I Dared to call Him Father - The Miraculous Story of Bilquis Sheikh's encounter with Jesus Christ

I Dared to Call Him Father -  Begum Bilquis Sheikh

Bilquis Sheikh (12 December 1912 – 9 April 1997), a Pakistani author from Rawalpindi, recounts her conversion to Christianity in her book "I Dared to Call Him Father." The title alone is striking: daring to call God "Father." For many of us, addressing God as “Father” is commonplace, and we often overlook the profound privilege it represents. Jesus' instruction to pray to "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9) was revolutionary. When Jesus referred to God as "My Father," it was considered blasphemous and dangerous (John 5:17-18), underscoring Bilquis Sheikh’s point about the significance and boldness of this address.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus called God “Father” over 200 times, highlighting a unique intimacy and familiarity. However, during His crucifixion, bearing the sins of the world and feeling forsaken, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God” (Matthew 27:46). Yet, with His final breath, He returned to the intimate term, saying, “Father, I entrust My spirit into Your hands!” (Luke 23:46).

The cross grants us the privilege to call God “Abba, Father.” Through faith in Christ, we become children of God (Galatians 3:26; John 1:12). God adopts us, enabling us to cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15; Ephesians 1:4-5). This adoption and the indwelling Holy Spirit bestow upon us the full rights of sons and daughters (Galatians 4:4-7 NIV; Romans 8:14-17 NIV). This intimate address, "Abba, Father," is unique to believers, reflecting a deep, loving relationship with God.

"Abba, Father" conveys endearment and love, illustrating the profound bond between God and His children.

I Dared to Call Him Father: The Miraculous Story of a Muslim Woman's Encounter with God

Bilquis Sheikh, being a prominent and wealthy woman from an influential Muslim family in Pakistan, she started her journey to Christ followed by a series of dreams and mystical experiences that lead her to explore Christianity. She obtained a Bible and starts reading it, seeked answers from Christian missionaries. At last she was increasingly convinced of the truth of Christianity. A crucial moment in her conversion occurred when she prayed to God and experienced an extraordinary sense of peace and the presence of God as a loving Father.

She met significant challenges in pursuing her new faith in Christ. She experienced social ostracism and personal threats but remained faithful. Despite the challenges, Bilquis’ life was transformed by her relationship with God. She remained as  a fervent Christian, sharing her testimony and the message of God’s love. 

 "I Dared to Call Him Father" is a compelling and moving story of Bilquis Sheikh’s spiritual journey from Islam to Christianity, marked by deep personal transformation and courageous faith in the midst of significant opposition.