The Middle East was Christian long before it became Muslim.

In this episode, I talk about the rich Christian history of the Middle East before the rise of Islam. I highlight the early Christian communities, the growth of monastic movements, and the theological contributions that came from places like Egypt, Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and North Africa. I also discuss how Islam spread through military conquest and the kinds of social and economic pressures Christians faced under Muslim rule.

Even though Christianity has declined in many of these regions over the centuries, I believe there’s a spiritual revival happening in the Muslim world today. Many are coming to faith through personal encounters, dreams, and the use of modern technology to share the gospel. My hope with this episode is to raise awareness about Christian persecution and to inspire hope for the future restoration of Christianity in the very lands where it first took root.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 The Early Spread of Christianity

00:30 Personal Reflections on Christianity's Eastern Roots

02:16 Introduction to the Podcast and Today's Topic

04:49 Historical Christian Communities in the Middle East

12:38 The Rise of Islam and Its Impact on Christianity

17:58 Modern Spiritual Movements in the Muslim World

22:45 Call to Action & Conclusion 

If something in this episode resonated with you, I’d truly love to hear your thoughts. Visit me at farizagulomikova.com and let’s connect.

Looking forward to hearing from you!