Why Iranian Muslims are Turning to Jesus.

Overview

This video is an interview with Dr. Hormoz Shariat (author of Iran’s Great Awakening) about why Iranian Muslims are turning to Jesus and what he believes is unfolding in Iran: a growing revival.

Dr. Shariat’s Background and Early Spiritual Questions

• Shariat was born into a Muslim family in Iran to educators who emphasized thinking, research, and not accepting beliefs blindly.
• As a teenager, he questioned Islam’s ritual repetition and felt he couldn’t “experience God,” leading him to seek meaning beyond memorized prayers.
• Although he participated in the 1979 Iranian Revolution (including shouting revolutionary slogans), his personal direction focused on studying and later immigrating to the United States to pursue a PhD.

Journey from Islam to Christianity

• In America, he experienced emptiness even after achieving major life goals, prompting him to re-evaluate God and religion.
• He studied Islam analytically and, finding it spiritually unsatisfying, moved to the Bible, beginning with Genesis and then focusing on Jesus’ teachings, including the Sermon on the Mount.
• A major turning point for him was the conclusion that Jesus’ teachings (love, forgiveness, truthfulness) sharply contrast with what he says the Qur’an teaches about deception, violence, and killing enemies.
• He describes encountering Christianity in Los Angeles through a “simple” presentation of the gospel that transformed him.

Brother’s Execution and Dealing with Injustice

• After Shariat converted, his 16-year-old brother was arrested and later executed on a political charge.
• Shariat says he initially wrestled with intense anger and the problem of injustice, but reports receiving guidance that:
  • the persecutors are not his “enemies” but victims under Satan’s influence,
  • revenge is rejected,
  • the appropriate response is sharing the gospel to oppose Satan spiritually.
• He frames his life mission as gospel proclamation, even to those responsible for his family’s suffering.

His Wife’s Conversion and the Role of Unexpected Relationships

• Shariat’s wife—an American nominal Christian who became Muslim in Iran—later embraced Jesus.
• He recounts that she faced danger of divorce after his conversion, but a Guatemalan janitor at her workplace repeatedly told her, in simple terms, “Jesus loves you,” eventually inviting them to church.
• Shariat says both he and his wife came to Christ within weeks of hearing the gospel.

Gospel-Sharing Challenges and What Changed in Iran

• In Southern California, early outreach through house groups was difficult and often unsuccessful; Iranians there were initially hostile or closed, sometimes assuming Christians were CIA agents.
• Over time, he claims it became easier—especially through short-form media (including references to a “2-minute” gospel message) and satellite broadcasting.
• He argues that Iranian Muslims are often less blocked by detailed theology debates (such as Trinity objections) and more by rejection of “organized religion” after disillusionment with Islam as practiced by clerics and institutions.

Barriers to Conversion (as He Describes Them)

• Shariat says many Iranians reject not only Islam-as-practice but religion in general, viewing Islam as a root of social violence and hypocrisy.
• He claims many become agnostic or atheist in name, while still being spiritually “hungry” and open to a loving, forgiving God once presented compellingly.
• He adds that life transformation is especially important in Iran because converts cannot easily “fake” faith without risking their safety—so change becomes visible to family and friends.

Why He Says Revival Is Spreading

Shariat emphasizes two primary drivers:

1. Transformative changed lives
   • peace, freedom from addiction, and moral/relational change
2. Media reach, especially satellite television and story-based testimonies

He also recounts reports he says are common in Iran:

• dreams/visions of Jesus
• healings
• other miraculous experiences

He notes these are often described as expected because Muslims already believe Jesus can perform miracles.

He shares examples such as:

• A village-level shift where someone watches via satellite, persuades others, is initially beaten, then reports a dream/encounter with Jesus that leads to dialogue and wider community interest.
• Claims that even entire families/households convert after seeing a family member’s peace and discovering Christian content indirectly (e.g., a Bible found under a mattress).

Strategy and Future Claims

• Shariat argues revival has already started and is “growing,” potentially affecting the broader Middle East and the world.
• He predicts Iran could become majority Christian, citing biblical prophecy (Jeremiah 49:38) as part of his interpretation of Iran’s future.
• The book Iran’s Great Awakening includes:
  • his testimony,
  • prophetic study related to Iran/Israel,
  • and a practical strategy for outreach and transformation.
• He promotes “Iran Alive” (IranAlive.org), describing a 24/7 media effort and claiming millions of viewers based on an independent survey.

Call to Action

Viewers are encouraged to:

• read his book,
• follow updates,
• support the ministry, and/or
• partner through media, prayer, or donations.

The interview ends with an invitation to visit and continue discussions.

Presenters / Contributors

• Sean (interviewer/presenter)
• Dr. Hormoz Shariat (guest; author of Iran’s Great Awakening)