After Saturday, Sunday: Understanding Islam with Dr. Michael Youssef
  • 55 min
After Saturday, Sunday: Understanding Islam with Dr. Michael Youssef
Prisoners of Hope
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In this personal episode of Prisoners of Hope, Joshua Youssef sits down with his father, Dr. Michael Youssef—Egyptian-born theologian, founder of global ministry Leading the Way, and author of many books—for a conversation about the faith that has shaped the persecution of Christians for over 1,400 years. Drawing from his PhD research on radical Islamic movements, his own family's survival as Egyptian Christians, and his escape from Egypt during the Six-Day War, Dr. Youssef explains what Islam is and how it has shaped the Middle East. This episode also previews his forthcoming book, An Unholy Alliance, which examines the troubling partnership between Western socialism and Islamist movements.
 
Show Notes:
 
[0:00] IntroductionOverview of common questions about Islam and persecution
[1:04] Guest IntroductionDr. Michael Youssef's background: born in Egypt, degrees from Moore Theological College, Fuller Seminary, and Emory University (PhD studying radical Islamic movements)
[3:14] Christianity in EgyptHow Egypt went from 85% Christian to 85% Muslim, the jizya tax, and Dr. Youssef's family history
[8:32] Protestant Missionaries in EgyptBritish, American, and Canadian missionaries and their impact on the Coptic church
[11:27] Dr. Youssef's TestimonyComing to faith in 1964 after rebelling in his teen years
[13:28] Escape from EgyptFleeing after the Six-Day War and eventually returning at President Sadat's invitation
[16:35] What Is Islam?Dr. Youssef's view that Islam is a political system, not a religion
[21:36] Islam's View of JesusProphet, virgin-born, but not divine—and why Islam rejects the need for redemption
[25:06] Mecca Muslims vs. Medina MuslimsWhy some Muslims are peaceful and others are militant
[30:27] The Doctrine of AbrogationHow later Quranic passages cancel earlier, more peaceful ones
[32:22] Black, Gold, and Holy War (1982)Dr. Youssef's early book that reached world leaders—who dismissed it until 9/11
[34:43] NigeriaHow the book influenced Nigerian parliament and prevented Nigeria from becoming an Islamic state
[38:56] "After Saturday, Then Sunday"The phrase Dr. Youssef heard in Egyptian streets before the Six-Day War—and what it means for Christians today
[41:49] The Muslim BrotherhoodHassan al-Banna, Nasser, Sadat, and the power struggle that led to Sadat's assassination
[45:23] Leftists and IslamistsThe Iranian Revolution and why these groups use each other
[47:25] An Unholy Alliance (Coming February 2025)Dr. Youssef's hopes for his new book and a call for leaders to wake up
[49:44] Closing PrayerPraying for Muslims to come to Christ and for the church to awaken
[52:41] How to Get a Free Copy of An Unholy AllianceEmail podcast@htp.org to request your copy when it releases
[53:20] Year-End Matching Gift Every gift matched dollar-for-dollar up to $750,000 through December at htp.org

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