The Prodigal son, Son of Hamas Leader Converts to Christianity

Haaretz ^ | NA | Avi Issacharoff

[dvan]

CALIFORNIA - A moment before beginning his dinner, Masab, son of West Bank Hamas leader Sheikh Hassan Yousef, glances at the friend who has accompanied him to the restaurant where we met. They whisper a few words and then say grace, thanking God and Jesus for putting food on their plates.

It takes a few seconds to digest this sight: The son of a Hamas MP who is also the most popular figure in that extremist Islamic organization in the West Bank, a young man who assisted his father for years in his political activities, has become a rank-and-file Christian. A few seconds later, he is savoring his meal, explaining that he hasn't been eating much recently because of financial problems. During the past week he has been living with the friend, a Christian, of course, whom he met at church. "Without him," he says, "I would have become homeless."

The younger Yousef is well aware of the implications of this interview, and how it will likely offend his family, as well as of the slim chance that he will be able to return to Ramallah one day. But apparently he is on a crusade of his own. "I know that I'm endangering my life and am even liable to lose my father, but I hope that he'll understand this and that God will give him and my family the patience and willingness to open their eyes to Jesus and to Christianity. Maybe one day I'll be able to return to Palestine and to Ramallah together with Jesus, in the Kingdom of God." Advertisement

"I'm now called Joseph," he says at the outset. A few seconds earlier he had received me with greetings in Arabic: "Ahalan wasahalan.

[dvan]

Some very interesting comments and revelations are made here. An article well worth reading.

[skr]

Praise God! May He surround this young man with protection.

[Nathan Zachary]

I don’t believe it for a second.
Being a Christian is a lot harder than just saying you are one. That’s what Obama’s problem is as well.

[ozark hilljilly]

Yeah, except where he’s from just even saying it is enough to get you killed.
I’m willing to cut the guy some slack and pray for his protection.

[I'm ALL Right!]

You should read “Because they Hate” or “I Dared to Call Him Father” before you judge this man. Just asking for a bible can get you killed, much less proclaiming conversion.

[tang-soo]

Glad you weren’t around when Saul became Paul. No less a conversion.

[LinnKeyes2000]

Dittos to that. I've been talking with Muslims for years. This is amazing. Just the fact that he's claimed to be a Christian will hopefully provide some interesting conversations for me and my Muslim friends.
Praise God!

[tang-soo]

Being a Christian is a lot harder than just saying you are one.

And also, in regard to this statement, no it isn't. Becoming a Christian is the easiest thing in the world, because all the hard work was done - finished on the cross. That's the point. There is no work, only faith and the acceptance of that wonderful Free Gift.

[tiki]

Common sense urged caution then and now.

The Lord, Himself, intervened with Ananias to assure him that he had nothing to fear from Saul.

[tang-soo]

I agree with your comments. The disciples that feared Paul initially came to mind. But the outright dismissal because of one's past is wrong. A major tenet of the Faith is that the past is past and all is forgiven once acceptance of Christ.

The current leader of the seminary at Liberty University (Jerry Falwell's school) was raised her in Columbus, Oh as the son of a Muslim leader. Ergun Caner, author of "Unveiling Islam" is a wonderful Christian leader as is his two brothers. Christ is merciful.

[dvan]

It’s easy to be a Christian? The man is demonstrating his faith. It is costing him his family and former friends and his financial resources. He can never walk abroad without the possibily of retaliation. You won’t find the ‘name it and claim it’ Christians or the politically correct and tolerant Christians in Asia, Africa or the Middle East!

[tang-soo]

I understand your point and agree with you. However, I chose my words carefully. I didn't say 'being a Christian is easy'. I said 'Becoming a Christian is easy'.

I sympathize with this young man's plight and extreme courage. He will certainly be in my prayers.

[HiramQuick]

Becoming a Christian is the easiest thing in the world, because all the hard work was done - finished on the cross. That’s the point. There is no work, only faith and the acceptance of that wonderful Free Gift.

Amen and Amen!!!

There has never been anything FREE on this world ... The GRACE given to us came at a tremendous COST to the SON of the Living God ..... Yahweh.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer understood grace as much as any man can. Read his best work ..”The Cost of Discipleship” and one comes to grips with the words “cheap grace” that gets tossed around easily. Grace is a wonderful gift ...it just is not free.

[HiramQuick]

I forgot to include the most important statement .... every believer on this board needs to be on their knees in prayer for this “nes” young man Joseph .... he faces things that we as ordinary Christians have never had to face. But His Grace is sufficient ... the believers support will be of help as well.

Paul sat in jail in the winter before his demise ... did he ask for food or release? No. He asked/sent for his old cloak and a brother he had not treated so well early on. Paul understood Grace as well.