Tahir Iqbal of Pakistan - Faithful to Death

1960 - 1992

Brother Tahir Iqbal is a Pakistani  Christian. He lived and died according to the passage from Revelation 2:10 :

"Be faithful to death, and I will give you the CROWN OF LIFE ."

Tahir Iqbal comes from a traditional Muslim family. He served in the Army Air Force of Pakistan and it looks like his future is guaranteed. However, due to illness, half of his body was paralyzed and he had to use a wheelchair. He was finally been dumped by his family. To meet his food needs, he opened a watch repair shop.

Once upon a time, there were Christians who were kind to him and gave him a Bible. He began to read it. Three months later Tahir embraced Christianity and often witnessed to his customers. And he gives free lessons to kids. This made a Muslim priest angry that his income from teaching had shrunk because of Tahir's kindness in giving free lessons. One time this imam found Tahir writing notes in English in his Qur'an. It is said that this can be considered a 'sinful act '.

This priest reported Tahir to the police. Finally, Tahir was sued for allegedly insulting that person's prophet. According to that person's religious law, he must be put to death. In 1990 the judge sentenced him to prison again, even though a ransom was made available, he was not released. For the next 19 months, Iqbal was placed in a very small cell. He tried to obtain Bibles and distribute 20 Bibles in prison.

Despite having written letters to the government authorities, Tahir Iqbal remained in prison and suffered and vomited blood. Finally, he returned to Rahmatullah in prison for the wounds he had sustained as a result of being tortured and poisoned. He was buried in an 'other religion' manner and funeral prayers were recited by the priest who had previously persecuted and injured him.

During his time in prison, Tahir Iqbal was often promised that he would be released immediately if he reneged on his Christian faith. He responded, “I would rather kiss the gallows, I will never deny my faith . "

What is our response to such challenges? Are we ready to die for Isa Al-Masih? Are we willing to deny ourselves, taking up our cross and following Him?

This is the path to eternal life.

[Source: http://pedson.blogspot.com/2008/01/muslim-masuk-kristen-tahir-iqbal.html]