Bilquis Sheikh was born December 12, 1912, into a noble Muslim family, surrounded by wealth and privilege. She married General Khalid Masud Sheikh, a respected government official. Her life was filled with purpose and influence as she immersed herself in politics and social work, feeling the strength of her voice and the reach of her actions. Yet, her world was shattered when her husband abandoned her, leaving her heart heavy with bitterness and disappointment. Seeking solace and a new beginning, she moved to the quiet village of Wah.
She found a quiet happiness among the colorful blooms and peaceful surroundings in her garden. Her days were made brighter by the gentle care of loyal servants who looked after her well, creating a warm and comforting home where she felt truly at ease. One evening, as she wandered among the flowers, a sudden chill and an odd mist brushed past her, and she felt a strange, inexplicable touch on her hand that sent a shiver down her spine. Frightened, she hurried inside to share her fear with her maids, who gently suggested she seek a blessing from the local mullah, a Muslim teacher or leader. At first, she hesitated, contemplating the idea but feeling unsure about embracing it. Raised in a Muslim household, she carried the traditions close, yet her beliefs were simple and practical—trusting only in what she could see and understand, rather than anything beyond her grasp.
However, when her grandson fell seriously ill, her feelings shifted. She decided to follow her servants’ advice, and soon after, her grandson recovered, filling her heart with relief and a renewed sense of hope. This piqued her curiosity, prompting her to read the Quran, where she observed frequent references to Christianity and Jesus which intrigued her further, inspiring her to explore the Bible. She asked her Christian driver for a Bible, which he hesitantly provided under threat of losing his job. As she read the scriptures, she was profoundly touched by Romans 9:25-26, which says, “As it also says in Hosea, I will call Not My People, My People, and she who is Unloved, Beloved. And it will be in the place where they were told, you are not my people, there they will be called sons of the living God.” But she felt conflicted and closed the Bible in confusion.
The following day, she was irresistibly drawn to read it again, focusing on Romans 8-10, especially Romans 10:4, which says, “For Christ is the end of the law of righteousness to everyone who believes,”—words that initially did not make sense to her but seemed to leap off the page, as if drawing her in. She said, “It was as if my attention were being drawn to a verse.” That night, she had a vivid dream in which Jesus appeared to her, spending two days together sharing meals, filling her heart with warmth and peace. Suddenly, the scene shifted, and she found herself standing on a mountain, engaged in a conversation with a man she had never heard of or read about before—John the Baptist. She asked him to guide her to Jesus.
Later, she dreamed of a traveling perfume salesman who left a golden jar of shimmering perfume on her bedside table, claiming it would spread throughout the world; upon waking, she found only her Bible there. Seeking understanding, she asked her friend Synnove Mitchell, a local missionary and friend, what her dream could mean. The next day, she received a message from Synnove saying to read 2 Corinthians 2:14, which says, “But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.”
When her grandson suffered another illness, she took him to a Christian hospital, where a doctor who was also a Catholic nun noticed her carrying a Bible. She asked Bilquis why she, as a Muslim, possessed a Bible. Bilquis explained that she was searching for a deeper understanding of God. The nun suggested she pray as if God were her father—an idea that resonated deeply with Bilquis, reminding her of her loving relationship with her own father. Inspired, she read Revelation 3:20, which says, “See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” This reminded her of her first dream of Jesus. She felt the call to open her heart to Jesus despite her family's and community's hostility; she faced threats, shunning, and even an attempted house fire, ultimately fleeing to the United States with her grandson through the sponsorship of Robert Pierce of Samaritan's Purse, supported by Billy Graham and his son Franklin.
She shared her powerful testimony across many Christian gatherings, eventually becoming a renowned speaker at churches, conferences, and Billy Graham Crusades. Her autobiography, “I Dared to Call Him Father,” chronicled her extraordinary journey of faith. She lived in the United States until 1987 when a severe heart attack compelled her to return to Pakistan. Ten years later, she passed away peacefully on April 9, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of faith and courage that inspired countless others worldwide.
May the story of the beautiful Bilquis Sheikh inspire us all with her heartfelt courage, unwavering faith, and deep love for Jesus. I pray that her example helps us find strength and determination in our own journeys with Christ, encouraging us to share His love and salvation with others.
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