Nabeel Qureshi knows that authentic friendship is the best form of evangelism. After a lively religious discussion with David Wood, a Christian at the university where he studied, Qureshi, a dedicated Muslim, forged a long-term friendship with Wood that was full of laughter and debate. Three years later, Qureshi accepted the gospel, even though the decision required tremendous sacrifice. He chronicles his journey to faith in Christ in Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim’s Journey to Christ (9780310515029, $16.99), releasing Feb. 11 from Zondervan.

Raised in a loving American-Muslim home, young Qureshi studied Islamic apolgetics and practiced his faith daily. He developed a deep love of tradition and Islam. Often he spoke with Christians about his religion, and these conversations bolstered his faith.

“It was not hard to make a case for Muhammad to the average Christian, simply because of their ignorance,” he writes.

In college, Wood’s thoughtful questions and willingness to let Qureshi decide for himself launched Qureshi on a spiritual quest. Through prayer, extensive research and a steadfast desire for truth, Qureshi conducted a careful investigation of the historical claims of Christianity and Islam.

As he sought to prove the case for Islam, the pillars of his faith crumbled one by one, just as each of his claims against the Bible and Christianity unraveled. Ultimately he could not deny the deity of Jesus.

He was also keenly aware of the cost of becoming a Christian. He writes that for a Muslim to even question Muhammad “is grounds for excommunication, or worse.” He adds: “My decision would shame my family with incredible dishonor.”

Acknowledging his brokenness and need for God’s direction, he asked for visions and dreams. When God supernaturally confirmed what he had learned in his research, Qureshi knew He was calling him to accept Christ as his Savior.

Qureshi yielded his life to Christ, but mourned before telling his family. They were, as he had expected, devastated. Through prayer, God guided him to focus not on his own pain.

“This is not about me,” he writes. “It is about Him and His love for His children.”

Qureshi is now on staff with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. His book explains many aspects of Islam, including the differences between Western and Eastern Muslims and why the gospel offends them. More than 100 notes support the text. A glossary of Islamic terms and hyperlinks to related writings by other scholars are included. Lee Strobel, author of The Case for Christ, wrote the foreword.

To order, call Zondervan at 800-727-1309, or visit Zondervan.com.