Islam and Christianity

Islam and Christianity Is Allah the same as Yahweh? Brief History Mohammad was born in 570 AD. At the age of 25, he married a wealthy widow – Fatima. At the age of 40, through the angel Gabriel, Mohammad begins experiencing visions from Allah. Brief History These visions were recorded and became the Qur’an. Tradition is that Mohammad was illiterate, thus what was written is a revelation directly from Allah as given verbatim to him by Gabriel Brief History Numerous nomadic, Arabic tribes populated the Arabian Peninsula. These tribes were engaged in inter-tribal warfare and raids – female infanticide, kidnapping of women and blood revenge Brief History The culture was one of polytheism, animism, and tribal values. Mohammad was of the Quresh tribe , and he preached against polytheism aand against the killing of female infants. Brief History At the same time, the monotheistic religions of Judaism and Christianity were well-established. Mohammad was influenced by both. He preached against the polytheism practiced at the ka’ba in Mecca. The five pillars of Islam

Shahada – “There is no god but Allah, and Mohammad is his prophet”

Salat – Pray five times each day

Zakat - The giving of alms/offerings

Sawm – Fasting once each year @ Rammadan

Haj – At least once in one’s lifetime, he or she should make the pilgrimmage to Mecca

Comparison of Worldviews OT Hebrew and Muslim Western Christian

Unity – emphasis on unity in all of life

Time – high respect for the past and tradition

Family – solidarity

Peace – harmony, integration; total way of life; both an internal and external characteristic

Unity – only for its pragmatic value

Time- future oriented

Family – emphasis on the individual

Peace – contentment; an internal characteristic; a segment of life

Comparison of Worldviews OT Hebrew and Muslim Western Christian

Honor – all important

Status – associated with wealth, family name, age

Individualism – emphasis on the group

Secularism – totally unacceptable trend

Honor – high priority

Status – a result of accomplishment

Individualism – a high regard for independence

Secularism – largely an acceptable trend

Comparison of Worldviews OT Hebrew and Muslim Western Christian

Change – An undesirable phenomenon

Equality – a theoretical ideal which is not practiced

Efficiency – a matter of little or no concern

Change – highly desirable phenomenon

Equality – a theoretical ideal which is not practiced

Efficiency – an imperative

Concepts of Religious Terms Muslim Western Evangelical

God – distant, merciful, capricious, vengeful, almighty

Christ – prophet, miraculous birth, performed miracles

Bible – one of the holy books; revelation from God, yet changed and corrupted

God – personal, loving, concerned, just, holy

Christ – son of God; fully man/fully God, virgin birth, did miracles

Bible – the revelation from God that is authoritative

Concepts of Religious Terms Muslim Western Evangelical

Trinity – God, Mary and Jesus

Faith – object of faith: God and Mohammad

Sin – weak, shame, embarrassment, rebellion against God

Salvation – need both faith and works, from God, no assurance

Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Faith – object of faith: Jesus as God

Sin – sinful nature, guilt, rebellion against God and man

Salvation – grace and faith, from God in Christ, assurance

Concepts of Religious Terms Muslim Western Evangelical

Sanctification – emphasis on obedience and ritual

Love – stress on the family

Supernatural powers – belief strongly in the spirit world; ‘jinn’ and the ‘evil eye’

Sanctification – emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit

Love – stress on the community

Supernatural powers – belief based on teachings of the Bible; little thought about spirit world

Reaching Out to Muslims

Be hospitable to them; welcome them into your presence. BE a friend!

Don’t be afraid to engage them in spiritual conversations.

Be courteous and loving; they are people made in the image of God.

Show genuine interest in listening to what they believe; allow them time to articulate their views.

Know their basic beliefs.

Be willing to examine passages of the Qur’an concerning their beliefs.

Reaching Out to Muslims

Know your own faith and the basic doctrines of Christianity.

Take the time to respond to all sincere questions.

Emphasize the centrality of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Stress that because of Jesus, the cross, and resurrection, one may have assurance of salvation.

Share the plan of salvation; point out it is a gift.

Trust the Holy Spirit to provide wisdom and grace.