When You Meet a Muslim
Muslims, regardless of whether they come from Asia or Africa, love to engage in conversations about life, culture, and sometimes even religion. Call of Hope has been working to spread the Gospel message among Muslims for over 100 years. However, before engaging a Muslim in a religious conversation there are a few things you should keep in mind.
NOT EVERY MUSLIM IS FAMILIAR WITH ISLAM
Like many Christians, Muslims may not have a depth of knowledge regarding their theology. The religious knowledge of most Muslims is limited to a few short chapters of the Quran and some quick prayers in Arabic, the holy language of Islam. Because Mohammed received the Quran in Arabic, most Muslims only accept the Quran in that language. This is why Islamic ritual prayers are performed in Arabic. Since 80% of all Muslims in the world don’t speak Arabic, they don’t understand much about Islam.
MANY MUSLIMS ARE UNFAMILIAR WITH CHRISTIANITY
The majority of Muslims are unfamiliar with Christianity. Even many highly educated Muslims have never heard of the Old and New Testament. They are taught that the Bible is an unclean book, so the Bible often needs to be explained. Because of their adoration of the Quran, their holy book, it is important that Muslims learn more about the Bible. This could include how the Bible was created, which books are in the Bible and why we have four Gospel accounts.
EVERY MUSLIM IS DIFFERENT
When talking to a Muslim about Jesus, one should keep in mind that they are just people. They have the same human weaknesses and needs as anyone else. Most are not even very religious, even though they want to give that impression. Their individual interests, dreams, fears and challenges shape who they are and what they believe.
THERE ARE ETHNIC DEBATES BETWEEN MUSLIMS
Most Muslims identify first with their cultural heritage as Turks, Arabs, Kurds, and Persians etc.; then as Muslims. The solidarity of a global Islamic community (Ummah) is a myth. Muslims are deeply divided ethnically and theologically. Just look at the conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran. There is division between Shia and Sunni as well as many other sects and fraternities, which hate each other. Even more confusing are the divisions prevalent just among Sunni Muslims, which represent 90% of the more than one billion Islamic adherents. There are also the Islamic Mystics, who highly revere the founder of their order and attribute to him greater miracles than Mohammed has ever performed, according to Quran. Wahhabis and many Salafists declare this kind of Muslims to be heretics.
DEBATES WITH MUSLIMS AREN'T HELPFUL
Starting a theological debate will not “win” over Muslims. Instead try to bring the Good News to them, giving them the opportunity to access it. Be willing, however, to engage in earnest, respectful and clear conversations about faith and God. For instance, if a Muslim asks what Christianity thinks about Mohammed, we can clearly and respectfully answer that Christians do not see him as a prophet of God.
