The narrator shares the story of Sheikh Ahmed Deedat, a renowned Islamic scholar and debater. Born on July 1, 1918, in India, Deedat moved to South Africa with his father at a young age. He grew up in a poor family and had limited education, but his life changed when he found a book titled "Izhar ul-Haqq" (Revealing of The Truth) that responded to doubts about Islam. This book sparked his interest in learning and defending his faith.
Deedat spent 22 years studying and memorizing the Quran, Hadith, and other Islamic texts. He eventually became a skilled debater and lecturer, using his knowledge to respond to criticisms of Islam. In 1956, he founded the Office of Islamic Call, which later became the Institute of Peace for Certified Imams (IPCI).
Deedat's debates and lectures were widely popular, and he became an international figure, receiving invitations from around the world. He wrote over 24 books, which were translated into many languages, and his video cassettes were widely circulated.
Despite facing accusations and criticisms, Deedat remained committed to his faith and continued to defend Islam until his death on August 8, 2005, at the age of 87. His legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to learn and defend their faith.
1. Ahmed Deedat was born on July 1st, 1918, in the Indian town of Tadakahar Far, Surat.
2. Ahmed Deedat's family was a poor family, and his father, Hussain Kazem Deedat, was a farmer in South Africa.
3. Ahmed Deedat's mother, Fatima, died in 1927 when Ahmed was 9 years old.
4. Ahmed Deedat moved to South Africa with his brothers to live with their father.
5. Ahmed Deedat only completed 6 years of primary school education in 1934 due to his father's financial circumstances.
6. Ahmed Deedat worked as a seller in a grocery shop in Durban, South Africa.
7. Ahmed Deedat found a book titled "Izhar ul-Haqq" (Revealing of The Truth) in the grocery store's stockroom, which changed his life.
8. The book "Izhar ul-Haqq" was written by Rahmat Allah Al-Hindi and was printed in Istanbul in 1864.
9. Ahmed Deedat started memorizing the Quran, books of Sunna, Fikh, and Seerah to be prepared to face doubts about Islam.
10. Ahmed Deedat left his job at the grocery store in 1936 and worked as a driver in a carpentry workshop.
11. Ahmed Deedat got married to Hawa Hussain Ghenghet in Pakistan in 1949 and had two sons, Ibrahim and Yousuf, and a daughter, Roqaya.
12. Ahmed Deedat proposed to 33 girls for marriage but was rejected due to his poverty.
13. Ahmed Deedat stayed in Pakistan for 3 years before returning to South Africa in 1952.
14. Ahmed Deedat was appointed as a manager in the same workshop where he was a driver before.
15. Ahmed Deedat started the Office of Islamic Call with his friend Gholam Hasan in 1956.
16. Ahmed Deedat started going to churches, monasteries, and Christian schools to refute what was said using Christian bibles and books.
17. Ahmed Deedat was influenced by Saleh Muhammed, a Muslim businessman, who rented halls and theaters for debates.
18. Ahmed Deedat started the project of IPCI (Institute of Peace for Certified Imams) in 1968.
19. Ahmed Deedat was awarded the King Faisal Prize in 1986.
20. Ahmed Deedat wrote more than 24 books, which were translated into many languages.
21. Ahmed Deedat's video cassettes were widely circulated, and he became an international figure.
22. Ahmed Deedat was accused of admitting the crucifixion of Jesus, which was negated in the Quran.
23. Ahmed Deedat issued a declaration disowning himself from the Qadiani sect.
24. Ahmed Deedat had a stroke in 1996, which left him with internal reservation, and he was unable to move or speak.
25. Ahmed Deedat's wife took care of him for 9 years until his death.
26. Ahmed Deedat passed away on August 8, 2005, at the age of 87, due to heart failure.
27. Ahmed Deedat's wife passed away one year after his death.