address what being a worshipping community with post-Muslim Jesus followers might look like (Adam page 45).

 These and other subjects signal that there is much reflection, wrestling and labouring that lies ahead to understand and minister to this young generation of post-Muslims.

 Ben lays down markers for us which are extremely timely. He concludes.

 “The number of post-Muslims is growing rapidly, and, as it does, so does the challenge and opportunity.” (Adam page 47).

 To whom would I recommend this book?

 To anyone with a passion for Muslim people groups, especially those among whom significant numbers of people are abandoning their Islamic faith, embracing another religion, notably Christianity, agnosticism or atheism.  Anyone interested in global faiths and the growth of secularisation in the 21st Century,  Anyone interested in religious fundamentalism, especially within Islam, and Islamic-counter apostasy movements.

 Only 50 pages, but a book that punches above its weight.

 May Ben’s book kindle conversations and ignite new initiatives.

 Keith Fraser-Smith

May  7, 2024

Medina in Birmingham

Medina in Birmingham, Najaf in Brent: Inside British Islam, by Innes Bowen

Don’t know your Deobandi from your Bohras? Innes Bowen provides a clear and detailed guide to the variety of Muslim streams and movements present in the UK. Although the book is now ten years old, it is still an invaluable source of background information. Bowen’s agenda is entirely informational; she is a BBC journalist who set out to research an area she did not know about. There is nothing else quite like it. She drew on the work of Muslim researcher Mehmood Naqshbandi whose website www.muslimsinbritain.org  provides helpful local information using terms which Bowen helps us interpret.

Christians from a Muslim Background. Exploring Pastoral Provision and Discipleship for CMBs

Resources > New Books > Christians from a Muslim Background. Exploring Pastoral Provision and Discipleship for CMBs

A book review of ‘Christians from a Muslim Background’ by Hasna Khatun

‘Christians from a Muslim Background. Exploring Pastoral Provision and Discipleship for CMBs’ by Hasna Khatun

‘The discipleship of CMBs (Christians of Muslim Background)’ writes Hasna Khatun, ‘Is a specialist task; therefore it is not everyone’s calling.’

Be that as it may, the fact is that many of us in British churches find ourselves befriending and supporting former Muslims.

This concise booklet may be of service to us as we reflect on what is involved. 

Hasna Khatun writes as one raised in a South Asian Muslim family.

She surveys resources available and comments on some that are likely to be familiar to those in or aware of the Mahabba Network such as Joining the Family and Come Follow Me.

Whether we agree with everything she says or not, this is surely someone to we should listen to carefully.

The book is published by Grove Books Limited.

Buy now from:

• Grove Books Limited

Concise Guide to the Life of Muhammad: Answering Thirty Key Questions (Introducing Islam)

Resources > New Books > Concise Guide to the Life of Muhammad: Answering Thirty Key Questions (Introducing Islam)

A book review of ‘Concise Guide to the Life of Muhammad’ by By Ayman S Ibrahim

Concise Guide to the Life of Muhammad: Answering Thirty Key Questions (Introducing Islam) is By Ayman S Ibrahim - Professor of Islamic studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Professor Ibrahim’s book is a very handy resource for anyone interested in what can be known about Muhammad.

Each question is dealt with clearly and in a matter-of-fact manner and backed up with sources.

The questions range from the very basic such as whether we can be sure Muhammad is a genuine historical figure through to quite specialist subjects such as whether he made treaties with the Jews.

He makes clear what the average Muslim believes, what their scholars know and the extent to which Islamic sources support or contradict these views.

Where Shi’ite Muslims take a different view to that of the majority Sunnis, he spells that out too. 

This is a book for someone who wants to know about Islam as a religion rather than about their Muslim neighbours.

For the non-Muslim reader, it helpfully deconstructs some of the apparently unquestionable “facts” ordinary Muslims are taught and which they confidently assert.

Ibrahim does not intend his work to be used as a source of ammunition to be used against Muslims and I don’t think anyone should it use it that way; it is however a mine of information for those who want to understand more about Muhammed.

The book is written at an academic level but is presented accessibly and engagingly for those who have a keen interest. 

Available as paperback or as e-book from popular book sellers.

Conversion and Identity. The Pastoral Care and Discipleship of Converts from Islam in the Context of the UK.

Resources > New Books > Conversion and Identity. The Pastoral Care and Discipleship of Converts from Islam in the Context of the UK.

A book review of Conversion and Identity by Saira Malik

‘Conversion and Identity. The Pastoral Care and Discipleship of Converts from Islam in the Context of the UK’ by Saira Mailk.

One thing we can look forward to more of is publications written by former Muslims reflecting on their experience in the UK and the is much we can learn from them. This 40-page booklet is one such.

Saira Malik set out to understand what the level of awareness was among converts and those that care for them. Drawing on her MA research interviews and her personal experience, she explores issues of conversion and identity in the lives of former Muslims here in the UK. She also draws on the writings of others, both of theorists and of quite well-known non-academic publications.

The booklet is published by Regnum books is available as paperback and e-book.

Storytellers: Bringing Muslims Home - Bernie Power

Resources >New Books> Calling on the prophets

Storytellers: Bringing Muslims Home - Bernie Power

The idea of using stories as a key to sharing the truth of the Gospel is cleverly presented in this book. It is a collection of stories and ways of presenting Christian truth entwined within its own story.

The book recounts the journey of a young couple as they go out into a Muslim country to live for Christ. At every opportunity they use stories to present truth and make their listeners and friends think about what God did through Jesus and how the work of Jesus contrasts with the teaching of the majority community around them. They often seem to get into situations where a story calms the atmosphere and presents truth in a less threatening way.

The stories they use are very useful and could be used in your own conversations with your Muslim friends. I have often been told that it is best to tell a story and let it hang and allow the truth to do its work in prepared hearts. This couple, however, seem to like asking questions and explaining the underlying truth after they have told the story, that also seems to work for them

As well as stories the book contains some answers to the challenges that Christians face from Muslims about the Bible and the Qur’an, Jesus and Muhammed, and mercy and forgiveness. Again, these presentations are helpful and you could easily use them in your own conversations. My overall impression is that this couple were a bit more polemic and confrontational than I would be comfortable with, but that leads to a good story!

The stories and presentations can be adapted to your own sharing style and will definitely add tools to your belt as you meet Muslim people.

Available from Amazon and other bookshops

Learning from Muslim People: Helpful Books

Resources > Enabling all Christians > Going further > Learning from Muslim People: Helpful Books

Read Miriam’s blog here about the importance of hearing the authentic voice of Muslim people.

Zia Chaudhry Just Your Average Muslim

Zia Chaudhry is one of many British born Muslims who just wants to be recognised as an ordinary human being just like everyone else. Being educated and articulate (he is a solicitor), he has written a book with the title “Just Your Average Muslim.” He shares what it is like growing up as the son of immigrant parents and finding his way in the world. Too easily, we get used to viewing people through the lens of religious affiliation rather than as our neighbours and this book helps to correct that. Also of interest, he takes time to say what he thinks of Christianity, as he understands it.

Shelina Janmohamed  Love in a Headscarf: Muslim Woman seeks the One

Everyone seems to have an opinion backed by things they have heard about what it is like for women in Islam. In her highly readable book, Shelina Janmohamed tells us of her own struggles with life in the UK as young professional Muslim from a traditional family. She is expected to get married and she dreams of being married and yet nothing goes according to anyone’s plan. She is clearly writing for outsiders and she wants us to think well of Islam, but this is not some idealised presentation. If we want to understand what life may be like for our Muslim neighbours, this book gives some insights.

Shelina Janmohamed Generation M

This book introduces us to the lifestyle, mindset and worldview of young Muslim people in today’s rapidly changing world.  Through snap shots, (or should I say video clips?) Shelina Janmohamed gives insights into how young Muslim people aged between 15 and 30, not just in the UK but around the world, are engaging with the challenges of living in a world influenced by today’s Western materialistic technological culture. 

We find out how these young people combine Islam with modernity by expressing themselves through Islamic appropriate fashion, glossy magazines with Muslim appropriate content, financial dealings in line with Muslim principles, and the challenges of halal food and labelling. 

The challenges of expressing your faith or being a fulfilled Muslim woman are discussed with frankness and illumination.  Insights are offered, through personal testimony, into life as a minority and expressing faith through a spectrum from art to community action.

The book is full of names, places and items which can be found on the internet, opening up an ever-widening horizon of Generation M’s engagement with modernity.  Do you want to know more about a dimension of Islam which is often ignored or overlooked because we discuss what Muslim people are ‘supposed’ to believe and do?  This book will open a whole new perspective on the young 2nd or 3rd generation Muslim person in your street, workplace or health centre helping your engagement be more relevant and impactful.

Sarfraz Manzoor They

Sarfraz Manzoor is best known for his first autobiographical book, ‘Greetings from Bury Park’ which was the basis for the film ‘Blinded by the Light’. He is a respected journalist who writes for the Guardian. Sarfraz Manzoor was born in Pakistan but grew up in Luton from the age of 4. His wife is white and from Scotland. They have 2 children and now live in London.

‘They’ is an ambitious attempt to address the complexity of the myths held by British Muslims about non-Muslims and those held by non-Muslims about Muslims. Manzoor focusses his research on the Muslim community who originated in the Indian subcontinent, (60% of Muslims in Britain). The book explores the complexity of identity through this lens. 

In each chapter Manzoor explores a myth, presents research through interviews with people and their stories. He seeks to find hope and ‘build a bridge of understanding’. His style is personal, and the book tells his own story as he explores the layers of his identity and that of others who identify as Muslim in Britain. 

Issues covered are: Segregated Communities, Marriage, Gender Equality, Radical and Violent Islam, Anti-Semitism, Sexuality, Multi-culturalism Values and Patriotism. He does not shy away from sensitive issues and confronts the uncomfortable facts around such issues of grooming of girls, drugs and radicalisation. 

I would recommend reading They to those Mahabba members wanting to understand more about what may influence the thinking of the communities they work with and the complexity of the myths that often divide rather than build bridges. It illuminates the diversity of expression of faith and practice within the Muslim community and this is helpful in understanding modern Britain. 

It is an easy read in style. However, it is sometimes uncomfortable to face the contribution racism and islamophobia has made to mutual suspicion that fuels the myths.

Ed Husain Among the Mosques: A journey Across Muslim Britain.

This is an unusual book! Ed Husain, journalist and author of the biographical The Islamist describes his visits to mosques across the UK. He goes to visit expressions of Islam which he knows well from his past and also from his present alignments. He also visits expressions that were unfamiliar to him. Along the way, he discreetly gives advice to the uninitiated on how to visit Muslim homes using himself as an example.

He writes as a devout but modern Muslim for a liberal secular audience, particularly highlighting things that are worrying him at the present time. In an interview about the book here, he answered some of the questions that arose in my mind about why he was covering what he was covering.

Husain expresses his alarm at the presence of Saudi-inspired literalism and the overflow of strife from Pakistan into the UK; some have suggested this was irresponsible. He also describes some more hopeful features that he encounters. This is not a book I would recommend to everyone. It needs to be set aside other experiences and accounts to set it in context but all the situations he describes are authentic and that makes it an interesting read.

This book answers the question: What does it really mean to be a Muslim in the West today?  The catalyst for this book came when Mariam Khan read that David Cameron had linked the radicalization of Muslim men to the ‘traditional submissiveness’ of Muslim women (2016). She wondered why she was hearing about Muslim women from people who were neither Muslim, nor female – especially since she didn’t know a single Muslim woman who would describe herself that way

Many writers speak robustly and are not afraid to call out the hypocrisy and duplicity in the structures and systems in both western and Islamic cultures. Neither do the writers shy away from critiquing Muslim women themselves who have not used the opportunities to effect change as a result of the representation which success in the fashion industry or in business has made possible to them. There is a warning to South Asian women of the continuation of the “toxic masculinity” behaviour prevalent in their community and an urge to do better : “until we stop mollycoddling Muslim men there won’t be any substantial change”. 

I found most moving the contribution by broadcaster, Saima Mir, telling the story of her experience of arranged marriage(s). In this very honest and personal account one gains greater insight into the impact on decision making and life choices which are made as a result of the interwoven-ness and complexities of the differing and sometimes conflicting strands which make up the life of a young, well-educated, British Asian, Muslim woman. 

I found most challenging the repeated assertion by contributors that their faith has sustained them despite the cultural patriarchy which blights their lives. These women retain their love for Islam as their way of worship, practice and prayer. Their hope and their fight is for a feminine critique of their religion. They resist by refusing to conform to either the culture of the west or those cultures of heritage and would see no contradiction in declaring themselves as emancipated. It left me wondering how I would share the good news of Jesus with them when they, themselves, are “working out their own salvation” and in many ways, apparently succeeding. 

It’s Not About the Burqa is at times funny, sometimes sad, often angry and always passionate. I found it so engaging and so pertinent to current conversations around identity, belonging, misogyny and lazy stereotyping that I devoured it in a day.   I would highly recommend this book to any who are engaging with Muslim women in diaspora communities. Let’s read and listen well to what they really have to say.

This page contains descriptions of books which people in the Network have found helpful and which relate to loving all Muslims. This is by no means exhaustive. The inclusion of a book does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within it.

Calling on the Prophets in Christian Witness to Muslims - Colin Bearup

Resources >New Books> Calling on the prophets

Calling on the Prophets in Christian Witness to Muslims - Colin Bearup

All the prophets are to be taken seriously by Muslims. They know the names of many Bible characters and often know Islam’s version of their stories. Most Muslims, however, are also aware that they do not know the whole story. This book is about sharing the precious truth of the gospel by referencing characters on whom Muslims themselves set a high value.

Calling on the Prophets offers helpful, practical conversational habits to initiate, navigate, and steer conversations through the common ground of our prophetic heritage. This is not a method to replace all others; it is an extra ability to add to our skill set. In the first four chapters, Colin Bearup lays out the principles and sets ground rules for respectful, fruitful conversations. The next ten chapters apply these principles to fourteen Bible characters known to Muslims as prophets. If we master the approach, we can engage in these example conversations and successfully delve into others.

None of these ideas are totally new, but they are brought together in one slim volume by a worker with forty years of mission experience who can illustrate the approach with real-life examples. Here is an opportunity to learn new ways to enhance our effectiveness in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.

Calling on the Prophets delightfully illustrates how to utilize the Old Testament Prophets to open Muslim hearts, creating a desire in them to “bow the knee” to the Lord Jesus, Isa Al Masih. - Rev. Dr. Greg Livingstone, founder, Frontiers

This is exactly what the mission world needs today—a practitioner sharing his inside experience and wisdom. Colin is both personable and practical, making this an extremely valuable resource for those wishing to share their Christian faith with Muslims. - Roland Muller, author of Honor and Shame and The Messenger, the Message and the Community

Well Mister Bearup...All I can say is 90 points out of 10 for your latest book! Too much is written on apologetics and polemics nowadays...But your book is a treasure of HOW to connect with the Muslim heart using the prophets and push/place the Muslim in the direction of Christ through arousing curiosity, thoughtfulness, and respectful discussion. Every page of your book is a treasure chest of gems. May Jesus (his peace be upon us!) use this book to fuel the body of Christ with practical tools to win Muslim hearts for Christ...Rather than pummel them into the ground! - A full time worker with Pioneers with a full time love for Muslims.

Available from Amazon and other bookshops

Mountains Move - Steve Bell

Resources >New Books>Mountains Move

Mountains Move - Steve Bell

Public discourse has become increasingly strident, aided and abetted by political correctness. Some Christians are intimidated by this and withdraw, while others unwittingly tread on social landmines, damaging their message and giving Christians a bad reputation.

What the book is about The book is an insight into Christian engagement and mission in the 21st Century, how Christians can follow the risen Christ through church walls into society as effective ‘moral salt’ and ‘spiritual light’. The social “marketplace” of ideas has shifted online, which is the latest frontier for Christian presence, engagement and mission, and where we “teach” the relevance of the gospel as an entre to “preach” it amidst the social landmines strewn around in a post-Christian society. How do we navigate our way with unconscious biases such as the colonial era or white supremacy; the notion of political correctness or the danger posed by fundamentalist Muslims and Christians; the challenge of secularism and the new atheism. What do we do in light of the flow of ex-Muslims who are attaching to local churches? Mountains are moving but are we moving with them?

‘The topography of Steve Bell’s “mountains” is enlightening and humbling. There is a steep but rewarding learning curve here for those longing for a more honest and humble witness to Muslim friends.’ Chris Wright, PhD, Director of the Langham Partnership

In an original, easy-to-digest, experience-born style, this is a timely analyses that is intellectually rigorous and gently persuasive. Muslims and others are, at heart, in pain. How can followers of Jesus best help?’ Rt Revd Dr Bill Musk,author and former bishop in North Africa

‘Finally, a book which sets the complexity of public discourse with Muslims in a social and historical context. I appreciate Steve’s sensitive handling and wise counsel on the difference between American and British attitudes to polemics. This book is a must-read on both sides of the Atlantic.’Jay SmithPhD, founder of Pfander, apologist, polemicist

‘This book, provides not only understanding of our Muslim neighbours, but also of the opportunities among the many Muslims who are open to Christ. This framework gives me confidence to reach out with the good news of the gospel.’ Rico Tice, Senior Minister –All Souls’ Church Langham Place

‘Steve Bell has given us, a clear analysis of the track record of interaction between Christians and Muslims that is precise and constructive. If taken on board by churches and Missions, it could cause a small revolution, in training for clergy and mission.’ Ron George, founder of People International, World in Need & Eurasia Education Foundation

Steve Bell is an internationally recognised communicator, analyst, speaker, author, trainer, and consultant. He has over forty years’ experience in cross-cultural engagement in over 120 countries. Steve pioneered two missional initiatives for South Sudan and the Horn of Africa, directed three agencies, and chaired two NGOs. He studied theology under Nottingham University and the Evangelical Seminary Cairo, as well as cross-cultural mission studies at All Nations Christian College Herts and the Southern Cross College Sydney. He has served on the speaking teams of Spring Harvest, Word Alive, Keswick Convention, and New Wine. Other published titles by Steve Bell include: Friendship First;Grace for Muslims;Gospel for Muslims;Between Naivety & Hostility (Ed)

Where to obtain a copy: www.authenticmedia.co.uk or all reputable bookshops Price: £12.99 (Ebook £9.99)

Sharing the Gospel with a Muslim Neighbour - Robert Scott

Resources >New Books>Sharing the Gospel with a Muslim Neighbour

Sharing the Gospel with a Muslim Neighbour - Robert Scott

Listen here to Mahabba’s interview with Rob talking about the book

We can often find it tricky to start a gospel conversation with our Muslim neighbours. Maybe we worry that we don t understand our Muslim friends' beliefs and will get caught out, or we might be wary of stepping on cultural toes and offending them, or perhaps we simply have no idea where to start.

In this practical guide to Muslim people and their faith, Robert Scott draws on his experience in Bangladesh and Central London to explain what Muslims believe. He presents the key pillars of Islam, unpacks Muslim beliefs about the Bible and Jesus, and answers questions about the Qur'an, Muhammad and more. This book will help you engage with whatever objections your Muslim friends may have and invite them to discover what the Bible says about Jesus.

If you ve ever wondered how to open a conversation about the gospel with your Muslim neighbour, this book will provide encouragement to help you to start.

You can buy the book here - ideal for giving to Christian friends to encourage them

The Other Islam - Ted Collins

Resources >New Books> The Other Islam

The Other Islam - Ted Collins

“We serve God out of love and gratitude, but you Muslims serve God out of a desire to earn acceptance and forgiveness,” said my well-meaning friend, a vicar in the Church of England.

His Muslim friend frowned. “No, not at all. We serve God out of love. Loving God and loving our neighbours is what we are all about,” he replied.

Why would his Muslim friend say such a thing? After all, we all know that Islam is harsh, legalistic and driven by fear, don’t we?

Actually, there is a whole stream of Islam that doesn’t work like that. These Muslims are not assertive or aggressive so we often do not notice them. They are Sufis and they are a significant and growing presence among our Muslim neighbours. To share the good news of Jesus with them, it helps to know where they are coming from. That is what this book is about.

“Here is an accessible exposition, based on personal experience as well as academic research, of major themes within the Islamic world of Sufism. British readers may be surprised to learn of the adherents of this tradition who are likely to be as much their neighbours as Muslims with other orientations. Collins writes sensitively, yet with spiritual awareness and longing for Christian witness to such friends to be appropriate.” Bishop Bill Musk

“Ted’s book is like Goldilocks’ porridge. It neither too long nor too short, neither too detailed nor too un-nuanced, and neither too theoretical nor too practical. It is just right. It can help someone who has many Muslim friends think Biblically and listen carefully to their friends, so that they can present Jesus the Messiah more fully to them. . . .. It has helped me to get behind some of the things I see and hear in East London, and so, hopefully, to fruitfully show how Jesus both challenges and meets Sufi Muslim people’s deepest needs. I will also be using his insights in my teaching and training of others.” Robert Scott

“Ted Collins’ wonderfully written exploration on the nature, origins and expressions of Sufism is a much needed resource as it provides balance to numerous Christian studies based on conventional persp ectives of Islam. The effort is also very timely due to current Sufi resurgences observed in many parts of the world. Collins’ admirably articulates how Sufism departs from more traditional ‘text based’ Islam; examines Sufi developments in contemporary Bri tain; and offers helpful reflections on what Christ centred ‘good news’ can be for Sufis. . . . I enthusiastically recommend this incisive and concise work.” Dr L Mak

“Until reading Ted’s book I had no idea how important Sufi movements are to the spiritual life of Muslims, their mission, and accommodation with Western culture. Ted relates many personal experiences of attending Sufi gatherings, talking to Sufi adherents, and drawing on his MA research, which focused on “conversion” to Sufism in the UK. We are introduced to a Sufi world within an orthodoxy Islamic world, underscoring this when he writes, “The outlook of Sufis is significantly different from that described in typical Christian books about Islam.” Ted alerts us to the growth of Sufism, its strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Reading his book may we equip ourselves for gracious encounters with Sufi shaykhs and their disciples.” Keith Fraser-Smith