An influential imam in a Middle Eastern country shared a stunning story on how Jesus Christ restored his life after he died.

More amazingly, Munaf Ali (not his real name) also revealed that Jesus came to his rescue when his soul was about to be taken away by demons after his physical body expired, according to God Reports.

What made his testimony even more compelling was his admission that before he died, he only had hatred for Christians and in fact had ordered his followers at the mosque to attack them.

While his body was being prepared for burial by his family, he shockingly returned to life, this time not as an Islamic extremist but as a Christian with a new message of salvation.

Following Friday prayers, the 45-year-old imam was reportedly returning home when he suddenly fell to the ground, lost consciousness and died.

Munaf said he realised his physical body was already dead. He then became aware of demons coming to take his soul away.

The imam said he shouted, "Get lost, you cursed demons of Allah. You have no right to take my soul!"

He said one of the demons spoke, telling him, "No. It's our right to take your life. And you will be with us."

But as the demons were taking Munaf away, Jesus Christ suddenly appeared accompanied by a large group of angels who drove the demons away.

Then Munaf remembered Jesus telling him, "Listen, my son. First Adam disobeyed God and sinned against Him under Satan's influence. I am the second Adam, the Word of God and the Messiah Jesus, Son of the Most High. I was born of the virgin Mary, as a sinless Son of Man to redeem Adam and all of his descendants including you from sin and death."

Jesus continued: "I was crucified and died as a ransom for all your sins to make you a child of God and citizen of heaven. I was raised from the dead and opened the gates of heaven to bring you back to eternal glory. Have faith in me and be my witness. I give your life back, for I have the authority of giving life."

At that time, Munaf's family members were already washing his body in preparation for his burial. His other relatives and friends were also in the hall.

Suddenly, Munaf opened his eyes and sat up on the washing table, shocking and frightening all the people around him.

"I was dead and demons tried to take my soul but Messiah Jesus came and gave my life back," he told them. He then proceeded to describe his literally life-changing experience.

Munaf immediately turned his back on Islam and became a bold witness for Jesus Christ. His family believed what he said and also embraced Jesus as their true Saviour and Lord.

Now, Munaf is being persecuted by the Muslim community he once led. He and his family were eventually forced to leave their home and their native country amid mounting death threats, according to Bibles4Mideast.