Hello! So Glad You're Here.
My name is Sahar Saeed, an American with Saudi heritage, I was raised in a strict Shia Muslim home in Saudi Arabia—where silence was noble, honor was everything, and questions were dangerous—I’ve always felt the pull to go deeper, to uncover truth beneath tradition. I questioned what I was taught, challenged what I inherited, and found a voice too bold to stay hidden and a faith too alive to fit in a box.
That journey became Unveiling—a personal and public path of peeling back layers of religion, culture, and fear to discover freedom, faith, and purpose. Today, I use my voice to empower others—especially those navigating the tension between identity, faith, and belonging.
As a diplomat of peace, I build bridges where walls once stood. Alongside walking with my sisters on the narrow road —those who chose the cross over comfort, and Jesus over fear— I also hold a strong interest in Israeli national security, Middle Eastern geopolitics, and peacebuilding — pursuing empathy, connection, and a future where both Jews and Palestinians, and the broader Arab world can live with peace and dignity in one of the world’s most complex regions.
Meet Sahar–Q&A
With the Woman Behind the Veil
Q: Where were you born?
I was born and raised in Alkhafji, Saudi Arabia, an industrial city near the border that allowed me to meet people from many nations. It shaped me in ways I’m still discovering.
I come from a devout Shia Muslim family, originally from Al-Qatif city, where tradition runs deep and faith is woven into every part of life.
Q: Are there Shia in Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Shia Muslims make up a significant minority in Saudi Arabia—almost like the forgotten people. Most of us live in the Eastern Province, in cities like Al-Qatif and Al-Ahsa. While the country is officially Sunni (specifically Wahhabi), the Shia community has a long, rich history and continues to play a vital role in Saudi society, even as we navigate social and political challenges that still linger today.
Q: What was the hardest part of leaving Islam?
Losing the closeness of my family.
In our culture, faith is identity. So to leave Islam is often seen as betrayal. But in choosing Jesus, I found something deeper than culture, I found truth, freedom, and sonship (or daughterhood).
Q: When did you first encounter Jesus?
Not all at once. It came in whispers, dreams, and divine appointments.
After moving to the U.S. as an international student, Jesus began to pursue me—through unlikely friends, supernatural moments, and a love I couldn’t deny.
I gave Him my full yes in 2012.
Q: Why is the theme of Israel and unity so central to your story and your message?
Because God opened my eyes! and I can’t unsee it.
Our Messiah is Jewish. Our faith is grafted into Israel.
I’ve been to Israel. I’ve prayed with Jewish believers. I’ve wept for Palestinians.
And I know: God’s heart beats for both.
I stand with Israel, not against anyone, but to build bridges, because from the beginning, Israel has extended its hand for peace.
Time and time again, they’ve said yes, while surrounding nations said no.
The truth remains: Israel is their land.
I speak not to stir division,
but to awaken destiny.
Q: What do you hope your readers feel when they visit your blog?
Seen. Stirred. Strengthened.
Whether you’re behind a veil or walking through fire, I hope my words remind you that you’re not alone—and you were born for such a time as this.
I also want people to know that Christ-followers from Muslim backgrounds do exist—and many of us carry a deep, God-given love for Israel. It’s a perspective not often seen or welcomed. People like us are often rejected by our own families, and sadly, even by the Arabic Church. Still, we remain. We long to be a bridge, yet often don’t know where we truly belong. We only know this: we belong to the Kingdom of God, and that is enough.We’re here, holding the tension, standing in the gap.
Q: How did your family react to your faith?
To me, family is everything.
The hardest part of surrendering to Jesus wasn’t changing my beliefs, it was letting go of my need to be accepted by the people I love most. Verses like:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33
“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” - Luke 9:62
“Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house.” - Psalm 45:10
These words helped me release what I couldn’t redeem on my own.
Obedience to God is costly. But Jesus showed me that true obedience always is. He obeyed the Father unto death, and through that obedience, the world received redemption. I choose to follow His example, even when it hurts—and it still does.
But I serve a Redeemer.
And I believe He will restore even this—my family, my heritage, my story, according to His time and glory.
Q: What is your favorite Bible translation?
I’m not sure I have just one, especially since I’ve worked on Bible translation myself. That journey taught me to dive deep into the Hebrew and Greek, to wrestle with the layers behind each word.
In English, I started with NIV and NLT, but over time, I came to love the ESV, especially the Psalms. There’s a depth and reverence in how they’re rendered.
Then I discovered the TLV (Tree of Life Version) and never looked back. It honors the Jewish roots of our faith in such a meaningful, restorative way. And while The Passion Translation isn’t a scholarly text, its poetic tone often stirs the heart.
In Arabic, my favorite is Kitab Al-Hayat| كتاب الحياة, it feels alive, relevant, and spiritually vibrant.
In the end, no translation fully captures the depth of the original. That’s why we read with wonder, That’s why we must read with curiosity, always asking the Spirit to reveal what the text was meant to say.