What if everything you believe were false—would you want to know? That question haunted Nabeel Qureshi for years. Raised in a devout Muslim family, trained in apologetics by his parents and Islamic mentors, and deeply invested in defending the truth of Islam, Qureshi seemed the least likely candidate for conversion to Christianity. And yet, over years of grueling spiritual wrestling and intellectual inquiry, that is exactly what happened.
In No God but One: Allah or Jesus?, Qureshi takes readers on a methodical and passionate journey through the deepest questions of faith: Is Islam true? Is Christianity true? Can they both be true? What’s the evidence for each? What are the implications? This is not a sensationalist takedown or an angry polemic. It is a compassionate, meticulously reasoned examination of two of the world’s largest and most influential religions. The goal is not victory in debate, but truth in love.
This review will walk through the life of the author, explore the key contents of the book, and demonstrate how it serves as both an invitation to Muslims searching for answers and a training manual for Christians who desire to share their faith responsibly and faithfully.
Nabeel Qureshi: Life, Faith, and the Cost of Truth
Early Life and Muslim Upbringing
Nabeel Qureshi was born in 1983 into a loving Pakistani-American Muslim family. His parents followed a peaceful and devout form of Islam associated with the Ahmadiyya sect, though Qureshi would later come to adopt the more mainstream Sunni tradition. His father served in the U.S. Navy, and his mother imbued in him a deep reverence for the Qur’an and Islamic history. From a young age, Nabeel was trained to defend Islam against Christian claims, memorizing arguments and counterarguments and immersing himself in Muslim apologetics.
Islam was not merely religion—it was identity, culture, and family honor. Nabeel loved his faith, not just intellectually but emotionally. He recalls waking up in the middle of the night to offer prayers as a boy, weeping before Allah in sincere devotion. When Christians tried to share their beliefs, he countered easily. The Bible had been corrupted, they said. Jesus was just a prophet, not God. And the doctrine of the Trinity? Blasphemous confusion.
Friendship with David Wood: The Catalyst for Change
That began to change in college when Nabeel met David Wood—a Christian with a sharp intellect and a surprising boldness. Their friendship began in mutual respect and good-natured challenge. Over time, it evolved into a life-altering conversation. David did not simply assert Christianity—he demonstrated it. He held to a rational faith grounded in evidence, engaging with history, philosophy, and Scripture. But he also lived a sacrificial and Christlike life. This combination arrested Nabeel’s attention.
As they debated, Nabeel began to research the historical reliability of the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus, and the earliest Islamic sources about Muhammad and the Qur’an. To his dismay, the evidence didn’t lead where he had expected. After years of agonizing struggle, he came to the conclusion that Christianity is true—and Islam is not. But accepting that truth would come at a great cost.
Conversion and Calling
Nabeel’s conversion to Christianity was not the end of a journey—it was the beginning of a costly and redemptive road. His family was heartbroken. His entire world was turned upside down. But Qureshi pursued the call of Christ with the same passion he had once poured into Islam. He earned degrees from Biola University, Duke University, and Oxford, becoming a powerful voice for Christian apologetics, especially in the area of Islam.
His first book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus, detailed his conversion. His second book, No God but One, goes deeper, comparing Islam and Christianity from a theological, historical, and philosophical perspective. It is the fruit of years of pain, prayer, and study.
A Life Cut Short
In 2016, just weeks after No God but One was published, Nabeel was diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer. Despite treatment, his condition worsened. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 34, leaving behind his wife Michelle and their young daughter Ayah. But he also left behind a legacy: a body of work that continues to draw people to Christ. In his final days, Qureshi testified that the gospel was worth every sacrifice. “The resurrection is true,” he declared. “And because it’s true, everything else matters.”
Overview of the Book: Structure, Style, and Strategy
No God but One is a clear, structured, and compelling presentation of the differences between Islam and Christianity. The book is divided into two main parts:
- Part I: Is Islam True?
- Part II: Is Christianity True?
Each part asks six foundational questions about the respective faiths. These include historical, theological, and existential questions such as:
- What is the nature of God?
- Is the Qur’an divinely inspired?
- Did Jesus die on the cross?
- Did Jesus rise from the dead?
- Can we know the truth?
- Who has paid the price for our sins?
Qureshi’s tone is warm and respectful throughout. He writes as someone who loves Muslims deeply and believes that truth must be pursued with humility and courage. Each chapter builds logically, inviting the reader to examine evidence and consider implications.
The book is not primarily aimed at winning arguments, but at winning hearts. Yet Qureshi does not shy away from tough topics. He directly addresses issues such as:
- The doctrine of the Trinity
- The concept of Tawhid (absolute monotheism in Islam)
- Jihad and violence in Islamic history
- Shariah and the nature of law in Islam
- The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus
- The reliability of the New Testament and Qur’anic texts
He backs his claims with careful citation from Islamic and Christian primary sources, including hadiths, the Qur’an, early Christian writings, and respected historians.
Is Islam True?
Nabeel Qureshi does not approach Islam from a place of bitterness or contempt. On the contrary, his respect for the sincerity of Muslims is evident on every page. He honors his upbringing and shows reverence for his parents. But as he makes clear, sincerity does not equal truth. Part I of the book asks whether Islam can bear the weight of historical scrutiny, internal consistency, and moral coherence.
The six fundamental questions Qureshi addresses in this section are as follows:
- What is the nature of Allah in Islam?
- Is the Qur’an the Word of God?
- Was Muhammad a true prophet?
- Does Islam promote peace or violence?
- What is the role of Shariah in society?
- Can Islam explain salvation?
Each question functions like a window into the soul of the Islamic worldview.
The Nature of Allah: A Distant Sovereign?
Muslims profess belief in one God—Allah—who is utterly singular and transcendent. This doctrine is called Tawhid, the cornerstone of Islamic theology. Tawhid rejects any division in God’s nature, including Trinitarianism, which is considered shirk (polytheism or idolatry). Allah is not to be compared to anything in creation and has no partners, associates, or likenesses.
Qureshi acknowledges the power and simplicity of this concept. Tawhid captures the majesty and otherness of God. But, he argues, it comes at a relational cost. In Islam, Allah is not personal in the way the God of the Bible is personal. He is not Father. He is Master. Love is not one of His defining attributes. Mercy, yes. Compassion, yes. But not relational love in the biblical sense. Allah loves those who do good—but he does not love sinners (Qur’an 2:276, 3:32).
Qureshi compares this with the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, where God is eternally relational. The Father, Son, and Spirit love one another in perfect harmony from eternity past. That love spills over into creation and redemption. The biblical God is not simply a sovereign, but a Father who seeks sinners, sacrifices Himself to save them, and indwells His people.
This leads to a key distinction: In Islam, God sends law. In Christianity, God sends Himself.
Is the Qur’an the Word of God?
Perhaps no question is more central to Islam than this. If the Qur’an is truly the Word of God, then Islam’s claims rise or fall with its authenticity. Muslims believe the Qur’an was revealed word-for-word in Arabic to Muhammad over 23 years through the angel Jibril (Gabriel), and that it has been perfectly preserved since.
Qureshi respectfully but rigorously examines these claims. His findings are unsettling to those unfamiliar with Islamic source criticism:
- Textual Variants: Contrary to the popular Muslim belief in one unchanged Qur’an, historical evidence shows that multiple versions of the Qur’an existed in early Islam. The Uthmanic recension (a standardization ordered by Caliph Uthman in the 7th century) involved destroying competing copies. Yet even today, different Qur’anic traditions (qira’at) exist with variant readings. This undermines the claim of perfect preservation.
- Chronological Issues: The Qur’an is not arranged chronologically, which obscures its narrative flow and theological development. Some scholars argue that earlier Meccan verses are more peaceful, while later Medinan verses are more militant. The doctrine of abrogation (naskh) allows later verses to supersede earlier ones, complicating interpretation.
- Lack of Historical Corroboration: Unlike the Bible, the Qur’an often lacks historical grounding. It makes claims about Jesus, Moses, and other biblical figures without historical or textual continuity. Many stories appear in apocryphal sources rather than the canonical Scriptures.
Qureshi concludes that the Qur’an cannot be the uncorrupted, timeless Word of God as Muslims claim. While Muslims may hold it in reverence, it does not withstand the same historical scrutiny that is applied to the Bible—and passes.
Was Muhammad a True Prophet?
This question requires careful handling, and Qureshi proceeds with both honesty and restraint. Muslims regard Muhammad as the final prophet (Seal of the Prophets) and the perfect man whose example (sunnah) must be followed. Criticizing Muhammad is blasphemous in Islam and can be socially or even legally dangerous in some contexts.
Yet Qureshi insists that sincerity demands asking hard questions:
- Historical Biography: Islamic sources such as Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah and the hadith collections of Bukhari and Muslim reveal troubling aspects of Muhammad’s life. These include military campaigns, marriage to a young girl (Aisha), and treatment of enemies. While some Muslims attempt to explain these actions in their historical context, others acknowledge that they pose moral difficulties.
- Contradictions with the Bible: Muhammad claimed to affirm the prior revelations (Torah and Gospel), but his teachings often contradict them. For example, Islam denies the crucifixion of Jesus, the atonement, and the resurrection—central tenets of the Christian faith.
- No Confirming Signs: Unlike biblical prophets, Muhammad did not perform miracles to confirm his message (though later traditions attributed some to him). He declared himself the prophet to all mankind but offered no external validation beyond the Qur’an itself.
Qureshi’s conclusion is not angry or disrespectful. He simply argues that Muhammad’s claim to prophethood does not meet the evidential standards used to evaluate truth claims in Scripture.
Islam and Violence: A Peaceful Religion?
One of the most controversial sections of the book addresses whether Islam is inherently peaceful or violent. Qureshi is careful to distinguish between Muslims, many of whom are peaceful and compassionate, and Islam, which must be evaluated by its core texts and founding history.
- Jihad in the Qur’an and Hadith: The Qur’an contains over 100 verses related to violence or warfare. Some are defensive (e.g., Surah 2:190), others are more aggressive (e.g., Surah 9:5). The hadith literature, especially Sahih Bukhari, records many instances of Muhammad ordering or engaging in military action, assassinations, and conquests.
- Doctrine of Abrogation: Later verses of the Qur’an—especially from the Medinan period—are more militant and are said to abrogate earlier peaceful verses. For example, the “Verse of the Sword” (Surah 9:5) is often interpreted as canceling previous calls to tolerance.
- Shariah and Dhimmi Status: Under traditional Islamic law, non-Muslims (dhimmis) may live under Islamic rule but face second-class status and a special tax (jizya). Apostates may face the death penalty. These teachings are rooted in the Qur’an and early Islamic jurisprudence.
Qureshi makes clear that Muslims today may reinterpret or distance themselves from these aspects. However, he stresses that Islam cannot be judged solely by modern reformers but must be evaluated based on its founding documents and the life of its prophet.
Shariah: The Islamic Way of Life
Shariah is not merely personal morality—it is a comprehensive legal system derived from the Qur’an, hadith, and scholarly consensus. It encompasses every aspect of life, from worship to diet to criminal law. In many Islamic nations, Shariah is applied partially or fully as state law.
Qureshi outlines key concerns:
- Blasphemy and Apostasy: In traditional Shariah, denying Muhammad’s prophethood or leaving Islam is punishable by death.
- Gender Inequality: Women receive less inheritance, have fewer legal rights, and are often required to produce multiple male witnesses to prove crimes such as rape.
- Corporal Punishment: Shariah permits hudud punishments such as amputation, flogging, and stoning in certain cases.
While Qureshi acknowledges that many Muslims are trying to reform or reinterpret Shariah, he notes that its foundations are deeply tied to the Qur’an and Muhammad’s example. A historical, textual approach cannot ignore this reality.
Salvation in Islam: A Scale Without a Savior
Perhaps the most sobering part of Part I is the question of salvation. Qureshi asks: How can a Muslim be assured of paradise? The answer is troubling. Islam teaches that salvation is based on works—specifically, the balance between good deeds and bad. Surah 23:102–103 says that those whose scales are heavy with good deeds will succeed, and those whose scales are light will perish.
But there is no assurance. Even Muhammad, in the hadith, said he did not know what would happen to him (Sahih al-Bukhari 5.266). There is no personal Savior, no sacrifice for sin, no final atonement.
Qureshi contrasts this with Christianity’s proclamation: “It is finished.” Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, bore the wrath of God on behalf of sinners. He offers not a scale, but a cross. Not uncertainty, but assurance.
Qureshi’s examination of Islam is neither simplistic nor inflammatory. It is deeply informed by Islamic sources and guided by personal love for Muslims. He concludes that while Muslims may be sincere, the foundations of Islam cannot withstand the weight of truth. And that matters—because eternity is at stake.
Is Christianity True?
Nabeel Qureshi believed Christianity needed to be scrutinized just as rigorously as Islam. Truth must never fear inspection. In Part II of his book, he turns the spotlight onto Christianity and applies the same evidentiary tests. What he finds is not only intellectually compelling, but spiritually transformative.
Here are the six foundational questions Qureshi explores in this section:
- What is the nature of God in Christianity?
- Is the Bible the Word of God?
- Did Jesus die on the cross?
- Did Jesus rise from the dead?
- Can we know the truth about God?
- Who paid for our sins—and how can we be saved?
What Is the Nature of God in Christianity?
Qureshi begins by addressing the most misunderstood Christian doctrine in the Islamic world: the Trinity. Muslims are taught that Christians believe in three gods, or that Jesus is a demigod in competition with God the Father. This misconception leads many Muslims to immediately dismiss Christianity as shirk—idolatrous polytheism.
But Qureshi, having once believed this himself, patiently explains what Christians actually mean when they speak of the Trinity: one God in three eternal persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—united in being, distinct in personhood.
Here’s how he frames it:
| Attribute | Islam (Tawhid) | Christianity (Trinity) |
|---|---|---|
| God’s Unity | Absolute (Unitarian) | Compound (One in Three) |
| Relationship | Master–Servant | Father–Child |
| Nature of Love | Contingent (loves only some) | Essential (loves eternally within Himself) |
| Incarnation | Impossible | Central (God became man) |
Qureshi argues that only the Trinity makes sense of God’s eternal love. If God is eternally singular and has no internal relationships, then love is not essential to His being—it requires creation. But if God is Triune, then He is love in Himself, before time began.
Is the Bible the Word of God?
Muslims often claim that the Bible has been corrupted. Qureshi acknowledges that he once believed this, too. But as he studied the manuscripts, translations, and historical transmission of Scripture, he found a remarkably well-preserved and verifiable record.
Key points include:
- Manuscript Evidence: The New Testament has over 5,800 Greek manuscripts, many of which date within a few decades of the original writings. This dwarfs any other ancient text.
- Consistency: Despite some minor variations (spelling, word order, etc.), no core Christian doctrine is affected. The message of Christ’s death and resurrection is consistent from beginning to end.
- Fulfilled Prophecy: Qureshi highlights how the Old Testament predicts the coming of the Messiah in astonishing detail—His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14), crucifixion (Psalm 22), resurrection (Isaiah 53), and divine nature (Micah 5:2).
By contrast, he notes that the Qur’an confirms parts of the biblical narrative (Jesus’ virgin birth, miracles) while denying the crucifixion—a historical event attested by every major source outside the Qur’an.
Did Jesus Die on the Cross?
Qureshi identifies this as the “central event in human history”—and also the most denied event in Islam. The Qur’an in Surah 4:157 states that Jesus was not crucified but that it only appeared so. This opens several interpretive problems:
- Was someone substituted for Jesus (a common Muslim belief)?
- Was it an illusion?
- Did Jesus fake His death?
Qureshi turns to the historical data:
- Roman Records: Crucifixion was a well-documented Roman execution method. No ancient source denies that Jesus was crucified.
- Jewish and Pagan Sources: The Talmud and Roman historians (e.g., Tacitus, Josephus) all affirm the crucifixion.
- Early Christian Creeds: Within 5–10 years of the resurrection, early Christian creeds (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3–7) attest to Jesus’ death by crucifixion.
The conclusion is unavoidable: Jesus of Nazareth died by crucifixion. If Islam denies this, then Islam denies history.
Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?
This is the linchpin of Christian faith. As Paul wrote, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17). Qureshi walks the reader through the historical case for the resurrection using standard historical criteria.
1. Minimal Facts Approach
Qureshi summarizes four key facts nearly all scholars—liberal and conservative—accept:
- Jesus died by crucifixion.
- His disciples believed He rose and appeared to them.
- Paul (a former persecutor) converted after claiming to see the risen Christ.
- James (Jesus’ skeptical brother) also became a believer after an appearance.
2. Best Explanation
Qureshi examines competing theories:
- Hallucinations? Doesn’t account for group appearances.
- Legend? Too early for myth to develop.
- Stolen Body? Why die for a known lie?
- Swoon Theory? Physically implausible.
The resurrection remains the best explanation—historically and theologically.
Can We Know the Truth?
In a relativistic age, this question is essential. Qureshi tackles the popular mantra “all religions are true” and shows that such a claim collapses logically. Islam and Christianity cannot both be true:
- Islam says Jesus was not crucified.
- Christianity says Jesus died and rose again.
These are not reconcilable perspectives—they are mutually exclusive truth claims.
Qureshi argues that truth is knowable, evidence matters, and religious pluralism is intellectually and morally bankrupt. If Jesus is Lord, then not all paths lead to God.
Who Paid for Our Sins?
Here, the two faiths diverge most radically. Islam offers no savior—only a scale. Good deeds are weighed against bad. There is no substitute, no assurance, and no redemption apart from one’s works and Allah’s arbitrary mercy.
Christianity, by contrast, declares that man’s sin demands justice—and that God Himself has satisfied it. Jesus Christ bore the penalty of sin, satisfying divine wrath and reconciling sinners to God. It is a message of grace, not merit. Substitution, not striving. Adoption, not servitude.
| Category | Islam | Christianity |
|---|---|---|
| Sin’s Penalty | No atonement | Death and separation from God |
| Means of Salvation | Works and Allah’s mercy | Grace through Christ’s atonement |
| Assurance | None | Full (Romans 8:1) |
| Sacrifice | Rejected | Central |
Qureshi’s testimony shines here. As a Muslim, he tried his best to be good—but never had peace. As a Christian, he found what he called “a God who runs to sinners.”
A Book for Two Audiences
No God but One is brilliantly crafted to speak to two audiences at once:
- The Muslim in Search of Truth
This book speaks gently but truthfully. It respects the reader’s background, affirms the dignity of their beliefs, but invites them to take the bold step of questioning what they have always known. For the honest seeker, it opens the door to grace. - The Christian Apologist
This is an essential resource for anyone engaging Muslims. It provides a roadmap for conversation—not arguments to win debates, but truths to change hearts. Qureshi models how to speak with compassion and conviction. Every chapter is laced with both theological precision and relational humility.
Nabeel’s Final Days: Joy in the Valley of Death
As Qureshi’s life drew to a close, he recorded videos and wrote reflections on his terminal illness. Though his body withered, his spirit remained strong. He spoke of Jesus constantly. He wept over Muslims who did not yet know Him. And he rejoiced in the gospel.
In his last messages, he declared:
“The message of Jesus is worth everything. He gives life. He gives hope. He gives peace.”
As he lay dying, he was not bitter that he had abandoned Islam. He was not afraid. He was filled with joy. He knew whom he had believed, and he was persuaded that Christ was able to keep him until that Day (2 Tim. 1:12).
Final Reflections: Why This Book Matters
No God but One is more than a theological comparison. It is a love letter to the Muslim world and a call to arms for the Christian church. It shows that:
- Truth can be found.
- Christ is risen.
- The cost is high, but the reward is eternal.
Nabeel Qureshi lived and died with that confidence. May his book continue to speak life and truth to those still asking: Is there a God? And if so—who is He?
S.D.G.,
Robert Sparkman
MMXXV
christiannewsjunkie@gmail.com
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