Ex-Muslim Warns of the Spiritual Battle for America: ‘They’re Inside the House’

What if the battle surrounding Islam in America is not primarily political, cultural or even ideological, but spiritual?

That is the warning Iranian-born Christian minister Kamran Karimi shared during a recent conversation with Sid Roth, where he described his dramatic conversion to Christianity, his calling to reach Muslims, and what he believes the American church must understand about the spiritual battle unfolding in the nation.

Karimi, author of In Allah They Trust, told Roth that his burden for Muslims grew out of his own supernatural encounter with Jesus and the ministry that followed. He said principles he has seen reach people in Iran could also equip Christians in America.

“I really believe this is a huge responsibility for the body of Christ to take ownership in doing our part where we can deal with Islam and reach Muslims,” Karimi said.

But Karimi’s message was not one of hostility toward Muslims. Instead, he repeatedly drew a distinction between Muslim people—whom Christians are called to reach with the gospel—and Islam, which he characterized as a spiritual force opposed to Christ.

“Islam is a principality,” Karimi said. “It’s a spirit. It’s an antichrist spirit.” He argued that Christians who fail to separate Muslim people from the ideology they follow risk fighting the very people they should be trying to reach.

That distinction became especially significant as the conversation turned toward America.

Roth raised concerns about Islam’s growing influence throughout American institutions, arguing that the strategy is not necessarily one involving physical violence.

“They are attacking every strata of society,” Roth said, pointing to areas including entertainment, sports and health care. “Their intent is the Islamization of America.”

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Karimi’s response centered on spiritual warfare. He argued that political and military responses alone cannot ultimately defeat something that is spiritual in nature.

“If we haven’t dealt with the spirit on a spiritual level,” Karimi said, “then we’re spinning our wheels trying to overcome a spirit militarily or even politically.”

For Karimi, however, this battle is deeply personal.

He recalled how his journey toward Christ began after witnessing the transformed life of a Christian co-worker. Eventually, Karimi cried out, “God, if you’re real, please make yourself real to me.”

Months later, while watching a Christian television program and taking communion, Karimi says the atmosphere of his living room suddenly changed. He testified that Jesus appeared before him and called him by name.

Karimi says Jesus told him, “I’ve called you to take My saving and healing presence to this generation and to your people.” Karimi understood “your people” to mean Muslims, beginning a calling that would reshape the direction of his life.

Now, his challenge to American Christians is not simply to recognize what he believes is happening spiritually, but to respond with the power of the gospel.

“We are not called,” Karimi said, “to fight our enemies,” but rather “to fight for our enemies.”

In a moment when fear and division can easily dominate the conversation, that distinction may be the most important part of Karimi’s message: recognize the spiritual battle, but never forget the souls Christ came to save.

Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the newly released book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].